The Kuwait Kannada Koota (KKK), a non-profit socio cultural organization established in 1984 and a pioneer among Kannada associations in Kuwait, held the 2017 Kannada Rajyotsava Celebrations with great splendor at the auditorium of Kuwait College of science and technology, Doha road, Kuwait. Playing of the National anthems of Kuwait and Republic of India followed by the “Nada Geethe” marked the beginning of the program.
The chief guest on the occasion was Padmashree Dr. Ullas Karanth, a conservation zoologist and a leading tiger expert, of global repute, from Karnataka. The Chief Guest and the Executive Committee of Kuwait Kannada Koota gave a traditional start to the cultural event by lighting the Lamp. The Koota has composed its own “Koota Anthem” which was melodiously sung by Mrs. Madhavi Kulkarni, Dr. Surendra Nayak and the team. Dr. Azad Saheb, vice-President of the Koota welcomed the chief guest, the guests of honour, Vidushi Smt. Manasi Sudheer Rao and Vidwan Shri. Sudheer Rao Kodavoor from “Nrityaniketana” Kodavoor, Udupi.
Dr. Ullas Karanth spoke, at length, on the subject detailing his vast experience in the study of tigers followed by a video presentation. He stressed on the need for awareness and a feeling of pride on our own natural resources and animal wealth while, we appreciate and feel proud of our culture and heritage. Mr. Arun Kumar Bapu, president of the Koota addressed the gathering with a brief introduction of the Chief Guest and highlighting the concept and thematic conduct of the Rajyotsava event. His speach was supplemented through a profile presentation of the Chief guest by Mrs. Veena Giridhar.
The audience was enthralled with a cultural extravaganza themed “Karunada Kanmanigalu”, showcasing various talents related to the art, culture, science and heritage of Karnataka. The series of cultural events consisted of “Tailada Siri”, Savira Kiranava Chelli”, “Santasada Samaajakke”, “Guru Brahma”, “Geluve Geluve”, “Sharanam”, “Nammamma Nammamma”, “Veera Bhoomi”, “Gandu Mettida Naadu”, “Oduva Seri Oduva”, “Lifenalli Gelloke”, “Dharitri”, “Rana Vikarama”, “Chennappa Channegawda”, “Chellidaru Malligeya”, “Kunjarada Gombe Kele”, “Sadhane Toride Nimagella”, “Huttidare Kannada Naadalli” and so on. Then there were two special cultural dance drama – “Maley Bantu Maley” and “Hachchevu Kannadada Deepa”, directed by Vidushi Smt.Manasa Sudhir and Vidwan Shri Sudhir Rao; who are the directors at Nrithya Niketana, Udupi and special guests on the occasion travelling all the way from Udupi to be part of the programme.
The souvenir “Marala Mallige”, a creation of Marala Mallige team in co-ordination with the Souvenir committee team was released on the occasion commemorating the Rajyostsava. It was followed by felicitation of the Chief guest Dr. Ullas Karanth, special guests Vidwan Shri Sudhir Rao and Vidushi Smt.Manasa Sudhir. The event sponsor Joy Alukkas and other sponsors were also felicitated during the occasion. The Koota, on this occasion showed a special gratitude to the “stage logistic provider” Shri. Ajay Ghosh and his wife Mrs. Ajay by felicitating them on the eve of their 25th year of continued co-operation with the Koota providing the services in all Koota activities.
The cultural committee convener Smt. Gayatri Bhat and co-convener Smt. Nagamani Ullas very well directed the entire Rajyotsava programme. Shri. Jithendra Rao, secretary and Shri. Mahesh Shiramgond, treasurer of Koota proposed the Vote of Thanks.