Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, May 3: Karnataka Sangha Qatar's 'Vasantotsava' - a cultural fiesta celebrating the onset of spring, was held in a grand manner on Friday May 2 at the Al Ghazal Club.
KSQ, a socio-cultural organization of the expatriate community hailing from coastal Karnataka, affiliated to ICC under the aegis of Embassy of India with members belonging to all the communities irrespective of caste and religion, is one of the most active Karnataka-based associations in Qatar.
The evening began with an introduction of 'Vasantotsava' by H K Madhu, the host of the evening, while Nageshwar Rao briefed the audience on the safety instructions. This was followed by a welcome dance by the KSQ children.
Dynamic KSQ president Deepak Shetty welcomed the audience and congratulated his executive committee on completing a year of service under his tenure.
The traditional lamp was lit by the executive committee members and the visiting artistes.
Renowned Kannada comedian, cine actor, dramatist and celebrity chef Sihi Kahi Chandru entertained the audience with his rib-tickling comedy of the highest quality. Sihi Kahi Chandru has acted in many Kannada movies as a comedian and supporting actor. His performance has been highly appreciated among the peers and audience. His most popular works include 'Gowri Ganesha', 'Putakkana Highway' and 'Tenali Rama'. He is best known for his comedy and acting.
As a chef he hosts a programme on a Kannada channel and as a director, Chandru has directed tele-serials like 'Silly Lalli' and 'Paapa Pandu'.
The main attraction of the evening was entertainment "Unplugged with Mayur fame" by RJ Mayur of 92.7 Big FM along with renowned singers Ajay Warrier, Sinchana Dixit, and his orchestra team. The well-known musicians from Karnataka were Adarsh Shenoy on tabla, Sandeep Vasista on flute, Venu on guitar, Ashwin Kumar on keyboard and Manjunath N S on drums. Ajay Warrier and Sinchana Dixit mesmerized the packed audience with some wonderful Kannada numbers 'Entha Soundarya' 'Noorondu Nenapu' 'Yaarivanu ee manmathanu' 'Omme Ninnannu' 'Jeeva Hoovagidhe' 'Mukhada Singari' 'Naadamaya' 'Dum Maaro dum' 'Jaane Jaa' and 'Pankaja'.
Harsha Patil, daughter of Arvind Patil, former president of KSQ, was felicitated on the occasion for winning the the best story award for her film 'Masoom' at the North Western Film festival in Qatar. Her film was based on AIDS among children, and was nominated into two categories - best national film and best story. She was felicitated by the president of KSQ and the chief guest S K Chandru.
Tulu Koota president Seethram Shetty, Bunts Qatar president Ravi Shetty, Billawas president Divakar Poojary, SKMWA president Majeed MCC and KMCA officials were present for the celebrations. All Karanataka-based associated felicitated the chief guest S K Chandru with a memento.
Bunts Qatar president Ravi Shetty thanked KSQ for inviting S.K.Chandru to Qatar and congratulated Chandru for his contribution to Kannada.
Mahesh Gowda proposed the vote of thanks
Jaidah Motors Qatar and Hoysala builders Bangalore were the main sponsors of the event. Daijiworld.com was the media partner.
More than 800 people enjoyed the evening. The celebrations ended with a scrumptious dinner.