Media Release
California, Apr 26: All America Tulu Association (AATA) also known as ‘Akila Americada Tuluvere Angana’ virtually celebrated the Tulu New Year - Bisu with viewers across the world. The highlight of the Bisu festival celebration was the next generation of Tulu community performing and celebrating their identity as a part of Tulu heritage.
AATA Bisu event started with the melodious Ganesha prayer by Deetesh Suvarna from Florida. AATA’s chairman - Board of directors Dr Shridhar Alva welcomed the chief guest Kunjuru Lakshmikantha Kundanthaya who is a well-known Tulu Scholar and Jaanapada Researcher in Tulunadu region. He also welcomed guests Dr Dinker Rai Belle, Vascular Surgeon and Santhosh Udupi, founder and CEO of Meerkat Technologies for the event. AATA general secretary Prakash Udupa from Texas, joint secretary Puja Shetty from Boston, treasurer Subhaschandra Shetty from California, introduced the guests to the audience.
K L Kundanthaya shared his knowledge on Bisu tradition of keeping coconut, vegetables, fruits and a mirror as 'Kani' symbolizing prosperity. He conveyed that Bisu is a day when seeds for the next season are sowed and is symbolic to decisions made about the future. Dr Dinker Rai Belle related the formation of Tulu Koota in North America to following 'Swadharma' as preached by Lord Krishna to Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita. He reminded that following 'Swadharma' builds self-confidence in life. Santhosh Udupi shared his childhood memories of agriculture practices in Tulunadu region and made many viewers reflect back on their memories of the same Bhaskar Sherigar, president of AATA connected his thoughts on looking into the future as spoken by the chief guest, reminded that the AATA committee started on BISU day, April 14, 2021 with the belief that a noble effort started on Bisu day will lead to success. He shared the plan for focusing on Tulu literature, opening a Tulu library and partnering with Ka-Naada in digitization of old Tulu scriptures written on palm leaves.
The flawless tulu of master of the ceremony, AATA ambassador from Michigan Prajwal Shetty and another highlight of the event, kids master of the ceremonies in Tulu from across states of America held the interest of the audience. It was a very proud moment for all Tuluvas to watch the kids growing up in the USA perform Bharatanatyam dance, Carnatic music, Tabla, Flute, Saxophone, Mridanga and Yakshagana Bhagavathike. Memorable dance performances and songs from AATA members from the United States and Canada as part of the cultural show enthralled the audience. The different AATA regions of the United states Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Texas, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, California, Washington, Utah, Virginia, Kentucky and Montreal, Toronto regions in Canada participated in the cultural program.
AATA's one year of achievements video covering the formation of founding committees with representation across states of America and Canada, Speak Tulu and Write Tulu classes and the grand inaugural event attended by Tulu community leaders brought back fond memories. The virtual event was watched by people around the world. Tulu, Kannada cultural ambassador of UAE Sri Satvothama Shetty, Dr Ravi Shetty Qatar, Vasanth Shetty Bellare from Delhi, Dr Madhava M K, Mangalore University, Dr Sayigeeta from Nitte University, Shantharam Shetty, Rameshchandra, Surendra Kumar Shetty from iLesa, Dr K N Adiga from Bengaluru and many from other countries witnessed the event and encouraged.
AATA Bisu Parba event ended with a vote of thanks by AATA joint treasurer Fredrick Fernandes from Boston to all the members, cultural committee, tech crew, publicity committee, board of directors, ambassadors, executive committee, advisory council, participants, supporters and the audiences who helped in making the event successful.