Rons Bantwal
Ajman, Nov 2: Souharda Swara Sangama 2026 and the grand finale of the late Yuvraj K Devadiga Memorial Singing Competition, organised by Souharda Lahari, was held in a grand manner on Saturday, October 24, at the auditorium of Habitat School in Al Tallah, Ajman, in the Gulf nation of the UAE.
Office-bearers of the organising committee, chief guests and dignitaries were present and formally inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp. Organised under the leadership of the Souharda Lahari core committee, the event was attended by several prominent personalities, including industrialists Dr B R Shetty, Ronald Martis, Ramanand Kudva, Harish Sherigar, Sarvotham Shetty, Manohar Hegde, Daya Kirodian, Dinesh Devadiga, Vishwanath Shetty, Shashirekha Srikanth, Sudarshan Hegde, Sudhakar Shetty and Dr Seema Kamath, among others.
In recognition of his invaluable contribution to art and culture, Girish Narayan was conferred the honorary title of ‘Kala Chatura’ and felicitated. Harish Sherigar, who has dedicated three decades to the field of music through his melodious singing and continued support for music, was also honoured on the occasion.
At a recent blood donation camp organised by Souharda Lahari, 61 people had voluntarily donated blood. The donors were honoured with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their contribution.
Grand finale of singing competition
The singing competition was organised in memory of the late Yuvraj K Devadiga. At the grand finale, talented singers selected from various parts of the UAE captivated the audience with their melodious performances. Winners in the junior and senior categories were presented with prizes and honoured.
In the junior category, Mahadhyuth Koushik won the first prize, Aradhana Bhat Yelluru secured the second prize, while Aanvi Accamma A P and Nihana Neelamma A P jointly won the third prize.
In the senior category, Anirudh Rao won the first prize, Nishel Lobo secured the second prize and Shanon Ruth Vas won the third prize.
Prizes were distributed to the winners of the singing competition. The organisers expressed their gratitude to the sponsors, audience, well-wishers and media representatives who contributed to the success of the programme.
Souharda Swara Sangama 2026 was not merely a musical event but a beautiful platform reflecting the art, culture, talent, friendship and community unity of Karnataka. Souharda Lahari's efforts to give importance to socially beneficial activities such as blood donation, alongside cultural programmes, were widely appreciated.
The event stood as another testimony to the organisation's continued efforts to promote Kannada culture on foreign soil and bring Kannadigas together on a common platform. The programme concluded successfully with music, dance, felicitations, recognition of talent and a message of social service. The organisers expressed their happiness that the event had created unforgettable memories for everyone who participated.
The guidance, encouragement and invaluable contributions of Souharda Lahari's respected founder, Sadashiv Das (Das Kudla), were gratefully recalled on the occasion. Kannadigas who arrived from various parts of the UAE participated in the cultural celebration and added to its grandeur.
A karaoke singing programme featuring well-known Kannada singers from across the UAE was one of the major attractions of the event. Classical, folk and Bollywood dance performances also provided a delightful entertainment experience for the audience.
Souharda Lahari president Karunakar Adyar, vice-president Mahesh Attavar, general secretary Yash Karkera, cultural secretary Ashok Anchan, treasurer Suresh N Shetty and sports secretary Richard D'Souza worked hard to ensure the success of the programme. Aarathi Adiga and Kumari Shravya Gowda compered the event, while Ashok Anchan proposed the vote of thanks.