Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Feb 15: Celebrated poetess Vani Shetty of Moodbidri formally launched her latest poetry collection, ‘Kabandhabaahu’, at a colourful ceremony held at Guru Narayana Sabhagraha, Billwar Bhavan, Santacruz East, Mumbai, on Saturday evening.

Expressing his delight at inaugurating the collection, Dr R K Shetty, secretary of the Bunts Sangha Mumbai and president of the Karnataka Janapada Parishat, Maharashtra unit, said, “I am particularly happy to inaugurate this work because Vani Shetty and I both hail from Chikkamagaluru. Writers must continue producing books; we have become consumed by our mobiles. Writing a collection like this is no easy task — it requires time, patience, and the courage to publish. Creating 50 poems in a single volume is a matter of great pride.”

The launch, organised by Shree Mookambika Prakashana, Moodbidri, was presided over by Dr R K Shetty. astrologer and Vastu expert Ashok Purohit offered his blessings, while the event was conducted under the leadership of Praveen Bhoj Shetty, president of Bunts Sangha Mumbai. Distinguished guests included Dr Surendra Kumar Hegde, president of the Kannadiga Kalavidara Parishat, Maharashtra, and Mohan Das Shetty, director of Das Builders & Developers, Mangaluru, along with other invitees.

Speaking during the ceremony, Praveen Bhoj Shetty said, “We should all speak in Kannada because this is a Kannada book. Even reading half of it during review reveals its depth. Our poets have always conveyed profound insights about humanity. Today, all the works of Moodbidri-born Vani Shetty, daughter of poet Sharadamba, express a strong humanistic vision. To come from Chikkamagaluru to Marathi soil and write poetry that preserves Kannada linguistic pride is a remarkable accomplishment.”

The author was felicitated with mementoes and bouquets by guests. Journalist and writer Harish Hejmadi introduced the collection. The ceremony began with a prayer by Sushila Devadiga, followed by a welcome and cultural programme conducted by Naveen Padu. Theatre actor-director Ramesh Shivapura anchored the proceedings and paid tributes during the event.

Adding entertainment to the evening, renowned singer Harish Shetty and the Panni Creations team presented a musical programme, delighting the audience and concluding the launch on a high note.