Report & Pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 30: "I serve as an honorary president for two Kannada associations and remain dedicated to the service of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari. At Powai Municipal School, the Powai Kannada Sangha provides students with essential resources like laptops, books, and other supplies. Children studying in municipal schools face many hardships. I can relate to their struggles, as I, too, studied in a municipal school. We must make it a practice to support underprivileged students in their education. Contributing to education is a noble and virtuous act," said Mahesh S Shetty, chairman of Baba's Group and vice president of Bunts Sangha Mumbai.
The Kannada Sangha Santacruz celebrated its 67th anniversary on Saturday at the Sri Narayana Guru Auditorium in Billava Bhavan, Santacruz East. Mahesh Shetty, the chief guest of the event, felicitated achievers and addressed the gathering.
The event was presided over by the association's president, Sujatha R Shetty. Distinguished guests included Billawar Association Mumbai president Harish G Amin, Bunts Sangha Mumbai Powai Education Committee chairman Ratnakar Shetty Mundkur, JAWAB president Rajesh B Shetty, renowned astrologer and Vastu expert Ashok Purohit, and other dignitaries. The association honored achievers with annual awards and provided educational financial aid to deserving students. Additionally, it offered medical assistance and took responsibility for sponsoring the education of selected students.
Dr R K Shetty, honorary general secretary of Bunts Sangha Mumbai, who has been selected as a speaker at the MDRT Global Conference in Macau, China, was honored with the Global Achiever Ratna Award. Other awardees included Dr Poornima S Shetty, assistant professor at Mumbai University’s Kannada Department, Nikita N T Poojary, director of Shiv Sagar Foods and Resorts Pvt Ltd, and Harish G Amin, who was re-elected as the president of Billawar Association, along with Mamatha H Amin. The newly elected honorary presidents of the association, L V Amin and Sudha L Amin, were also felicitated by the dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Sujatha Shetty expressed gratitude to Dr R K Shetty, stating, "When I took over as president in 2021, Dr R K Shetty was my backbone and pillar of support. I am forever indebted to him. The association’s cultural committee has organized an excellent cultural program today. Kannada Sangha Santacruz has been actively involved in various noble initiatives, including providing scholarships to students and supporting the underprivileged. The association has also extended help to those in distress. With the continued cooperation of office bearers and generous donors, we have been able to accomplish these efforts. Let us continue our journey of service with the same dedication."
The event was attended by association vice president Bhujang R Shetty, honorary general secretary Jay V Poojary, honorary treasurer Sudhakar Uchchil, social and cultural committee president Vanitha V Nonda, secretary Lakshmi N Kotyan, education sub-committee president Vijay Kumar K Kotyan, secretary Shakila P Shetty, and advisors Bhoj N Shetty, among others. Several executive committee members, association members, well-wishers, and Kannada enthusiasts were present.
As part of the cultural program, members and children of the association showcased various dance performances and entertainment programs. Artists from Kodyadka Creations presented the Tulu play Kuselda Ajji, written by Rajesh Acharya Parkala and directed by Ashok Kumar Kodyadka. The cultural program was hosted by Lakshmi N Kotyan.
The event commenced with prayers led by Lakshmi N Kotyan and her team. Vanitha V Nonda delivered the welcome address, while Jay V Poojary provided insights about the association. Shakila P Shetty read out the list of scholarship recipients. Baba Prasad Aras and Vijay Shetty read out the felicitation letters. Sumithra Devadiga, Sujata Uchchil, Babita Poojary, Shalini Shetty, and Akshitha Shetty introduced the guests. Chinmaya Salyan compered the event and delivered the vote of thanks.