Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Bali

Bali (Indonesia), Jan 31: The 47th International Cultural Exchange Programme, jointly organized by the International Cultural Sourabha Parishat India and the Global Peace Foundation, was recently held at the Astoon Auditorium in Bali, Indonesia. The event commenced with a floral offering ceremony, inaugurated by Dr E Anjaneya, managing director of Kuber Palace, Raichur.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Anjaneya highlighted Bali’s lush green landscape as a gift of nature and praised the warmth and hospitality of its people. He expressed confidence that cultural exchange programmes in such an environment would always be successful.

K P Manjunath Sagar, founder-president of the International Cultural Sourabha Parishat India, noted in his address that support from Kannada associations worldwide for cultural exchange programs has been steadily increasing since 2004. He emphasized that the recognition and collaboration from international organizations have strengthened cultural harmony and validated their efforts.

Guest of honor, retired deputy commissioner Dr D S Vishwanath, spoke about the three guiding figures in life—parents, teachers, and well-wishers—who play a crucial role in shaping an individual’s journey. He urged everyone to always remember and respect their contributions.

The event was presided over by Dr K B Nagoor, president of Dr Nagoor Education Trust, Vijayapura. Special invitees included Bali-based business advisor Newman Sri, honorary president of the International Cultural Sourabha Committee Dr Pallavi Mani (Subramani), Surat Kannada Sangha president Radhakrishna Shetty, Mysuru-based artist Dr Prashanth, Mahesh Bhat Huluguru of Sringeri’s Sri Shankar Shilpa Kala Kendra, and writer Dr Archana Athani from Belagavi, who all shared their insights on the occasion.

Dr Archana Athani's travelogue Mohaka Maldives was also officially launched during the event.

The prestigious Asia-Pacific Iconic Awards were presented to distinguished achievers from various fields, including Prabha Shastri (Shivamogga), Radhakrishna Shetty (Surat), Chinta Ravinder (Hyderabad), Kosuru Ratnam, Dr Prashanth (Mysuru), and Vidushi Madhavi D K (Davangere), who were honoured for their outstanding contributions.

The cultural segment featured traditional Balinese Barong dance performances by local artistes. Vidushi Madhavi D K, director of Naman Academy, Davanagere, presented a dance adaptation of Kuvempu’s poetry Elladaru Iru (Be Anywhere, But Serve Literature). Purnima Satish and Arati Suresh performed a dance recital, while Prof Bindige Navile Bhagavan recited poetry, and Dr Prashanth (Mysuru) delivered a message on global harmony.