Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Nov 16: Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ), a premier socio-cultural organization of Kannadigas living in Qatar and affiliated with Indian Embassy in Doha celebrated 'Karnataka Rajyotsava' at the Delhi Public School (DPS) auditorium, Al Wakrah in the presence of jam-packed Kannadiga audience on Friday November 14.
KSQ celebrates the Karnataka Rajyotsava every year with great enthusiasm and gaiety in November to commemorate the formation of Karnataka state on November 1, 1956.
Earlier in the evening guests were welcomed by the KSQ children with colourful flags and flowers in a procession. Vice president Nageshwar Rao briefed the audience with safety instructions.
Stage was taken over by the host of the evening Multi talented and versatile Dr. Padmashree shetty who with her unique aptitude kept the audience lively throughout the celebration. Welcome song by sung by the KSQ members followed by the lightning of the lamp by the KSQ president along with other dignitaries and executive committee members.
Host Karnataka Sangha along with other local associations in Qatar gave performances in Kannada and kept the celebration of Karnataka Rajyotsava alive. Tulu Koota performed ‘Karnataka Gatha Sambrama’, while MCC members performed a dance medley, 'Comedy skit' by Bunts Qatar and ‘Nada Geethey’ by Billawa Sangha, DAFF beat by SKMWA enthralled the gathering. The icing on the cake was the performance by Karnataka Sangha members where they showcased the rich heritage of Karnataka by giving glimpses of various historical events through dances.
Chief Guest of the evening was Dinesh Udenia, first Secretary Indian Embassy Qatar, Guest of honor was Rajyostava Awardee Vishweshwar Bhat along with Dr.K.S Nisar Ahmed. Munjunath readout the achievements of Dr.K.S Nisar Ahmed, “Kannada Samman” Award was conferred on poet Dr.K.S Nisar Ahmed on the occasion. Acknowledging the honor, he said, "I am thankful to Karnataka Sangha Qatar for giving me this award, all Kannadigas must come together for the betterment of Karnataka no matter where they reside’.
Guest of honor Rajyostava Awardee Vishweshwar Bhat Chief Editor of Kannadaprabha newspapers and the television channel Suvarna news. Previously he was the editor of Vijaya Karnataka, he hails from Murur, North Canara district of Karnataka, is a postgraduate in Geology and a gold medalist in MA journalism. Had a brief stint as Assistant professor at Asian School of Journalism and also officer on special duty to Ananth Kumar Minister of Tourism and culture in Vajpayee government. He was felicitated with Mysore Peta and shawl for his service to the society, addressing the gathering said he was surprised to see the unity of all Kanadigas its difficult to find this unity in the capital of Karnataka today, he appreciated KSQ for hard working to unite all Kannadigas. Mr.Arvind Patil President of ICBF at state of Qatar and VS Mannangi past President and General Manager of Al Muftah felicitated him.
Special Guest Girish Kumar President of ICC, Arvind Patil President of ICBF, Deepak Shetty, KSQ President, Nagesh Rao Vice-president, Mahesh Gowda, general secretary were present on the dais. KSQ president Deepak Shetty thanked all associations and sponsors for their contribution and for making the evening memorable.
Chief Guest Dinesh Udenia First Secretary Indian Embassy Qatar in his address said, "Kannada resides in the heart of all Kannadigas and one should appreciate when you see Rajyotsava celebrated with togetherness." He thanked the Kannadigas residing in Qatar for their contribution in keeping their language alive and tradition alive in this part of the world.
Kiran Upadaya from Bahrain Kanada Sangha was the special guest of the evening. Guests were welcomed and honoured with bouquets.
The main Attraction of the evening was the standup comedy by Rajyostava Awardee Hasaya Chakravarthi of Karnataka Prof Krishne Gowda.
Sri Gandha Samarana Sanchike was released by the guests in the presence of all KSQ executive and advisory committee members.
The programme was organized under the initiative of the Karnataka Sangha president Deepak Shetty and other office-bearers. This evening will remain as a memorable evening in the minds of all those present for the celebration.
Other prominent personalities who witnessed the programme included Ravi Shetty of TQ, Norbert Corda of MCC,Prakashchandra Ajila of Bunts Qatar, Divakar Poojary Of Billawa Sangha ,Niyaz Ahmed of KMCA , Abdul Majeed of SKMWA More than a thousand people witnessed the show and all were served with the snacks by KSQ.