Media Release

Doha, May 10: Tulu Koota Qatar (TKQ) is all set to celebrate its annual day with fun and pride at 3.45 pm on May 19 at the DPS Auditorium, Al Wakra here. As is usual with TKQ programmes, the annual day too promises to be a gala event with wholesome entertainment as TKQ on its entertainment menu has included some of the best performers who have regaled the audience worldwide.

P Kumaran, Indian Ambassador to Qatar will be the chief guest of the evening while Dr H S Ballal, Dr R Seetharaman and Milan Arun will be gracing the occasion as guests of honour.

P Kumaran

L to R: Dr H S Ballal, Milan Arun, Dr R Seetharaman

Dr H S Ballal is a radiologist by profession and is currently the pro-chancellor of Manipal University. He is a well-known face in the education sector and has been the chairman of FICCI - Higher Education Committee. He is also the recipient of this year’s Karnataka Rajyotsava Award.

Dr R Seetharaman is the most popular and articulate economist of the Middle East. He is the CEO of Doha Bank. He is a prominent personality in the banking industry throughout the Middle East, an economic expert who has achieved remarkable success for his contributions to banking, trade, investment, economics, environment, social responsibility, philanthropy and charity. He was recently conferred with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, constituted by the ministry of overseas Indian affairs, government of India in conjunction with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day), to honour exceptional and meritorious contribution in their chosen field/profession.

Milan Arun, president of Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), Qatar an inspiring and multifaceted lady who has carved a niche for herself among the Indian diaspora with her multiple talents and yeoman’s service .

The event will also see the conferring of Tulunadu Bolpu award being given by the TKQ to those who have contributed immensely towards the welfare of the humanity and society. These awards are not only the recognition but also an inspiration for all to strive to support others around in need of help.

L to R: Krishna Kumar Poonja, Sunil D'Souza, Harekala Hajabba

The following are the recipients of Tulunadu Bolpu 2017 awards:

Harekala Hajabba

Harekala Hajabba, known as 'Akshara Santa' (Saint of Letters) is an orange vendor in the city of Mangaluru, Karnataka and a well-known social reformer. Despite being uneducated, Hajabba fought tirelessly to build a government school in his native Newpadpu in Harekala by pooling money he earned and by seeking donors' help. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) published an article on him with the title "Unlettered fruit-seller's Indian Education Dream" in November, 2012. He is the winner of 'Real Heroes' award by CNN IBN and Reliance Foundation.

Krishna Kumar Punja

Krishna Kumar Punja has been in the forefront of social service activities and social awareness campaigns for years. From organizing blood donation, health awareness camps to free medical check-ups, eye-testing camps, he has contributed in abundance towards the social wellbeing. He has also contributed towards more than 400 health check-up camps. He has significantly supported the younger generation specifically by providing financial aid to engineering and other students. His service has been recognized and he has been conferred with many prestigious awards and recognitions.

Sunil D’Souza

Vishwasada Mane, the name in itself infuses faith among the homeless and those in need of care and Sunil D’Souza is the person and inspiration behind this. The care center at Shankerpura near Udupi has been panacea for many in need of helping hand, especially for people with unsound mind. The center is popularly known for providing shelter to many homeless psychiatric patients who wander on the streets.

‘May 22’, a Tulu play directed by Prasanna Shetty, Bailuru of Team Prashamsa fame will be staged on the occasion. Many of the locally well-known artists are set to make this a memorable performance under the able directorship of Prasanna Shetty.

Prakash and Roopa Mahadevan

Renowned singing couple from Mangalore Prakash and Roopa Mahadevan who have performed extensively across Mangalore, Bangalore, Mumbai and the Gulf are arriving to Qatar on special invitation to entertain the music buffs of Qatar.

A specially choreographed dance performance will be staged by TKQ ladies and children on the occasion.

Tulu Koota Qatar has extended warm welcome to all Tulu-speaking people to come and join in their annual bash. Entry to the event is free.