Media Release
Kuwait, Nov 13: Tulu Koota Kuwait (TKK), a prominent cultural association affiliated with the Indian Embassy, successfully hosted its annual cultural extravaganza, 'Tulu Parba 2025', a magnificent celebration of the Tulu language and the vibrant heritage of Tulunadu. The event, held at the Aspire Indian International School, Abbasiya, Kuwait on Friday, October 24, was a spectacular display of tradition, talent, and community spirit.
The festival was graced by the presence of Manas Raj Patel, first secretary from the Indian Embassy of Kuwait, and renowned Yakshagana fame, Yakshadruva Dr Sathish Patla, both of whom served as the chief guests. The dignitaries were received in a deeply traditional 'Poorna Kumbha Swagatha', a ceremonial welcome befitting the sanctity of the occasion. The programme was energetically led by dynamic emcees Prapti Prashanth Shetty and Yadunath Alva.
The evening commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by TKK Management committee members, TKK advisors and the chief guests symbolizing the spread of knowledge and positivity. This was immediately followed by the formal release of the event Souvenir, an elegantly designed publication by Manoj Kumar that chronicled the association's activities and achievements.
Roshan Prashant Quadras, vice president of TKK, extended a warm welcome to all the guests, members and the gathering, highlighting TKK's commitment to preserving Tulu culture in the diaspora.
The stage came alive with a stunning welcome dance performance by a talented team led by Dr Vaishnavi Swaminathan of Swasthika Dance Academy, setting an energetic and colorful tone for the rest of the program.
In his address, chief guest Manas Raj Patel extended his heartfelt wishes to TKK and its members, commending the association for its dedicated work in promoting and preserving the Tulu language and culture away from its homeland.
A cornerstone of TKK’s mission, the Kshema Nidhi (Welfare Fund) initiative, took center stage during the awards ceremony. TKK awarded a Merit-cum-Means Scholarship to two deserving students, reinforcing their dedication to educational support. Furthermore, 33 students who demonstrated excellent academic performance in the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations for the academic year 2024-2025 were honored with Merit Certificates and memento.
The association also took the opportunity to recognize the tireless efforts of its volunteers. Vijay Wilson, a dedicated committee member, was specially honored for his initiative and years of committed service to the association. Mr. Vijay Wilson expressed his sincere gratitude to TKK for recognizing his contributions.
Tulu Parba 2025 placed a special emphasis on honoring artistes who have enriched Tulu culture:
• Yakshadruva Dr Sathish Patla was felicitated for his immense support and extraordinary contribution to the traditional art form of Yakshagana. Dr Patla gracefully accepted the honor, expressing his best wishes for TKK’s continued success.
• The evening saw a rare collective honor bestowed upon the "Three Gems of Tulu Drama"— Sharath Ucchila, Sandeep Shetty Manibettu, and Prasanna Bailoor—for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Tulu theatre world. Prasanna Shetty Bailoor spoke on behalf of the trio, thanking TKK for the recognition.
Mega event like Tulu Parba 2025 could be possible only with the support from the sponsors and well-wishers. During the event TKK honored all its sponsors with a memento and a flower bouquet as a gesture to express the gratitude towards their support. The felicitation ceremony was meticulously conducted and emceed by Dr Preeti P Shetty, who ensured a smooth and graceful flow of the felicitation segment.
Shankar Shetty, president of Tulu Koota Kuwait, then addressed the gathering. He first welcomed all the dignitaries, guest artists, sponsors, members, and guests to the spectacular celebration. He took the opportunity to brief the audience on the association's numerous cultural and welfare activities undertaken throughout the year. He extended gratitude to all sponsors, volunteers and members for their continued support to Tulu Koota Kuwait. President concluded his speech by extending his best wishes to all the participants in the upcoming cultural events, Yakshagana, and the Drama.
The audience was treated to a spectacular series of dance performances by TKK’s talented kids and artists, featuring vibrant choreography by Spoorthi Shenoy Kamath, Prapti Prashanth Shetty, and Shobha Harish Bhandary, Alka Jitendra Rao assisted by Dr Vanitha Vinod Kumar and Bhargavi Nagendra Brahma.
The highlight of the evening, and a first for Tulu Parba, was a special Tulu Yakshagana performance – “Kaviratna Kalidasa” led by Dr Patla Sathish Shetty’s team of renowned artists. The audience was completely mesmerized by the melodious Bhagavatike (singing) by Dr Patla, with the performance by the artists proving to be a super hit that thoroughly entertained the crowd.
An audio-visual presentation showcased the success of the TKK Silver Jubilee Memorial Merit Scholarship Scheme and highlighted the extensive TKK Welfare activities, detailing the achievements of the organization throughout 2025.
The grand finale was the highly anticipated Tulu Comedy Drama, "Oriye," presented by the popular Kaup Ranga Taranga Team. The drama brought the house down with laughter, concluding the festival on a high note.
The entire event was seamlessly coordinated by TKK cultural secretary Srinath Prabhu, supported by TKK Committee members and volunteers. General secretary, Jagadeeshwara Shanubhogue U, on behalf of TKK, extended sincere gratitude to all the sponsors and well-wishers who provided financial support for Tulu Parba 2025. He also thanked Wave Events & Rentals for Sound & Lighting arrangements, Sathish Acharya & Team for Drama Stage setting, Gokuldas Bhat for his continued support and taking care of transportation arrangements of the guest artists, Ashraf & team for stage, chairs and other hall arrangements, Park Inn by Radison for the visa and accommodation arrangements for the guest artists, Alban D’Souza & team for video recording & photography, Ronald D’Souza & Aravind Bhandary for technical assistance, chief guest of the events, guest artists from India, dance choreographers & performers, TKK committee members, members and all those who directly and indirectly contributed for the success of the event.