Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, June 14: The Bunt Sangha, Bantwal Taluk, celebrated its 14th anniversary with a vibrant cultural extravaganza, ‘Samskruthika Vaibhava’, at the Buntara Bhavan in Brahmarakotlu on Sunday. The event was organised under the leadership of the Sangha in association with its women's wing, youth wing and 15 zonal Bunt associations.

The festivities began in the morning with the inauguration of the cultural programme by progressive farmer Niranjan Semita of Kundabettu, who extended his best wishes for the success of the event.

The function was presided over by Jagannath Chowta Badigudde, President of the Bunt Sangha, Bantwal Taluk, in the presence of office-bearers and community leaders.

The afternoon session was inaugurated by chief guest Balakrishna M Rai, managing director of Mumbai-based Sripack Container Pvt Ltd, who lit the ceremonial lamp.

Addressing the gathering, Rai said faith was the greatest capital in life and emphasised the importance of pursuing a clear goal with determination and perseverance.

“Faith is the greatest capital in life. One must have a definite goal and strive to achieve it through hard work. Our company has received a national-level award as a result of sustained effort, and this achievement is a matter of pride for the Bunt community of Bantwal taluk,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of education, Rai urged the community organisation to give greater emphasis to supporting students and announced that his company would launch a scholarship programme for economically disadvantaged students from the community from next year.

“The Sangha should play a greater role in encouraging and supporting the growth of the younger generation,” he added.

Surendra B Kambli Adyar Guthu, president of the Mangaluru Taluk Pancha Guarantee Committee, attended the programme as the chief guest.

Among those on the dais were secretary Sadananda Alva Kampa, joint secretary Shivaprasad Shetty Sajipa, women's wing president Sujatha P Rai Kalladka, youth wing president Gokul Bhandary Bijandaraguthu, cultural wing convenor Ganesh Shetty Goltamajalu, and presidents of the 15 zonal Bunt associations.

As part of the event, the women's wing distributed financial assistance to two beneficiaries.

The celebrations featured a variety of cultural performances, including ‘Bantere Kalapantha’ presented by the zonal Bunt associations, the short comedy play ‘Aliyakattu’ staged by the women's wing, and ‘Guttuda Ill’, a short comedy production presented by the youth wing.

Prizes were also distributed to the winning zonal Bunt associations in the cultural competitions held as part of the celebrations.

Presiding over the programme, Jagannath Chowta Badigudde delivered the introductory address. Vice-president Aitappa Alva Sujiruguthu welcomed the gathering, while treasurer Lokesh Shettikul proposed the vote of thanks. Former Mani Grama Panchayat president Balakrishna Shetty Kodaje compered the programme.