Dubai: Entertainment rules at Devadiga Sangha anniversary event
Shodhan Prasad
Pics: Deepak Palladka
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Jun 8: Devadiga Sangha, one of the vibrant associations for Devadiga community in the UAE celebrated their 21st anniversary on Friday June 7 at Deira Sheraton, Dubai in a grand manner with jam-packed audience.
Former Vice Chancellor of Kuvempu University, recipient of various awards Prof Dr Bailur Sheena Sherigar was chief guest of the day's programme.
Dr Sherigar who has made immense contribution to the field of chemical sciences with more than 150 research papers in polymer chemistry, reaction kinetics and electro-analytical chemistry, has carried out research with his major projects with funding from leading agencies like, UGC, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Science and Technology, Naval Research Board, etc. His accolades include technical presentation at national and international conferences on the subjects of research in the USA, Germany, Belgium, China and many other well known universities. Belonging to the Devadiga Community Prof Sherigar was bestowed with several awards including Appreciation Award from Indian Association of Analytical Scientists, Mumbai 1995, Indian Council of Chemists Award for organizing Annual Conference of ICC 2000, Platinum Jubilee Award for excellence in the field of Education from Devadiga Sangha and many others.
The programme was inaugurated with the traditional lighting of lamp by all the guests on the dais. Dinesh Devadiga, the main MC announced the programme to the audience in his own imitable style. Harish Sherigar, president of the Sangha welcomed the guests and the audience. He said that the agenda of Devadiga Sangha is to help the poor children by providing education and in this context, so far Dubai Devadiga Sangha has been disbursing scholarships to around 400 students every year through Devadiga Sangha, Mangalore. He added that in future too Dubai Devadiga Sangha has plans to continue with this core agenda in a big way.
Suresh Devadiga opened up the programme with his beautiful 'Shankarabaranam' song melodiously which gave a grand opening to the day's entertainment session. It seems like Devadigas are born singers as there were many singers including president Harish Sherigar who soulfully presented melodious songs one after another.
The programmes included various filmy dances, comedy skits, orchestra and singing which were well organised as from start to the end they entertained the entire audience who applauded each and every performance.
Suresh Devadiga mesmerized the audience with his 'Dhaane Ponne Ninna Manasenk Theriyande Pova' Tulu number, while Harish Sherigar sang a song he recorded for the upcoming Tulu film 'Nirel' 'Mokedha singari' a remake version, while Akshata who also recorded her voice in this film sang some of the famous melodies of Hindi, Kannada and Tulu. Sunil Devadiga, Ashok, Vinaya, Sunil and Sujatha were some of the Devadiga members who presented various songs in their melodious voices and entertained the audience.
'Bende kaayi, thonde kaayi thotadhallidhe' dance by Dilip Devadiga and some of the Devdiga Sangha members in their school uniforms like school children reminded of our childhood days. A small skit by Gammath Kalavidharu was another item of the day that was appreciated. 'Govinda bolo hari gopala bolo' dance by Harsha Laxmidas and team, choreographed by Jasmitha won the heart of the spectators. Another filmy dance by Naveen Devadiga and team thrilled the audience. Filmy dances by Sangeetha Devadiga and team, Rakshatha, Deeksha, Vikas and team, and Anshul Sherigar and team enthralled the gathering.
In between the programme, MC's Arun and Deepak conducted spot games and distributed prizes to the winners. Harish Sherigar also conducted a few spot games and distributed the prizes. In the later part of the programme MC Jesta joined Arun and Deepak to add spice to the achoring.
Before noon there was felicitation ceremony and guest Prof Dr B S Sherigar, was honored along with his wife Jayashree on the occasion. He was honoured with a shawl by Harish Sherigar, president of the Sangha along his wife Sharmila Sherigar, while Harishchandra Devadiga, a veteran member of the Sangha presented flowers and fruits, Narayan Devadiga couple presented memento, Ananda Devadiga couple presented felicitation letter and Dinesh Devadiga couple offered a bouquet.
After accepting the honour, Prof B S Sherigar addressed the audience and said that the Sangha should aim to provide education to poor students of the community. There are many instances where students are stranded at home since they are unable to afford school because of poverty. He said that the responsibility of the Sangha is to bring light in the lives of those who have been deprived of their education due to poverty.
He futher said that there should be a unity in the community which will in turn bring progress and will help in fostering equality in the society and do some social works for the benefits of the society, he opined. He also said that most of the people come here in search of livelihood and live as aliens. "But wherever we go, whatever we do, we must not forget our motherland, mother tongue and our cultural values. This will help in the growth of our children and to bring out our hidden talents. Seeing the enthusiasm in today’s youth, I feel that they definitely deserve to have one platform like this," he added. He also appreciated the Sangha’s activities under the dynamic leadership of Harish Sherigar and wished it all round success in the days to come.
On this occasion advisor Anand Devadiga and his wife Shobha Anand were felicitated with a shawl, fruits and flowers and a memento. Anand Devadiga also remembered the good old days when the Sangha started and commended the strong support of the predecessors that enabled Devadiga Sangha to put a strong foothold here in Dubai. He remembered his forty plus years in the UAE and his contribution to Sangha as well as Tulu Koota in Dubai.
On behalf of the regional associations, Sarvotham Shetty, president of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha said that Dubai Devadiga Sangha has been doing good works under the able leadership of Harish Sherigar. He said besides being busy with his business activities, Harish has also engaged himself in singing and became popular by the name 'Kishore Kumar'. Also he stressed that guest, Prof B S Sherigar should be recognised and conferred with Rajyotsava Award and questioned the Government of Karnataka as to why, in spite of being a great achiever in the field of education, he was not yet recognized with this prestigious award.
Sumptuous lunch was served, during which live karaoke singing entertained the audience.
The afternoon session again continued with dance, skit and singing while the audience remained were glued to the seats enjoying the show.
This year Dubai Devadiga Sangha cricket team has won three times in three different places. Winning team members Dileep Devadiga, Rajesh and other team members were given trophies by cricketer P V Shashikanth, former Karnataka Ranji team captain.
There was raffle draw at the end and ten people from the audience won through lucky draw.
At the end Laxmidas proposed the vote of thanks.