Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 12: As part of its centenary celebrations, the BSKB Association, Gokul, Mumbai, observed Men's Day in a grand and colorful manner on Sunday, March 9, at the Gokul Saraswati Auditorium. The event was conceptualized and guided by association president Dr Suresh S Rao.
The cultural program commenced with a lamp-lighting ceremony by vice president Vaman Holla, honorary secretary APK Pothi, trustee member B Ramananda Rao, and other office-bearers.
As part of the cultural segment, renowned humor poet Dundhiraj from Bengaluru entertained the audience with his light-hearted comedy. Artists from Kala Kadamba Arts Centre, including Shashikanth Acharya and Dr Radhakrishna from Bengaluru, presented the historical Karnataka folk tale Punyakoti, a Yakshagana dance drama depicting the story of a cow that chooses to keep its promise even at the cost of its life. Young Prithvish impressed the audience with his performance as the calf.
Later, Dr Madhusudan Rao's family members presented Narasimha, a dance drama featuring young artists Reyansh and Parth. Scholar Damodar Sharma delivered a discourse on the importance of daily religious practices.
The event also featured a percussion ensemble by Navaneet Rao, Pavan Rao, and Srinath Somayaji, who performed on tabla, ghatam, and mridangam. Shashikanth Acharya and his troupe presented a unique blend of Yakshagana and Bharatanatyam in Kamsa Vadhe. Under the direction of Rajaram Acharya, a humorous skit titled Pativyathe was staged. Meanwhile, the Gokul Yakshagana artists, led by H Lakshminarayana and supported by Geetambika Yakshagana Mandali, performed Garuda Garvabhanga, a Thenku Thittu Yakshagana piece.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from members aged between 5 and 80. Krishna Bhat, Karnataka Bank DGM Rajagopal Bhat, and H Sitaram Acharya entertained the audience with karaoke renditions of popular films and devotional songs.
All performing artists were felicitated with shawls by association president Dr Suresh Rao and other office-bearers. Additionally, Dr. Raghunandan, a member who achieved significant milestones in his professional career, was also honored.
The program began with a prayer song by Parel Srinivas Bhat. Vaman Holla welcomed the gathering and delivered the inaugural address. Ramaprasad Rao from Mulund, the program sponsor, was honored with a shawl and memento. The event was compered by Men's Day committee president Y Gururaj Bhat and association joint secretary Y Mohan Raj. Honorary secretary APK Pothi delivered the vote of thanks.