Media Release
Doha, Feb 4: 'Tulusiri', the silver jubilee celebration of Tulukoota Qatar (TKQ), a leading associate organization of the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), functioning under the aegis of the Embassy of India, Qatar was held with magnificent grandeur on January 23, at the DPS MIS School Auditorium, marking 25 glorious years of cultural pride, unity, and dedicated service to the community.
The landmark event emerged as a resounding success, drawing a large and enthusiastic audience and keeping the venue vibrant with energy and excitement throughout the evening. Tulusiri beautifully showcased the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Tulunadu through captivating performances encompassing music, dance, and visual storytelling.
The celebration truly reflected the soul of Tulukoota, as its members came together as one family to celebrate their shared heritage, traditions, and cultural unity. Guests were welcomed through an impressive and artistic entrance featuring an iconic elephant structure adorned with traditional Poorna Kumbha, flower petals, and Pili Vesha. A striking tableau highlighting Mangaluru’s iconic Kalasha, ‘Mahaveera Vrutha’, along with illuminated pathways, created a mesmerizing first impression and set a festive tone that reflected the cultural richness of Tulunadu. In line with tradition, all guests and members received a warm welcome with Panaka, Tulukoota shawl, and a silver jubilee souvenir memento, enhancing the cultural spirit of the celebration.
The programme commenced with cultural secretary Divyashree formally opening the event and introducing the master of ceremonies, Navaneeth Shetty Kadri, who eloquently narrated Tulukoota Qatar’s remarkable 25-year journey and warmly welcomed the gathering. The event formally began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp led by Tulukoota Qatar president Sandesh Anand, along with the dignitaries Nadoja Dr G Shankar, philanthropist and entrepreneur; Haji Zakariya Jokatte, philanthropist and NRI entrepreneur and CEO of Al Muzain Group; Ashley Fernandes, social worker and founder & director of Riya Foundation; Vishweshwara Bhat, editor-in-chief of Vishwavani; title sponsor Chidanand Naik (director – Middle East, Coatings, M Pallonji); diamond sponsor Veeresh Mannangi (divisional manager, Al Muftah Contracting); past president and gold sponsor Asmath Ali; advisory board chairman Kiran Anand; advisors Chaitali U Shetty and adviser and founder member Ramachandra Shetty, along with founder members Felix Lobo, Krishna Shetty, Dineshchandra Shetty and Sudhakar Shetty.
Welcoming the gathering with the entire MC team, president Sandesh Anand expressed heartfelt gratitude to the packed auditorium for their overwhelming support. The president highlighted that TKQ’s silver jubilee marks not just 25 years of existence, but a remarkable journey of unity, sacrifice, and shared dreams. He credited the visionary founders, past presidents, committees, volunteers and members for building Tulukoota Qatar into the strong and vibrant organization it is today. He also noted that this year TKQ earned wider recognition from the ICC, the Indian embassy, and other organizations as a leading force in culture and sports. Staying true to its values, TKQ continued its quiet service to society, including the recent donation of 10 wheelchairs to the government Hospital, Mangaluru. He also extended a warm welcome to the chief guests, presidents, and committee members of apex bodies and Karnataka-based associations in Qatar. Sincere thanks were conveyed to sponsors for their unwavering support. President also expressed deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of over 100 volunteers and the managing committee, whose dedication ensured the seamless execution of this landmark event.
General secretary Pravina Shetty presented the annual report, highlighting Tulukoota Qatar’s key milestones and contributions during this committee’s term. This was followed by a vibrant welcome dance by the Tulukoota team, choreographed by Divyashree setting a strong cultural tone for the evening.
Chief guest Vipul, ambassador of India to Qatar, and ICC president Manikantan graced the stage. In his address, Vipul commended Tulukoota Qatar for its relentless efforts in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening community bonds beyond geographical boundaries. He also appreciated that Tulukoota is one of the most active associations among all the AOs functioning under the embassy of India.
