Shreevalli Rai Martell
North Carolina, July 13: Siri Parba 2025, organised by the All America Tulu Association (AATA), was held with great grandeur on July 4, 5, and 6 in Raleigh, North Carolina, in collaboration with the Triangle Tuluvere Chauvaadi.
This historic convention, presided over by Shreevalli Rai Martell, witnessed the active participation of AATA's founder president Bhaskar Sherigar, Siri Parba convener Ranjani Asaigoli, AATA office-bearers, Triangle Tuluvere Chavadi committee members, and representatives of various Tulu associations across the United States - Canada. The collective efforts of the Tulu communities across America,Canada made this Siri Parba a memorable event.
The grand festivities of Siri Parba 2025 commenced with a majestic welcome on the first day of the event. Distinguished guests were warmly received with great honour and enthusiasm. Among them were Dr. Saigeetha Hegde from Tulunadu, Dr Ravi Shetty Moodambailu from Qatar, Shekhar Naik from Connecticut, Dr Belle Dinkar Rai from New York, and Samuel Dragmore from Boston.
At 9:30 am on July 5, Tuluvas from across the United States- Canada gathered in unity for a vibrant inaugural procession. The lively parade showcased the rich cultural heritage of Tulunadu, featuring Yakshagana, Hulivesha (tiger dance), devotional bhajans, and the powerful rhythms of chende and taase drums. With the flags of America, India, and Tulunadu held high, participants escorted the honored guests to the convention hall with pride.
The guests were welcomed in the most traditional way—with "bella-neeru" (jaggery and water), symbolising purity, sweetness, and heartfelt hospitality. It was a beginning steeped in culture, unity, and the vibrant spirit of Tuluva tradition.
The cultural event began on a divine note with a soulful Ganesha Stuti by Sanvi Asaigoli, followed by a graceful Yakshagana dance performance by Niyati U Shetty. What unfolded next was a vibrant tapestry of art forms, reflecting the richness and diversity of Tulunadu’s heritage.
The stage came alive with captivating performances — tabla recitals, fashion shows, melodious singing, classical dances, folk performances, short plays, classical music, and heartfelt Tulu bhaavageethe (emotional songs) — each act as a testament to the talent and passion of the Tulu diaspora.
A highlight of the event was the Yakshagana performance led by Dr Rajendra Kedilaya, which mesmerised the audience. Equally impressive was the “Tuluva Aisiri” theatrical presentation, directed by Anusuya Poonja, which brought the spirit and legacy of Tulu culture to the forefront. The event concluded with a moving vote of thanks delivered by Dr Roshan Pais, leaving a lasting impression on all.
During the formal proceedings of the event, the distinguished guests were honoured with heartfelt tributes. Dr Saigeetha Hegde, Dr Ravi Shetty (Qatar), and Shekhar Naik were felicitated for their presence and contributions to our Tulu community.
A special highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the prestigious "AATA Samman" to Dr Rajendra Kedilaya, Dr Belle Dinkar Rai, Shekhar Naik, and Samuel Dragmore — in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Tulu community and its heritage. Their achievements were celebrated with warmth, pride, and deep respect.
The Sirimudi Award 2025, sponsored by Bhaskar Sherigar, was to recognise outstanding contributions in the field of Tulu literature and script. In the Tulu literary category, the award was announced to Kabbinale Vasantha Bharadwaja for his acclaimed work "Tulu Kavya Meemamse".
In the Tulu script writing category, the award was announced to "Tuluvere Chauvaadi" of Bengaluru for their dedicated initiation and the support for the collection of poems “Jokule Ujjaal", edited by Satish Agpal. These recognitions highlight the rich intellectual and cultural legacy preserved and promoted through Tulu language and script.
The "Young Literary Award" was presented to Prahlad Rao, and the "AATA Be International Award" was presented to the winners from the high school, middle school, and primary school levels.
The chief guest, Dr Saigeetha Hegde, spoke about the growth of the Tulu language over yesterday, today, and tomorrow and elaborated on the traditions of Tulu Nadu. She informed the audience that Tulu Day has been observed on October 2 since the 1980s, marking the beginning of the compilation of the Tulu dictionary. She appealed for Tulu to be granted the status of an official language of Karnataka and to be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Chief guest Dr Ravi Shetty Mudambailu, from Qatar spoke about the greatness of Tulunadu, elaborated on the purpose and functioning of the association, and vividly described the uniquely organised AATA Siri Parba. He called upon everyone to remain indebted to our motherland.
Another guest, Shekhar Naik, appealed to everyone to speak Tulu at home. He recalled how his father used to say that the Tulu language is the language of the gods. Dr Belle Dinkar Rai spoke, describing Tulu as a very rich language. He urged that the future generations should preserve it.
In the absence of the esteemed Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, U T Khader, who was supposed to attend as one of the guests, his message was read out and conveyed to the audience. In the absence of another chief guest of Siri Parba, Walter Nandalike, CEO of Daijiworld, his message of best wishes was played during the programme.
Siri Parba 2025 convener, Ranjani Asaigoli, wholeheartedly thanked everyone who worked hard for the success of Siri Parba. She spoke about the responsibilities involved in organising the event and expressed that we have all come together as members of one big family.
During the stage programme, the commemorative souvenir Siri Nudi and the latest edition of the Poovari Tulu magazine were released.
In her presidential address, Shreevalli Rai Martell highlighted the dream of declaring Tulu as the second official language of Karnataka and the goal of including it in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. She stated, “This is not just an event; it is a cultural treasure we are passing on to future generations to preserve and promote the Tulu heritage."
AATA vice presidents Shirish Shetty and Sudarshan Shetty, chairman of board of directors K P Mohanchandra, founder president of Triangle Tuluvere Chawadi Umesh Asaigoli, and its current president Suresh Shetty were present on the stage.
Ratnakar Sherigar, Preethi U. Shetty, Aryashree Martell, Suhaan Asaigoli, Radhakrishna Shetty, Sharath Shetty, Prajwal Shetty, Sushanth Shetty, Shraddha Krishnamurthy, Shailashree Sherigar, Anusuya Pooja, Ganapathi Bhat, and Niyati U. Shetty hosted the programme. Shreevalli Rai Martell and Bhaskar Sherigar extended a warm welcome to all.
As part of Siri Parba, an exhibition of traditional artefacts was organized. Elements such as the Yakshagana entrance arch, Siri Chawadi, and photo booths reflecting the grandeur of Tulunadu together created an atmosphere that transported people to the land of Tulu. The event began with the national anthem of the United States and India’s Vande Mataram, and concluded with the Indian national anthem Jana Gana Mana.
On July 6, all Tuluva’s participated in a picnic. Tulu speakers from America and Canada urged the Karnataka government to rename South Canara District as Tulunadu. Siri Parba concluded with various Tulunadu activities, including traditional games, dances, Delicious Tulunadu food, and felicitation programmes.
During the event, AATA honoured Bhaskar Sherigar, the founding president of AATA; Shreevalli Rai Martell, the president; and Ranjini Asaigoli, the Siri Parba convener, with the AATA award of honor.
Over 500 Tuluvas registered for the Siri Parba programme, with even more joining in the joyous celebrations. By around 5 pm, everyone had to bid farewell with heavy hearts.
In summary, just like the events held in Tulunadu, the Siri Parba was organised in America with complete finesse and grandeur. The chief host, Dr. Ratnakar Sherigar, enhanced the programme with his smooth and eloquent narration.