Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai, Aug 17: The Gowda Upliftment Trust (Regd) Maharashtra celebrated its 9th Annual Day with grandeur at CIDCO Exhibition Centre, Vashi, Navi Mumbai on Friday, bringing together a host of dignitaries and community leaders.
Presiding over the function, Mohan Kumar J Gowda, president of the Trust and a prominent figure in the Vokkaliga community, underlined the urgent need for a dedicated community hall in Navi Mumbai.
“Our community deserves a space of its own. We have started working towards this goal, and in the near future, we should be able to hold our events on our own land. To achieve this, we need the full support of our people,” he appealed.
The event was graced by several high-profile guests, including Dr KC Narayana Gowda, former cabinet minister in the Karnataka Government, and Dr CN Balakrishna, MLA from Shravanabelagola constituency.
Among other distinguished guests were KM Ramu Swamiji of Chembur, Ravi S Devadiga, former president of Devadiga Sangha Mumbai, Dr Shiva Moodigere, honorary general secretary of Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association (Maharashtra chapter) and vice president of BJP Maharashtra Chitrapat Kamgar Aghadi, and senior political strategist Nagendra Babu.
Community leaders across organisations came together in support of the Trust’s vision:
• K Rajegowda – president, Vokkaliga Sangha, Maharashtra
• Vikas Kumar Gowda – president, Kempegowda Association
• Yogesh Gowda – president, Kuruba Sangha
• Jayaram Gowda, among others
Office bearers from the Gowda Upliftment Trust (Maharashtra) included:
• Tammanna Kale Gowda and Jayaram Mahalinge Gowda – vice presidents
• Ravindra Nanjappa Gowda – general secretary
• Tejakumar L Gowda – treasurer
• Umesh Puttaswamy Gowda – joint secretary
• Ravi J Gowda – joint treasurer
• Yashoda Mahendra Gowda – president, Women’s Wing
The dignitaries congratulated the Trust on its achievements and offered strong words of encouragement.
Sharing his personal journey, Dr Narayana Gowda said:
“Though I am an MLA, above all I am a proud member of the Gowda community and have close ties with all of you. As the MLA of KR Pete, I’ve executed development works worth crores. I came to Bombay with just ?200 in my pocket. Today, with your love and blessings, I have grown and thrived.”
MLA Dr CN Balakrishna highlighted the country’s democratic values:
“India earned its democracy through the path of non-violence. Mumbai, known as the commercial capital of India, has supported countless dreams. As we celebrate the 79th Independence Day, let’s continue to live lives of harmony.”
Dr Shiva Moodigere echoed the sentiment of giving back:
“All of us who moved from our native towns have accepted Maharashtra as our karma bhoomi. It is our duty to contribute a part of our earnings to community development. Let everyone support the Gowda Upliftment Trust’s community hall project. The Trust is making commendable strides in social, cultural, educational, sporting and organisational activities.”
Celebration highlights:
The 9th anniversary celebration featured a well-organised formal programme followed by a felicitation ceremony. The Women’s Wing hosted a traditional Turmeric-Kumkum welcome, and the event witnessed vibrant cultural performances by women and children of the Sangha.
A Kannada social drama titled “Yaarigu Helbedi” (Don’t Tell Anyone), written by Satish Ermal, translated by Anil Kumar Hegde, and directed by Baba Prasad Aras, received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
The programme was compered by Ravindra N Gowda, who also introduced the guests. Amulya Gowda delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all supporters and well-wishers.
With calls for unity, culture, and progress, the Gowda Upliftment Trust’s 9th Annual Day emerged not just as a celebration—but as a clarion call for the community’s collective future.