A series of special felicitation ceremonies added grandeur to the evening. Shri Ashley Fernandes was conferred the ‘Tulunada Seva Tudar’ Award for his outstanding service to society. TKQ also pledged financial support to the Riya Foundation.
The prestigious ‘Tulunada Bolpu’ Award was presented to Nadoja Dr G Shankar and Haji Zakariya Jokatte, in recognition of their exemplary contributions to society and their inspirational roles as stalwarts of Tulunadu. Vishweshwara Bhat was felicitated and, in his address, highlighted the rich legacy of Tulunadu and the significance of the Tulu language. Shri Deepak Shetty was also honoured on the occasion for being conferred with the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award by the government of Karnataka.
The silver jubilee edition souvenir ‘Nirel’ was released during the event. Dineschandra Shetty, chief editor, expressed his gratitude to the editorial committee and the MC team for the opportunity and support in successfully completing the souvenir.
As a mark of gratitude, felicitation honours were presented to Shashi Kumar Patra of DPS Management, Vipin for the grand decorations, Kadri Navaneeth Shetty (MC), and Yashwin Devadiga for directing the powerful enactment of Tulukoota’s 25-year journey.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the grand presentation depicting Tulukoota’s 25-year journey, ‘Journey of Silver Legacy’ from its formation and cultural initiatives to social service, environmental contributions, sports excellence, and its core mission of uniting Tuluvas in Qatar. The performance, involving over 150 Tulukoota members from all age groups, captivated the audience with its scale, emotion, and storytelling.
The celebrations concluded on a high note with the much-awaited Gurukiran Musical Magic, hosted by celebrity anchor Anushree. The audience was spellbound as Gurukiran, Santhosh Venky, Anuradha Bhat, and Aishwarya Rangarajan delivered one memorable performance after another. The electrifying performance had the audience on their feet till the very end. Gurukiran was honoured with the title ‘Tulunada Nada Guru’, while Anushree honoured with ‘Tulunada Dhruva Siri’ award.
The sponsors for the event:
Title sponsor: M Pallonji WLL
Diamond sponsor: Al Muftah Contracting
Gold sponsor: Ronald Colaco & Family & Golden Trading and Decoration
Silver sponsor: Space Group of Companies, Spin Saloon- Hyderabad, Ace International, Alma Aluminium & Steel Co
Associate sponsor: Qatar Multitech, Active Power Systems, Nidhi Land Mangalore, Intermodal Services Company WLL, Al Mashreq Distribution
Co Associate sponsor: International Trading & Technical Services Co WLL, Venture Gulf Engineering WLL, Mannai Corporation, Dohatna, Eaze My Tours, BTS - Innovation Unframed, Qatar Coating Co WLL, TCT, Zaitoon Restaurant
Co-support sponsor: Al Zaman Exchange WLL, Pearling Sports Academy, Homes R Us, Euro Track, S B A Auto Repair WLL, Tisaan Incorp H K LTD, Blueberry Travels, Mannai Homes, Kims Health Medical Center, Canara Jewellery
Support sponsor: Speed Car and Bike Services, National Exchange, Gift City, Govardhan, Oriental Trading Co WLL, Malabar Gold, M P Traders, Akshaya Jewellery
Decoration sponsor: M Pallonji, Al Muftah Contracting & Ace International
Panaka drink sponsor: Udupi Cafe
The managing committee members, Vijay Rai Kumbra-vice president, Pravina Shetty-general secretary and PR, Divyashree-cultural secretary, Jeevan Prakash-treasurer & ASR, Vijaya Shetty-sports secretary, Prashanth Gowda-joint sports secretary, Jerald D’Souza- media & environment coordinator, Niyaz-membership coordinator, Mohan Rao-logistics secretary, Sourabh Shetty-joint cultural secretary efficiently handled various responsibilities throughout the event.
The vote of thanks was delivered by vice president Vijay Rai Kumbra.
Tulusiri stood as a beacon of unity, tradition, and cultural celebration, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended. With its vibrant performances, meaningful recognitions, and strong community spirit, the event reaffirmed Tulukoota Qatar’s unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Tulunadu in Qatar.