Kuwait Kannada Koota, a socio-cultural association for the people of Karnataka in Kuwait, celebrated the state’s formation day, Rajyotsava, recently in November with a grand show of cultural extravaganza, “Sirigannada Sangama – Nudi Pallakki” at Othman Abdul Malik Auditorium of Kuwait University.

The evening began with the cultural convenor, Dr. Preeti Shetty & co-convenor, Smt. Gayatri Shashikiran welcoming the distinguished guests and members and giving an introduction for the evening ahead. This was followed by the national anthem of Kuwait & India. The program symbolically started with the lighting of the traditional lamp by the executive committee comprised of President Shri. K. Chinmaya, Vice President Shri. Uday Vernekar, General Secretary Shri. Suresh Rao Neramballi and Treasurer Shri. Kariappa N.S., accompanied by their better halves. The vice president welcomed the eminent guests, sponsors, and attendees. The event’s chief guest Dr. Arathi Krishna, former deputy chairperson of the NRI Forum of Karnataka, and the guest of honor, Smt. Asha Sharma, principal of Indian Learners Own Academy and the main sponsor of the event, Shri. Rameeth Kumar, CEO of Land Trades graced the occasion. Soulful invocation song, Sumukha Vandana, by koota members led by Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu and Smt. Gayatri Bhat followed.

Cultural committee team members were introduced in a beautifully rendered sequence aided by superbly shot video clips. Cultural Committee kick-started the highly anticipated cultural program, Nudi Pallakki, a medley of spectacularly performed dance and drama sequences conceived & directed by Smt. Alaka Jitendra, Dr. Preeti Shetty & Smt. Gayatri Shashikiran. Aided by superbly directed dance sequences that included patriotic, sandalwood hits, folk, fusion, and rap, the program entertained the audience to the fullest and took them to a new level of experience. The program showcased the process of transition in culture, language, and outfits over the generations, depicting the past and present of the state. The program’s highlight also included displaying the practice sessions of choreographers and participants on the large screen depicting the efforts taken by one and all. The cultural convenor thanked all the directors who worked hard to make the program successful.

Smt. Suguna Mahesh and Shri. Revanasiddhappa Hombali representing Chiguru Balli, a Kannada propagating initiative from Koota members, stressed the need for state people to learn Kannada and they threw light on the state government’s decision to promote the usage of the language in higher education as well as industries. They thanked Smt. Asha Sharma for granting premises to start weekend Kannada teaching classes and requested people to make use of the facility. Smt. Asha Sharma appreciated the show put up by the Koota members & children. She emphasized the importance of preserving the culture & language and reiterated her support for language learning by assuring to facilitate premises in her school.

The chief guest released the Rajyotsava souvenir, consisting of informative articles from members & children. The Marala Mallige committee headed by Shri. Kiran Renukaradhya and Smt. Madhuri D. Katti, worked hard to get the articles & the magazine published on time. Secretary of KKKWA, the association formed by the returnees of Koota members, addressed the audience and highlighted the contribution of the association in adopting 9 Kannada medium schools by providing facilities such as computer labs, libraries, clean toilets, playgrounds, building facilities, among some. He pointed to the educational tour conducted by KKWA for the children from these schools to Bengaluru and how it benefited the children. Dr. Arathi Krishna, in her address, spoke about the issues affecting NRIs and lamented the non-existence of the NRI Forum. She appreciated the efforts of Koota in helping the underprivileged in Karnataka’s rural areas and assured her help in the noble work.

The program was sponsored by Land Trades builders and developers Mangalore, Square Yards, Oriental Restaurants, Al Mulla Exchange, Leaders Plaza Hotel, Joy Alukkas, Gemsil Group, Supreme Cargo, Kuwait Swedish General Trading & Contracting Co., Al Waseen Electronics and Kuwait India Exchange Co. The event’s main sponsor, Land Trades, presented & showcased their residential offerings in Mangalore. Shri. Rameeth Kumar during his speech spoke about how Land Trades has delivered quality residential & commercial projects on time. Mr. Shahabuddin from Square Yards spoke about their real estate business model across India. Mr. Huzefa of Al Mulla Exchange highlighted the exchange’s long-time association with Koota and encouraged members to remit through them.

Executive committee members of 2020 and 2021 were honoured for their efforts & commitment during the difficult times of the Covid pandemic. Koota’s secretary, Shri. Suresh Rao Neramballi presented the vote of thanks where he thanked the distinguished chief guest, other eminent guests, sponsors, committees, and all who contributed to the success of the program. The program ended after the attendees were treated to a sumptuous dinner.