Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Oct 12: The second edition of the ‘Rotary Kambala’ was inaugurated at Veera Vikrama Jodukare, Siddakatte Kodange, on Sunday. The traditional buffalo race, jointly organized by the Rotary Clubs of Loretto Hills, Bantwal, Modankapu, Mangaluru Central, and Siddakatte Phalguni, drew an enthusiastic crowd.
Speaking after inaugurating the event, Rotary district governor Ramakrishna P K said that Kambala has now gained international attention, symbolizing the pride of rural farmers. “Just as Indian foods and beverages have achieved global recognition, the images of strong buffalo pairs racing in the slushy tracks now represent the essence of India’s rural heritage worldwide,” he added.
Former district governor N Prakash Karanth presided over the programme and said that Rotary Kambala not only promotes social engagement but also strengthens public image and membership growth within the organization. MLA Rajesh Naik Ulipady attended the event and conveyed his best wishes.
Former president of Loretto Hills Club, M Padmaraj Ballal Mavanthoor, flagged off the race. Additional SP Anil Kumar Bommareddy, Siddakatte Kodange Kambala committee president Sandeep Shetty Podumb, Kakyapadavu Maira Kambala committee president Sudarshan Baj, Rotary assistant governor Dr A Jay Kumar Shetty, Umesh Rao Mijar, K Padmanabha Rai Kalladka, Dr Rajaram Uppinangady, Dr Devadas Rai, Narayan Hegde, and Dr Shivaprakash were among those present.
Loretto Club president Vijay Fernandes, club founder president Avil Menezes, Bantwal Club president Basti Madhav Shenoy, Siddakatte Club president Durgadas Shetty Karinkije, Modankapu Club president Preema Violet Fernandes, and Mangaluru Club president Bhaskar Rai Katta also took part in the event.
Other dignitaries present included Shruti Matha, Dr Atmaranjan Rai, Ganesh Shetty Siddakatte, Ramachandra Shettigar Annalike, John Kenyut Mascarenhas Uppinangady, Dr Prahlad Mysuru, Pushparaj Hegde, Kiran Hegde Mani, Kiran Kumar Manjila, Michael D’Costa, Mohan K Shreeyan Rai, Mohammed Yasir Kalladka, Teena D’Costa Siddakatte, Prasanna Rao Modankapu, Vikas Kotian Mangaluru, Rajesh Shetty Seetal, Hariprasad Shetty Kurudady, Rajesh Shetty Konerottu, Honnayya Katipalla, Prabhakar Prabhu, P A Rahim BC Road, K Ramesh Naik, Alexander Lobo, Shashidhar Shetty Kallapu, Seetharam Shetty, Harish Shetty, district referee Vijay Kumar Kanginamane, and Umesh Hingani.
The event was hosted by the Modankapu Rotary Club under the leadership of its founder president Elias Sanctis, who welcomed the gathering and delivered the introductory remarks. Rajagopal Rai proposed the vote of thanks, while former president advocate Suresh Shetty Siddakatte and former assistant governor Raghavendra Bhat compered the programme.