Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 26: “Those who have the desire to do good work need not always be office bearers. Even as ordinary members, one can render selfless service. With a permanent office of our own, the Parishat has now found a base. Since several important tasks have been accomplished during this term, our intended objectives will come to the forefront in the next term,” said Dr Surendrakumar Hegde, president of the Kannadiga Kalavidhara Parishat Maharashtra.

He was presiding over the 17th annual general meeting of the Parishat held at Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Hall, Madhwa Bhavan (Pejawar Math), Santacruz (East), on Tuesday. Dr Hegde noted that the Parishat, which is the parent organization for all types of art institutions, is stepping into its 18th year while celebrating its ‘Shodasha Sambhrama’. He expressed satisfaction that the dream of having a permanent office has been realized through the collective effort of members, the blessings of the goddess of arts, and the support of generous art lovers in Mumbai.

He further mentioned that the long-cherished project, Kalavidara Kaipidi (Artists’ Handbook), has reached the hands of members this year. Plans are also underway to raise substantial funds for the Parishat’s ambitious “Kshemamidhi” scheme for the welfare of artists. “The achievements of the Parishat are recognized not only in Maharashtra but also in Karnataka,” he added.

Vice presidents Kamalaksha Saraf and CA Srinivas P Safalya, honorary secretary Chandrashekhar Bhat, honorary treasurer P B Chandrahass, joint secretary Chandravathi Devadiga, women’s wing president Tara R. Bangera, along with Prakash Shetty Payyaru, N T Poojary, Kolyaru Raju Shetty, and Balakrishna D. Shetty inaugurated the session by lighting the lamp.

Speaking on the occasion, vice president Srinivas P Safalya said, “When art stands on a strong foundation, it shines. Artists should respond to the Parishat even if only for a short while. It is disappointing when some members approach the Parishat during times of helplessness and later distance themselves.”

Chandrashekhar Bhat presented the annual report, while P B Chandrahass placed the annual accounts before the gathering. The new executive committee for 2025–2028 was formed. Jagadish D Rai was unanimously reappointed as the internal auditor, and Rao & Ashok Chartered Accountants were chosen again as external auditors.

Executive committee members Padmanabha Sasihitlu, N Prithviraj Mundkur, and L Muralidhar Hegde; special invitees D Bhaskar Shetty, Chandrakant K Salian, Juliet Pereira, and Sushila S Devadiga; women’s wing coordinator Kusuma C Poojary; and members Amit Jattan, Pratima B Bangera, and Surekha H Devadiga were present. Advisors K K Shetty, Dr Bharathkumar Polipu, and Dr G P Kusuma also shared suggestions and extended best wishes for the bright future of the Parishat.

Condolences were paid to veteran theatre artiste and Parishat’s founding president, the late S T Vijaykumar, as well as Bhoja Bangera, who both passed away recently. Tributes were offered by Dr Surendrakumar Hegde, Srinivas P Safalya, Dr Bharathkumar Polipu, Balakrishna Shetty Adyapadi, Dr Satish N. Bangera, Shailesh Putran, Vasudev Marnad, Jagadish D Rai, Ondas Kannangar, Ashok Kukyan Sasihitlu, and Tara R Bangera.

The meeting began with a prayer by Jayalakshmi Devadiga. Balakrishna Shetty Adyapadi initiated the proceedings, and P B Chandrahass expressed gratitude.