Report: Shodhan Prasad
Photos: Sameeha Studio
Dubai, May 24 : It was a magnificent, colorful, scintillating cultural meet of UAE Bunts,presented by Precious Events and Entertainment Services, who celebrated their 43rd anniversary in a rich grandeur manner at Amal Ball Room of JW Marriott Hotel, Deira, Dubai on May 19, 2017 wherein a jam packed Bunta Family audience enthusiastically gathered arriving from various parts of UAEfor a daylong event.
The programme was inaugurated with arrival of chief guests into the auditorium welcomed with "Poorna Kumbha Kalalsha" and ‘Chende’ a special Keralite rhythm beats of drums while all the audience stood up and greeted them in. Padmashree Dr. B R Shetty and Dr. Chandrakumari B R Shetty, Chief Patrons of UAE Bunts, Justice Santhosh Hegde, former judge of Supreme Court of India, former Solicitor General of India and former Lokayukta of Karnataka State along with Bollywood Actor Pooja Hedge from Mumbai inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional lamp in the presence of executive committee members and other guests who were on the stage.
Welcome song was melodiously rendered by Sangeetha Shetty & Vaishnavi Shetty followed by welcome dance by Sushma Prakash Shetty. Organisers Gananth Mally & Devika Mally couple did the honours of welcome speech.
The Organizing Committee of this year conducted a unique completion titled “Porluda Samsaara" contest within various bunts family members which was not only the special attraction of the day but also added family values into it. The elected seven bunt families who were short listed with tough selection rounds presented themselves with their families on stage smilingly cheerfully answering the questions raised on them on the family values differently. There were 4 able judges seated in front of the stage who had a tough time in selecting the right family as all those seven families were in one or the other way equally presentable. Finally Santhosh Shetty & Jayashree Shetty family won the title ‘Porluda Samsaara’and were greatly applauded. They were presented with surprise gift hampers and family stay in a five-star resort.Guest MC’s Saiheel Rai along with Mohnisha Shetty, Trupthi Shetty & Devika Mally compered the contest.
President Sarvotham Shetty introduced the organizing Committee Members as well as the new Committee Members for the current year. He continued with presenting other formal stage programmes.
Justice Santhosh hedge was honoured with ‘Bunta Vibhooshana’ Award for his remarkable service towards nation and humanity. Dr. B R Shetty, along with other dignitaries, presented this award to Justice Hegde. Speaking to the audience after receiving the honour, Justice Hegde expressed his happiness over the felicitation. He said, "This award has increased my responsibility and inspired me to servemore towards my nation." He cited various instances wherein he had involved himself in the cry of need and how he tackled various problems faced by very many social causes during the recent past. His service to community is remarkable and commendable. Though in his speech he clearly said he is not willing to accept the future President of India position as he is no way close to the criteria; the organisers still wished he should be there in that position. Concluding he wished all success to Bunt community and said he is proud of UAE Bunts.
Kids Dance Competition & Adult Dance Competition was held in different intervals and MC Saiheel Rai conducted it smoothly which was very well applauded.
During the programme, UAE Bunts recognized and honoured bunts community students who had achieved 90 percent marks and above in 10th and 12th. Bunts students who excelled in the field of sports and achievers of Sheikh Hamdan Awards/Sharjah Awards during the year 2016/2017 were also honoured by Dr. B R Shetty. Jyothika Shetty did the honours ably.
Added entertainment included live musical orchestra headed by Kiran Shetty & Group during the lunch, filmy dance presentations by young and energetic talents from Bunt community which was filling the gaps. Many attractive gift hampers, spot prizes were distributed to the participants of various games and activities.
Sarvotham Shetty, Chief coordinator of UAE Bunts shouldered responsibility of the 43rd UAE Bunts celebrations along with the Organizing Committee into complete success and also compered the main event guiding the Committee. Manoj, Saiheel, Nishan and all the four judges of ‘Porluda Sansara’ competition were all honoured on the stage for their respective participation. Choreographers and coordinators of various dances were also honoured.
Some of the well-known successful businessmen of Bunts community who participated in the program include Chairman of Fortune group of Hotels Praveen Shetty who is also the President of KNRI Forum UAE, President of UAE Exchange Sudhir Kumar Shetty, MD of Arab Udupi Group of Restaurants, Shekhar Shetty, MD of Ace Cranes Gunasheel Shetty, Chairman of Heat Shield Premnath Shetty, Sunder Shetty of Nihal Restaurant/Tandoor Restaurant, Abu Dhabi, Ravi Shetty, MD of Structcon Construaction and Sajan Shetty, MD of TMT group and other guests who were honoured with mementos and felicitated along with other Sponsors & Media Representatives.
The event was ably compered by the very famous young Bunt talent Actor RJ Saiheel Rai from Mangalore. Guest Nishaan Rai a young well known singer who was the finalist of Kannada Sa Re Ga Ma Pa contest accompanied by Saiheel with his melodious songs enthralled the audience throughout.
Beautiful LED backstage, sounds and lights by Broadway Events & colorful video & photo coverage by Sameeha Studio both from Abu Dhabi gave a professional touch to the event.
Sumptuous buffet lunch was served in the afternoon savored by the whole audience who enjoyed the programme throughout. The full day event concluded late evening with vote of thanks by Sarvotham Shetty.