Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Feb 16: "Koti-Chennaya symbolize self-respect and bravery. The twin heroes lived complementary lives of equality and emerged victorious in all wars. Today, they are worshipped in more than 300 temples across Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Kerala.

All participants in this sports event conducted under their patronage are self-respecting Billawas," said former Karnataka minister and Udupi MP Kota Srinivas Poojary. Inaugurating the event, he called upon the community to uphold self-respect and participate in such sports with dignity while living by the ideals of Brahmashri Narayana Guru.

The 2025 annual 'Koti-Chennaya Sports' was organized by the Youth Welfare Sub-Committee of Billawar Association Mumbai at University Ground, Marine Lines, Mumbai, on Sunday, February 16.

President of Billawar Association Harish G Amin presided over the event. Former Karnataka minister MP Renukacharya was the chief guest. Other guests of honor included Maharashtra MLA Shivajirao S Patil, Pune Bunts Sangha president Santhosh Shetty Kurkilabettu, Maharashtra Inspector General of Police (Establishment) KM M Prasanna, Rashtriya Billawa Mahamandal Mulki president Dr Rajasekhar R Kotian, Honorary President of Billawar Association LV Amin, Billawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman NT Poojary, director Gangadhar Amin Karnire, political leader Mahesh R Karkera, businessmen Deepak Kumar Yemal, Sudhakara Poojary, Rajesh Poojary, Sharada Suru Karkera, and Kannada Sangh Santacruz president Sujatha R Shetty. The guests addressed the gathering and extended their best wishes.

Santhosh Shetty said it was a great honor for Pune Bunts Sangha to be invited to the event, which promotes social unity. He noted that Billawas, Bunts, Mogaveeras, and other communities have coexisted harmoniously in Tulunadu and emphasized the importance of participating in such events to foster brotherhood.

MP Renukacharya, praising the event, said that Maharashtra, the land of Shivaji Maharaj, has nurtured a self-respecting society. He stressed the need for sports festivals to enhance mental and physical fitness. The champions of the last sports festival, Vaishnavi Poojary, Akshaya Amin, Dhruti Kukian, and Brahmad Poojari, carried the sports torch around the stadium before bringing it to the stage.

KM Prasanna highlighted the role of sports in maintaining a healthy society, stating that such activities strengthen community bonds. He inaugurated the sports festival by releasing a colorful yellow balloon bearing the festival's name.

President of Billawar Association Harish G Amin, in his address, expressed happiness over the large participation of Billawas in the event. He said that the festival named after Koti-Chennaya should serve as an inspiration, fostering unity among the Billawa community. He attributed the community's progress to the hard work of forefathers and elders and called upon everyone to uphold their values. He also announced plans to establish a Billawa Vidyalaya in Brihanmumbai in the near future.

The event commenced with the traditional aarti to Koti-Chennaya and Kantabare-Budabare, followed by a Yakshagana performance by Shri Guru Narayana Yakshagana Mandali. Representatives from the association's head office and local committees participated in a march past, with dignitaries receiving the Patha Sanchalana salute.

Vice presidents of the association Purushotham S Kotian, Jayanthi V Ullal, K Suresh Kumar, and Mohan C Kotian, Honorary Joint Secretaries Viswanath R Tonse and Harish G Poojari Kokkarne, Joint Treasurers Harishchandra G Kunder, Rajit L Suvarna, and Sadashiv Y Kotian, Ladies Wing chairman Shakuntala K Kotian, Seva Dal GOC Sharath G Poojary, representatives from various local committees, and office bearers of different committees were present and participated in the competitions.

Youth Welfare Committee chairman Nilesh Poojary Palimaru welcomed the gathering. Honorary General Secretary Harish G Salian introduced the guests and coordinated the stage program. Vaishnavi V Poojary administered the sports pledge. Honorary Treasurer Ravi S Sanil and others managed the event. Youth Welfare Committee member Yogesh Poojary delivered the vote of thanks.