By Rons Bantwal
Mumbai (RBI), Aug 12: The Gowda Upliftment Foundation, a prominent community-based organisation founded in 2016 under the stewardship of Mohan Kumar J Gowda, is all set to celebrate its 9th annual anniversary with a blend of religious rituals, cultural performances, and social recognition this Friday, August 15, at the CIDCO Exhibition Centre, Vashi, near Vashi Railway Station, Navi Mumbai.
The Foundation, which now has over 2,000 active members, has been at the forefront of promoting social, educational, cultural, and religious upliftment among the Gowda community. It has also extended significant support to low-income labourers and small business owners, reinforcing its identity as a people-focused institution.
“Our mission has always been inclusive empowerment. This anniversary is not just a celebration but a reaffirmation of our commitment to community welfare,” said president Mohan Kumar Gowda, speaking ahead of the event.
The function will witness the presence of distinguished guests from both Maharashtra and Karnataka. Among them are Ganesh Naik, minister for forests in the government of Maharashtra; Dr K C Narayana Gowda, former minister in the government of Karnataka; and Dr C N Balakrishna, MLA from Shravanabelagola constituency.
The event will be presided over by Mohan Kumar Gowda, with a host of prominent personalities in attendance, including K.M. Ramu Swamiji, head priest of Shri Shanishwara Devalaya in Chembur; Ravi S Devadiga, former president of the Devadiga Sangha, Mumbai; Balakrishna B. Shetty Marali Kelamane, owner of Hotel Ritvik Residency and a noted social worker; Dr Shiva Moodigere, honorary general secretary of the Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association, Maharashtra unit and vice president of BJP’s Chitrapat Kamgar Aghadi; and Abhijit R. Gowda, director of Shri Balaji Trans Circuit.
The day-long programme will begin at 1 pm with a grand Varamahalakshmi pooja, led by Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy of Shani Mandir, Kanjurmarg. This will be followed by a Haldi-Kumkum ceremony conducted by the women’s wing at 2 pm.
A cultural showcase by the Foundation’s women and children will take place from 3 pm to 5 pm, featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling.
The felicitation and formal meeting is scheduled for 5 pm to 6:30 pm, during which community contributors and achievers will be honoured.
One of the key highlights of the event is a Kannada social play titled “Yaarigoo Helabedi” (Don’t Tell Anyone), to be staged from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. The play is written by Satish Ermal, translated by Anil Kumar Heggade, and directed by Baba Prasad Aras.
The evening will conclude with a community dinner (preeti bhojana), beginning at 8 pm.
The organisers have extended an open invitation to all Kannadigas across Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai to attend the festivities with family and friends and receive the blessings of Goddess Varamahalakshmi.
“This is more than an anniversary — it's a moment of pride for every Gowda in Maharashtra. We urge all community members to join hands in making this a memorable occasion,” said Tammanna Kale Gowda, vice president of the Foundation.
The event is being coordinated by a dedicated team including vice presidents Jayaram Mahalingegowda and Tammanna Kale Gowda, general secretary Ravindra Nanjappa Gowda, treasurer Tejakumar L. Gowda, joint secretary Umesh Puttaswamy Gowda, joint treasurer Ravi J Gowda, along with members of the executive committee, Women’s division, cultural and health wing, education and sports wing, and advisory committee.