Bahrain: Bunts Community Bids Fond Adieu to Ambassador Balakrishna Shetty
By Ronald D F D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network—Bahrain (CN)

Bahrain, Dec 7: The Bunts Bahrain Association hosted a farewell party in honour of Indian Ambassador to Bahrain Dr Balakrishna Shetty and his wife Vasundhara Shetty on Friday December 5 at the Phoenicia Hotel. At the event, Dr Shetty announced that his next assignment would be in Sweden. 

The ambassador and his wife were welcomed by the executive committee, at the venue.  Around 350 association members and their families gathered on the occasion.  Amarnath Shetty, former minister and former MLA, was also present.  

Krishna Shetty welcomed the gathering while B K Shetty recited the prayer. This was followed by a brief introduction of the evening’s programme by Doomanna Rai, the entertainment secretary. Astika Shetty conducted the cultural programmes which began with a children’s dance followed by a revival of ancient traditions. Vittal Shetty, in the role of a ‘Gurikar’ narrated how Bunts of yore were involved in various activities such as ‘Davoo Punja’, ‘Maravoor Duggamakki’, ‘Agoli Manjanna’ and the like. 

Jinraj Shetty, president, Bunts Bahrain, spoke on the occasion. The ambassador honoured Amarnath Shetty with flowers, fruits, and a shawl. In his speech Amarnath Shetty expressed his happiness about the way in which the Bunts in Bahrain are progressing. He said that he felt as if he was somewhere in Dakshina Kannada and not in a foreign country.  Amarnath Shetty appealed to all those present to help set up a fund of about Rs 2 crore, to provide education to community children back home and also help poor girls with their marriage expenses. 

Dr Shetty said that when he came to Bahrain three years ago, the community had warmly welcomed him and now he was being given a fond farewell. He said that, as a representative of the Government of India, he had done his best for the Indian community in Bahrain. Dr Shetty remarked that India is progressing day by day and we should be proud about our achievements. Despite the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, we should stand united as Indians and help build a stronger nation, he added. 

Some of the community members spoke about the achievements of Dr Shetty during his tenure in Bahrain. Nithin Shetty gave the vote of thanks, which was followed by dinner.