Media Release
Dubai, Nov 14: The 69th Karnataka Rajyotsava organized by Karnataka Sangha Dubai, title sponsored by noted philanthropist Dr Ronald Colaco, was held on November 10. It showcased a remarkable display of cultural unity and recognition of selfless service by the NRIs.
The prestigious ‘Dubai Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 2024’ was conferred upon James Mendonca, a distinguished entrepreneur known for his philanthropic contributions. Mendonca is well-regarded for his donations to schools, hospitals, churches, and various charitable organizations. He has played a key role in providing job opportunities to many Kannadigas visiting Dubai. He was accompanied by his wife Sobha Mendonca, who is considered the driving force behind his charitable efforts.
KSD’s social service honor was awarded to Chayadevi Krishnamurthy for community service, Ishmail Mansoor Ahmed for emergency services, and Jasmitha Vivek for contributions to the arts. Special recognition was given to Hidayath Addooru for being elected as the president of BCCI.
A unique honour was presented to young author and Kannadiga Muhammad Ahnaf Hussian for his book ‘The Heroic Tales of Anna & Sarah’.
KSD patron Ronald Martis was honoured for being selected as a district Karnataka Rajyotsava Awardee - 2024, marking a proud moment for all Kannadigas in the UAE.
President Shashidhar Nagarajappa congratulated Dr Moideen Thumbay for receiving the prestigious Karnataka State Rajyotsava Award of 2024. General secretary Manohar Hegde expressed pride and honor for all Kannadigas in the UAE.
Vice president Daya Kirodian gave a formal welcome speech addressing dignitaries and local association heads.
In his presidential address, Shashidhar Nagarajappa highlighted the origins and ongoing services of the Sangha. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts and discouraged monopolistic attitudes towards serving KNRIs in the region. He acknowledged the various organizations serving specific cultural, educational, and social visions, advocating for mutual respect. He humbly remarked, "We are one among all, not the one and only."
The event was presided over by Dr Arthi Krishna, vice chairperson of the NRI Forum, government of Karnataka. As the chief guest, she praised the efforts of Karnataka Sangha Dubai in uniting and supporting the Kannadiga NRIs in the UAE. Attending the event for the first time after taking official charge, she expressed her commitment to aiding Karnataka Sangha Dubai and other associations in establishing a Kannada Bhavana in Dubai. She also outlined her plans to support NRI Kannadigas globally with various schemes and reiterated the Karnataka state government’s promise to establish a KNRI ministry.
Chief guest Dr Mahesh Joshi, president of Kannada Sahitya Parishattu, delivered a spirited speech, congratulating KSD for organizing a rare and impressive Rajyotsava event abroad. He commended Shashidhar Nagarajappa for KSD’s efforts in serving the NRI Kannadiga community in the UAE.
Renowned businessman and philanthropist Dr B R Shetty addressed the appreciative audience, thanking them for their support. He fondly recalled the grand welcome he received from the KSD team upon his return to the UAE in February 2024. Kannada actor Duniya Vijay, conferred with the new title ‘Nata Shardula’ for his versatile acting talent, captivated the audience with his engaging style.
An impactful speech was delivered by NKRI Forum UAE president and Fortune Hotel Group MD Praveen Shetty, highlighting the efforts of local organizations in preserving Kannada culture and language.
Chief guest Trishul Pani Patel, JDU working president and son of former chief minister J H Patel, was moved by his reunion with NRI Kannadigas, especially Dr B R Shetty. He praised Karnataka Sangha Dubai for its teamwork in promoting cultural heritage abroad.
Patron Dr B K Yusuf appreciated the multicultural essence of the Sangha, which he credited as the core of its unity and strength. Chief guest from Karnataka, Lingamurthy S, former chairman of the Karnataka Minerals Board, lauded the celebration and acknowledged the contributions of NRI Kannadigas to their homeland.
Zee TV Kannada’s non-fiction head Sharanaiah commended the UAE Kannadigas for organizing an excellent event and expressed plans to support future art workshops in Dubai.
Other dignitaries on stage included businessman and singer Harish Sherigar, KSD patron Harish Bangera, advisor Jayanth Shetty, cultural secretary Radhika Satish, general secretary Manohar Hegde, joint secretary Mallikarjuna Gowda, and treasurer Nagaraj Rao Udupi.
The event received an enthusiastic response with captivating musical performances by noted singers Harish Sherigar, Jaskaran Singh, and Akshata Rao, orchestrated by musician Raj Gopal and his team. The audience enjoyed the comedic acts of Suraj Kumar, Hitesh Kumar, and Praveen Jain.
The show was directed by the renowned C K Raghavendra, with guest anchor Master Anand hosting Adarsha Dampathi-2024, featuring innovative tasks for competing couples.
Distinguished guests included BuildMax COO Satish Krishnappa, Techno Marine chairman Ramananda Kudva, Ibrahim Gadiyar, Harish U P, Premnath Shetty, Gunasheel Shetty, S V Reddy, Murugesh, Harish Babu, Murali, Kabadi RamaKrishna, Sriparvatha and best realty directors Sheshagiri Rao and Kamakshaiah, PARVA Group CEO Neelesh, Spraytek MD Ramachandra Hegde, Dr David Frank Fernandes, Shodhan Prasad, and various other dignitaries.
Radhika led the cultural division of the event, while executive committee members Siddalingesh Revappa, Hidayath Addooru, Sunil Gavaskar, Mohammed Sameer Shariff, Yash Karkera, Lawrence, Shweta Raam, Vinutha K S, Brunda Manjunath, Shweta Jadhav, and Harish Kodi efficiently managed their respective roles, contributing to the success of the event.
The beautifully decorated venue, The Indian Academy Dubai, witnessed a large turnout of over 1,500 attendees, who were served complimentary snacks and dinner, courtesy of generous sponsors.