Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Mar 27: Karnataka Sangha Qatar's 'Vasantotsava', the cultural fiesta celebrating the onset of spring, started off on an auspicious note at Indian Cultural Center with a welcome song 'Thai Shaarade Loka Poojite' sung by children of KSQ.
As part of the Indian tradition, lamp was lit by KSQ president V S Mannangi, vice-president Sanjay Kudari, general secretary Deepak Shetty, visiting singer Sangeeta Katti, Prof Kudari, ladies coordinator Savita Arun, advisor Hema Lakkappa and cultural secretary C R Manjunath.
The master of ceremony of the evening, cultural secretary C R Manjunath, welcomed the audience and introduced guest singer Suvarna Rajyotsava Award winner Sangeeta Katti and her troupe from Karnataka. Earlier, all the guests were accorded a traditional welcome by children with Yellu-Bella, flowers and Kumkuma.
Sangeeta Katti mesmerised the packed audience with her singing, delivering popular Kannada light songs, and a few Hindi, Kannada and Marathi film songs. She was appreciated by Indian ambassador to Qatar Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa for her rendering of Bhajan "Ram Ratan" and patriotic song "Ye mere watan ke logon" as well. She won the heart of music lovers for her energetic non-stop singing for more than two hours.
A brief public function was held mid-way during the event. President V S Mannangi while welcoming conveyed Ugadi wishes and reiterated his stand of giving continuous quality programmes to the community in the days to come. Guest singer Sangeeta Katti was honoured by chief guest of the day Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, ladies coordinator Savita Arun, and advisors Milan Arun and Hema Lakkappa. All the accompanying musicians were presented momentos.
While addressing the gathering Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa wished the audience on Ugadi and lauded the efforts of KSQ in keeping the tradition alive by organising such events. On this occassion, KSQ also honoured Hasan Chowgule for getting the prestigious Pravasi Bharat Samman Award from Indian president V S Mannangi. Past president Aravind Patil feliciated Chowgule.
Speaking on the occassion, Chowgule thanked KSQ for honouring him and appreciated the quality programmes being organised by KSQ and offered his assistance in whatever way possible. He requested KSQ to continue their efforts which will serve the community at large. Children Yashas Lakkappa, Rahul Kalyanshetti, Prajna Mahesh, Shrishti Shetty, Prajna Mahesh who sang welcome song and the director Savita Arun were presnted a momento by Sangeeta Katti. KSQ general secretary Deepak Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.
Former presidents of KSQ, Satish Deshpande, Prabhakar, Aravind Patil, Arun Kumar, Ramachandra Shetty president Tulukoota, Ravi Shetty-president Bunts Qatar, Milan Arun, ICC head of affiliations and Divakar Poojary-general secretary ICBF were among the dignitaries present. Yeshwant Sirdeshpande from Bangalore, Prof Kudari from Gokak Karnataka and Kiran from Bahrain had come especially to witness the concert. A delicious dinner was served thereafter.