Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (VM)

Mumbai, Feb 11: The children’s cultural fest organized by ‘Chinnara Bhimba’, children’s play troupe promoting Tulunadu folk arts in metro at the railway police parade hall in Ghatkopar (East) concluded on Sunday February 10.

Inaugurating the programme, Suresh H Shetty, health minister of Maharashtra said that the association has developed interest of culture, Bhajan, literature, tradition among children. Lauding the association for its good work, he said that the association has preserved Tulu-Kannada culture even in the metro which is commendable.

Gopal C Shetty, MLA presided over the function while former minister Nagaraj Shetty, SM Shetty, Jayaram N Shetty, Keerthiraj Salian, L V Amin were the guests of honour.

Kannada music director Gurukiran and Raghavendra were special invitees.

Actor Sunil Shetty also spoke on the occasion. He said that eventhough he does know Kannada he can try to speak Tulu. As the programme is for the Tulu-Kannada lovers, he asked them to forgive him if he made any mistakes while speaking. He also lauded the contributions of Chinnara Bhimba.

If these children can become chief ministers then we can build a strong nation, he said. On behalf of 6.5 cr population of Karnataka, he lauded the association for their dedicated service.

As part of the entertainment programme, Bhajans, folk dance and other programmes based on Tulu culture were held.

Apeksha Shetty welcomed the gathering; Ashok Pakkala compered while Naina Prakash delivered the vote of thanks.

Prakash B Bhandary, in-charge of Chinnara Bhimba, Pooja Prakash Bhandary, founder president, Naina P Bhandary, working president, Renuka P Bhandary, Prakash Bhandary, professor Seetharam R Shetty, Sathish Salian, Ramesh D Rai, KV Rao, Bhaskar Shetty, MD Shetty, Sadanand Shetty, Thonse Sanjeeva Poojary, Karnur Mohan Rai among others were present.