News and pics: Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)

Mumbai, Feb 4: BSKB Association Sion celebrated Republic Day the whole day long in their Gokula hall on Monday, Jan 26.

Association president Dr Suresh S Rao Kateel hoisted the national flag in the morning and
members presented a series of patriotic songs.

In the prestigious programme presided by president Dr Suresh Rao Kateel held in the afternoon, Reliance Industries Limited project community president B Narayana and guest of honor Kala Jagathu troupe founder Thonse Vijayakumar Shetty were present. The 'Gokula Rathna' award being awarded by Sanjeevini trust every year was presented to greatest achiever of musical world and senior artiste of Gana Saraswathi, Sushila Acharya.

Chief guest B Narayana, speaking on the occasion, expressed his appreciation after watching the activities of the members. He spoke on the importance of Republic Day and said that there is no doubt that BSKB with the leadership of president Dr Suresh Rao will achieve progress in educational, religious and cultural spheres and be an example to the society.

Thonse Vijayakumar Shetty expressed his gratitude to BSKB for having identified his achievements and said that the education by his elders and culture have been responsible for his achievements. “BSKB is holding good programmes to support children in the evolution of education and culture. Let the association progress in the creative leadership of Dr Suresh Rao”, he said.

Dr Suresh S Rao in his presidential address said that he has been leading the association for the last three months and after realizing that education is the root for the progress of the society, has started educational fund project, help for higher education and arrangement of shelter for community members coming to Mumbai looking for jobs. He expressed his desire to start many such projects for the betterment of the community and requested for cooperation from the members.

Rathna Association Vice president Vaman Holla and P Umesh Rao,honorary treasurer CA Haridas Bhat and Vijayalaxmi Suresh Rao were present on the dais. Honorary chief secretary P C N Rao, welcomed and gave a key note address. Laxmisha Acharya gave details on the trust. Women's wing executive president Shailini Rao introduced the guests. Bailuru Balakrishna Rao gave a speech congratulating the recipients of awards. Prema B Rao introduced them. Geetha R L Bhat compered the programme. Joint secretary Chandrashekar Bhat proposed vote of thanks.

Outgoing president K Subbanna Rao, P V Aithal, Joint secretary Prashanth Herle, working committee members Gururaj Bhat, Deepak Shivathaya, U Umesh Rao, Vani Bhat, BSKBA mouth piece 'Gokula Vani', monthly editor Dr Vyasaraya Ninjooru, Gopalakrishna Public Trust members R L Bhat and A S Rao, scholarship and school adoption committee executive president Vijayalaxmi Bhat, Ashraya center leader Chandravathi Rao and others were present.

National Kannada education society (NKES) students presented various dance features of different festivals based on theme 'unity in diversity' and youth wing presented 'Retro to Metro'. A programme to arouse patriotic feeling titled 'Jago Bharath' acting and recitation of poetry created and directed by Chakravarthi Soolibele was also presented on the occasion.