Vincy Daniel Pinto, Shamboor

Daijiworld Media Network- Bangkok

Bangkok, Nov 4: The Kannadigas, living in the land of smile, had dual reasons to smile as they celebrated the festival of light Diwali and Kannada Rajyotsava at Holiday-Inn, Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday, November 2.

The first ever colourful event in Bangkok was organized by Thai Kannada Balaga, Bangkok.

The event was inaugurated by the deputy chief of Mission to Indian Embassy Bangkok, H E Balasubrmanyam by lighting the traditional Diwali lamp.

Aishwarya, along with ET Care Raju, CMD, Master Media and assistant governor of Rotary club, Bangalore hosted the programme.

The cultural entertainment team had arrived from Bengaluru. Sathish Babu and comedian Gopi entertained the audience during the entertainment programme.

The duet singers Shashikala and Govind presented stunning performance of both Kannada and Hindi songs.

Sreeram, president of TKB and Ms Ambika, secretary of Thai Kannada Balaga welcomed the guests.

The organizers also felicitated all the artists who performed in the function with memento and certificates.

The trophies and gifts for the sports day competitions were distributed by various officer bearers and members of Thai Kannada Balaga.

Chief guest Dr Pandurang Bhatt, professor of Sanskrit at Silpakorn University, Thailand delivered the Diwali and Rajyotsava message.

Michael Veigas proposed the vote of thanks. The lunch was served at the end of the programme.

All the members of Thai Kannada Balaga attended the programme with great joy and enthusiasm. They participated in cultural programmes namely dances and singing and celebrated Diwali and Kannada Rajyotsava.

Children and women were dressed in colourful costumes which made the event more colourful.

Former presidents, Mukund Rao, Ravi, Muthu, Mohandas, Habib, Vinaya and Vincy Daniel Pinto were present for the function.

Konkani poet Vincent Pinto was felicitated by the Thai Kannada Balaga on the occasion.