Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 10: “The call of ‘Govinda Aala Re Aala’ in Mumbai conveys the meaningful message of Janmashtami. My wish is that such a spirit should also resonate in our hometown. Gokul should become the stage for unveiling the symbols of Sanatan culture in Mumbai. This is the dream inspired by Lord Krishna envisioned by Dr Suresh Rao, and the Krishna family formed here to fulfil it is the true meaning of Janmashtami. We are all fortunate to be part of such a virtuous event,” said Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, founder of Kalkura Arts, Mangaluru and president of Dakshina Kannada District Kannada Sahitya Parishat.
As part of Gokulashtami celebrations, Gopalakrishna Public Trust (GPT) and the BSKBA (Gokul) jointly organised the annual Sri Krishna fancy dress contest for children at the Gokul Saraswati Hall, Gokul Complex, Sion East, on Sunday. The event was inaugurated by Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, who also addressed the gathering.
Organised under the leadership of contest working president Deepak Shivattaya, the programme was graced by Kalkura as chief guest, Buntara Sangha Mumbai president Praveen Bhoja Shetty, Chinnara Bimba Charitable Trust founder-trustee Prakash B Bhandary, Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and Music Sabha (King Circle) honorary secretary Sridhar Ramamurthy, and People’s Forum Sion-Matunga head Ajay Pandya, among others.
Praveen Shetty lauded the participation of around 700 ‘Muddu Krishnas’ and noted the unavoidable absence of Gokul president Dr Suresh Rao Kateel, whom he described as the inspiration behind the event. “In today’s modern world, children themselves are gods. Witnessing 700 such gods here is a blessing. For the children, showcasing their talent is itself a prize, and the vision of Pradeep Kalkura in conceptualising such contests should serve as a model for all,” he said.
Prakash Bhandary noted that such contests contribute to the growth of Chinnara Bimba, which was inaugurated with the blessings of Krishnaikya Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math. The Mumbai branch of Pejawar Math has also extended its support. “Events like these foster Sanatan Dharma and encourage the talents of children,” he added.
The competition was held across seven age categories, along with a group contest, in various halls of Gokul. Marking the BSKBA’s centenary celebrations this year, the event was organised on a large scale as a free-entry contest. Over 700 children — from two-month-old infants to 15-year-olds — from various schools, associations and organisations across the metropolis took part.
The event was attended by BSKBA vice-president Vaman Holla, secretary A P K Pothi (GPT trustee-secretary), joint secretary Y Mohanraj, joint treasurer Ganesh Bhat, youth wing president Prashanth Herle, Gokul Kalavrinda working president Vinodini Rao, Gokul Bhajana Mandali and media committee working president I K Prema S Rao, advocate Ellur Gururaj Bhat, former president K Subbanna Rao, GPT trustees B Ramananda Rao, Krishna Acharya and Shailini Rao, among others.
Women’s wing president Dr Sahana A Pothi and Bharati Udupa led the prayer. Deepak Shivattaya delivered the welcome and introductory address, joint secretary Chitra Melmane introduced the guests and compered the programme, and office-bearers honoured the guests with bouquets and mementos. Pradeep Kalkura presented prizes to the winners. A P K Pothi proposed the vote of thanks.