Bahrain: 35 Artistes from Karnataka to Perform at 'Kannada Sambhrama'
Daijiworld Media Network - Bahrain (SP)
Bahrain, Aug 1: A troupe of 35 artistes from Karnataka will take part in a mega cultural festival, ‘Kannada Sambhrama – 2009’, to be organized by Kannada Sangha Bahrain on the first and second of October, 2009. “This will be the first mega cultural festival in the Gulf, to be organized by Kannada Sangha, in association with the government of Karnataka”, Sangha president Austin Santhosh told Daijiworld.
The 35-member troupe will consist of classical and folk dancers, singers, renowned writers, poets, film stars and others, who have excelled in various cultural fields in Karnataka. The event will be held on the first and second of October 2009. “We are expecting some high-ranking ministers from Karnataka. The details of artistes and the agenda will be finalized soon,” said Austin Santhosh, who recently met Manu Baligar, director of Kannada and culture department in Bangalore.
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Kannada Sangha Bahrain started in 1977, was the first organization in the Gulf to get the prestigious ‘Rajya Prashasti (State Award)’ in 2002, for its contribution to Kannada language and culture. The Sangha also received another prestigious award, ‘Alva’s Nudisiri Award – 2008’ last year. Probably, Kannada Sangha Bahrain is the only Kannada organization outside India to have been registered with the local government. The Sangha is registered in Bahrain as a socio-cultural organization under the ministry of social development. During the past 32 years, the Sangha has invited and honoured several artists, writers, educationists, administrators, and personalities from different fields in Karnataka. Yakshagana was introduced to the Gulf countries through Kannada Sangha Bahrain.
Mohan Alva, chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri, has agreed to attend the event as the chief guest of the programme. Thilakanath Manjeshwar, senior sub-editor of ‘Taranga’ Kannada weekly, will also attend the event as the guest of the Sangha, Austin added.
“We are expecting a large crowd of Kannadigas. Those who would like to sponsor the event my contact the president on Tel: +973 39837771,” said Santhosh.