Dubai: Rousing Start for ‘World Kannada Convention' with Colourful Procession
by Sujay Bendur
Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai (SP)
Dubai, Nov 21: Inaugural of the sixth ‘Vishwa Kannada Samskriti Sammelan (World Kannada Cultural Convention)’ being held for not only bringing together the Kannadigas settled in various countries, but also to introduce the culture, traditions, refinement and other rich aspects of Kannadigas to the outside world, was inaugurated at Sheikh Rashid auditorium here on Friday November 20. The Sammelan is being organized jointly by Karnataka Sangh Dubai and ‘Hrudayavahini’ publication.
The highlight of the inaugural was the way in which guests and dignitaries were accompanied to the venue of the Sammelan, by a grand, unprecedented procession that was seen for the first time in the Gulf. The ‘Dollu Kunita’ by women artistes from Bangalore was an added attraction of the procession.
The aesthetically decorated stage has been set in the background of the grand Mysore Palace. The programme began with the presentation of ‘Pushpanjali’ dance. Udupi M P, D V Sadanand Gowda, inaugurated the Sammelan by lighting the earthen lamp, while other dignitaries on the dais joined him. Veteran litterateur, Dr Siddalinga Patanashetty, is the president of the Sammelan. Indian consul general in Dubai, Gen Venu Rajamani, participated as the chief guest.
In his introductory address, president of the Sammelan Committee, K P Manjunath, said that the committee has provided an opportunity for the talented artistes coming from economically backward communities, to present their talents before the world. He acknowledged the generous help of the donors in bringing these artistes to the mainstream.
C R Shetty, president of Karnataka Sangh and Sammelan Reception Committee, delivered the welcome address. Karnataka minister, Krishna Palemar, unveiled a book titled ‘Hanihani Vishwavahini,’ authored by Sangamesh Badawadgi on the occasion.
Kannada Development Authority chairman, Mukhyamantri Chandru, and chairman of Karnataka Housing Board, G T Deve Gowda, participated as guests.
The Sammelan witnessed various activities including poets’ session, debate on various subjects and felicitation of dignitaries. Several troupes from the state as well as some local talents, presented an attractive cultural prorgramme. Well known entrepreneurs hailing from Karnataka, Dr B R Shetty, Zafrulla Khan, Sadiq Hussain, Shashi Shetty, Kumar Shetty, Ravish Gowda, Pravin Shetty, Ravi R, committee vice-president, Girish Shetty and secretary, Krishnaraj Tantry, were at the dais.
Namita Rao and Kushala Shetty compered the programme. Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangh president, Sarvottam Shetty, Bahrain Kannada Sangh president, Austin Santosh, Sharjah Karnataka Sangh president, Noel Almeida, former presidents Ganesh Rai, Prabhakar Ambalattare, James Mendonca, Herman Louis, Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld.com, Anant Rao, Manohar Tonse, Irshad Moodbidri, Gopinath Rao etc., were present at the programme.
The houseful auditorium looked as if the programme was being held in Karnataka. 120 people from Karnataka, comprising skilled artistes, poets, entrepreneurs and journalists from Karnataka are participating in the Sammalan.