Report & photo: Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 25: The ancestral worship centers of deities have been established by our forefathers, and the devoted villagers have continued to uphold and follow these traditions. Garodis (sacred worship places) are places of sanctity, and it is our paramount duty to preserve their sanctity. We must carry forward these traditions, and introduce them to future generations. The trust is working towards this goal, said Nithyananda D Kotyan, president of Tonse Shri Brahma Baidarkala Pancha Dhoomavati Garodi Seva Trust, Mumbai.

The sixth annual general meeting of Tonse Shri Brahma Baidarkala Pancha Dhoomavati Garodi Seva Trust, Mumbai, was held on Sunday morning at the mini hall of Billava Bhavan, Santacruz East. Presiding over the meeting, Nithyananda Kotyan spoke about the trust’s efforts in serving both religious and social causes, specifically for the upliftment of the Brahmashree Baidarkala Pancha Dhoomavati Garodi in Kalyanpura Moodutonse, Udupi district.

The president performed aarti and offered prayers to Brahmashree Narayana Guru, whose idol is installed in the temple at the venue. He also offered floral tributes to the portraits of Koti Chennaya and Kanthabare Budabare, marking the inauguration of the general meeting. He expressed that it was a privilege to perform the ritual of Karnika Jaga.

Trust vice-presidents D B Avin and Vishwanath Tonse, honorary secretary Sanjeev Poojary Tonse, and treasurer Raviraj Kalyanpur were present on the dais. Joint secretary Karunakar B Poojary read the minutes of the previous annual general meeting. Raviraj Kalyanpur presented the financial statements of the previous year, and joint treasurer Vijay Sanil outlined the service initiatives of the trust.

Yogesh Poojary and associates, chartered accountants, were reappointed as auditors for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The meeting conducted the election of office bearers, unanimously re-electing the current committee members for the 2024-2027 term.

Members Ashok M Kotyan, Vittal C Poojary, Suresh Anchan, and D B Avin shared their views and extended their best wishes to the trust's services.

During the mid-session, meritorious students who scored high marks in various examinations last year were honored. International athletes M Adi Ravi Poojary and M Ritesh Poojary were awarded for their exceptional achievements (accepted by M Aakash S Poojary in their absence). Pratibha Puraskar awards were presented to Ku Gautami Poojary and Ku Vinakshi Poojary, who secured the highest marks in night school exams at Guru Narayana School. The trust also provided medical assistance to renowned artist Raju B Tonse and accepted the educational sponsorship of Prateek P Poojary.

Executive committee members Soma Suvarna, Vijay Palan, Uday N Poojary, and members of the women's wing, including Bharati S Suvarna, Janaki A Kotyan, Mridula A Kotyan, Sulochana R Poojary, and Savitha N Kotyan, among others, were present at the meeting.

The meeting began with a prayer by the women’s wing, followed by a salutation to Shri Brahma Baidarkala. A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of the trust's former honorary president, Shankar Suvarna, and other well-wishers who passed away in the past year. Vishwanath Tonse congratulated the talented individuals and Sanjeev Poojary Tonse extended a warm welcome and delivered a vote of thanks.