Daijiworld Media Network - Bahrain
Bahrain, Dec 23: 'Kannada Vaibhava 2025', organised by Kannada Sangha Bahrain, was held with grandeur recently at the Bahrain Cultural Hall, celebrating the richness of Kannada language, culture, art, music and dance.
The cultural extravaganza received an overwhelming response from Kannadigas in Bahrain and culture enthusiasts from various communities, with over 600 people in attendance.
The programme was jointly inaugurated by K Venkatesh, Karnataka minister for animal husbandry and sericulture, and Ashok Patil, chief whip of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
On the occasion, Suresh Shetty Gurme, MLA representing Kapu Assembly constituency, and Vinod Prabhakar, renowned Kannada film actor, were felicitated. In their addresses, both praised Kannadigas living abroad for their efforts in preserving and promoting Kannada language and culture despite being far from their homeland.
Kannada Sangha Bahrain president Ajith Bangera delivered the introductory address, while vice-president Nithin Shetty was present on the dais. Ramaprasad Ammenadka, general secretary, compered the formal proceedings.
During the event, the Sangha’s annual souvenir ‘Kaveri’ was released by Suresh Shetty Gurme and Vinod Prabhakar in the presence of office-bearers of the organisation and members of the Kaveri editorial committee.
Several distinguished personalities were honoured for their contributions in various fields, including Moideen Bava (former MLA, Mangaluru North), M Uday Kumar Shetty (entrepreneur and social worker), Pratibha Kulai (Karnataka Backward Classes Commission), Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde (former chairman, Coastal Development Authority), Satyendra Pai, Hiriyanna Narayanaswamy, Dr M Annayya Kulal, Ibrahim Gadiyar, Satish Poojary, Deepak Poojary, Sujith Anchan, Jayashankar Vishwanathan, Subhashchandra, and Arun Kumar, among others.
A special honour was accorded to Haji Abdul Razak Hejamadi of the Metalco Group for completing 50 years in Bahrain and for his notable social service.
The guests shared their experiences and views, lauding the sustained cultural and community service rendered by Kannada Sangha Bahrain.
The cultural segment was a major highlight of the evening. A dance ballet choreographed and directed by renowned dance guru Dr Sahana Bhat, including her distinctive performance ‘Abhimanyu’, was warmly appreciated by the audience.
The dance production ‘Karnataka Darshana’, also under her direction, emerged as the centrepiece of the programme, with over 60 members and children of the Sangha presenting a captivating portrayal of Karnataka’s history, culture and diversity.
Eminent singers Kalavathi Dayananda and Hombegowda enthralled the audience with their melodious performances. Stand-up comedian Sri Raghavendra Acharya kept the gathering in splits with his witty humour.
The programme was ably anchored by artiste and compere Savi Prakash, along with co-compere Kamalaksha Ameen, who added vibrancy and energy to the event.
'Kannada Vaibhava 2025' stood out as a memorable celebration reflecting the unity, linguistic pride and cultural commitment of the Kannada community in Bahrain. Harini Utkarsha Shetty, Cultural Secretary, proposed the vote of thanks.