Media Release
Dubai, Nov 15: First time in the history of UAE, all Kannada based associations came together under the leadership of Karnataka NRI forum UAE to celebrate 66th Karnataka Rajyotsava in Dubai on November 12, 2021. The celebration of the state festival concluded with recreation of the legacy of Karnataka heritage and culture in the land of UAE.
Karnataka state Primary and Secondary School education minister B C Nagesh inaugurated the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebration by lighting a traditional lamp and hoisting Karnataka state flag. He was honored by Kannadigas of UAE as guest of honor for the function. He also inaugurated Suggi 8 - a 8th year Kannada teaching initiative of Kannada Paata Shaale for NRI Kannadiga students of Karnataka by watering the plant.
Speaking to the gathering after accepting the honor, he said, “Being a minister of education, when I visit to schools or meet the management people of schools they usually request to give permission to start English medium school but when I received the invite to come to Dubai I really surprised to see that I have been asked to join here to inaugurate the Kannada school of UAE which is run completely by like minded Kannada lovers of UAE. I am delighted to see the love towards Kannada by UAE Kannadigas and feel blessed to receive the honor from Kannadigas of UAE.
General secretary of KNRI UAE Prabhakar Ambalatere welcomed the gathering. During his welcome speech he mentioned the social service of several people who were honored with National and state civilian honor awards.
President of Karnataka NRI Forum UAE, Praveen Shetty was honoured by the dignitaries for obtaining the Karnataka Rajyotsava award for the year 2021. After receiving the honour, in his introductory speech he thanked each and everyone who wished him for conferred with Karnataka Rajyotsava award. He said, from the past 30 years I have tried my level best to serve humanity and our people in possible ways. All government and community leaders helped me during my journey and this award belongs to everyone who was with me throughout my social living and service.
Speaking to Minister Nagesh, he briefed about the problems faced by Kannadigas. He stated the facilities and benefits provided by Kerala Govt to their NRI people and said if ten percent of the benefits are given to Karnataka people that will make NRI’s life easier. He requested minister Nagesh to take the request to the chief minister and to consider NRI's as their own people.
Consul general of Indian consulate in Dubai H E Dr Aman Puri was felicitated by president Praveen Shetty and other dignitaries who were present on the stage. Speaking to the gathering, consul general commented on the remarkable works done by Kannadiga associations in UAE for Kannadigas specially during the time of Covid pandemic. He said, Govt of India and the Indian Consulate of Dubai are always committed to serve their people.
Famous music director of Kannada film industry Guru Kiran said, when I visit UAE or gulf countries for Kannada or Tulu programs, I feel like I am attending my home function. I can feel the love of Kannada people towards their language and energy to showcase their cultural infusion with their daily life. He was speaking to the gathering after accepting the honor from KNRI UAE at the state of Karnataka Rajyotsava.
Chief editor of Vishwavani Kannada daily, Vishweshwar Bhat was another guest for the celebration. He was facilitated with memento. He requested minister Nagesh to be a voice of Kannadiga problems in Karnataka assembly and to cater their requirements.
Sarvotham Shetty - president of Karnataka Sangha Abudhabi, ME Muloor - president of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, Vimal Kumar - president of Karnataka Sangha Al Ain, Shashidhar Nagarajappa - President of Kannada Paata Shaale Dubai, Hidayath Addoor - chief coordinator of International Kannadiga Federation and Uma Vidyadhar – president of Dubai Kannadigaru were present during the occasion. Presidents of the associations briefly spoke about the activities of their associations and mentioned about the problems facing UAE Kannadigas.
Minister Nagesh inaugurated Suggi 8, a Kannada teaching school run by Kannada Paata Shaale. He wished all the best to students and thanked all teachers and management team of Kannada Paata Shaale for their noble gesture to teach Kannada to NRI students.
Sponsors and patrons of the programme were facilitated by president Praveen Shetty. During the same time, a teaser of upcoming Kannada movie Ee Mannu which is directed by Shivadhwaj is launched by guests.
As a part of the cultural programme, mind blowing and beautiful dances were presented by various Kannada based association groups. A special performance of dance is presented by the Tagaru team who came from Bengaluru specially for this program. Famous playback singer, movie producer and MD of ACME building materials Harish Sherigar along with well known singer Akshatha presented Kannada Rasamanjari. As a special performance Guru Kiran sung songs and enthralled the gathering.
The audience and guests paid their respect to the recently departed soul of Kannada film artist Puneeth Rajkumar. His contribution to Kannada films and his involvement with UAE Kannada programmes were remembered during the event.
Hanumarjuna a yakshagana play presented by Yakshagana Abhyasa taragati Dubai under the leadership of Dinesh Shetty. The play received great applause from Yakshagana lovers.
Vice president of KNRI UAE Mohan presented a vote of thanks. More than one thousand two hundred Kannada lovers witnessed the programme. All members of different associations joined their hands along with KNRI UAE to make the event successful. President Praveen Shetty expressed his gratitude to all volunteers who made the celebration a successful one.