Bahrain: 'Kudlotsava 07' - A Grand Finale
By Ronald D’Souza and Joe Andrade - Daijiworld Media Network Bahrain
Bahrain, Feb 3: A program beyond compare in terms of compere and performance! A taste and feast of everything for the Mangaloreans otherwise called “Kudladars” (in their local dialect)
An august gathering of the elite of Mangalore and their well-wishers jam-packed at The Palace Hotel for the one and only kind of typical Mangalorean Festival from 12.00noon to 12.00 midnight on 2nd February, 2007. It had a nostalgia of practically all tastes for everyone that included felicitations for VIPs, dance, drama, mimicry, song…..you name it, everything eyes could see.
The efforts of Lobo International and its die-hard supporters took the grounds of the hotel and stage by storm to give a superb rendition of a festival that was cherished and appreciated by all. It was an evening to remember bringing back the nostalgia of yesteryears from the Indian belt known popularly as “Kudla”
The program was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Labour and Employment, H.E. Oscar Fernandes, when he lit the lamp with sparkling enthusiasm in the presence of H.E. The Indian Ambassador to Bahrain, Mr. Balakrishna Shetty, and other dignitaries. A round of felicitations for all the VVIPs and Sponsors on the podium followed with their spirited citations and contributions delivered and commemorative mementos presented. Among other dignitaries present on the podium, the presence of Rev. Fr. Thomas Quadros, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, was also acknowledged and appreciated.
Austin Santosh, spoke eloquently in Tulu on behalf of the audience, aptly placing before the Union Minister the needs of the Indian community in Bahrain giving reasons with the right touch of humor where needed.
It was the turn of the Union Minister, who then captured the raptured attention of the audience not only speaking in the languages spoken in “Kudla”, viz., Kannada, Tulu, Konkani and English but also displaying briefly his singing talents in Tulu and Konkani.and for the finale a concluding musical rendition with the mouth-organ. The applause from the audience seemed never-ending.
Fernandes, spoke on the yesteryears bringing back memories of elders, stalwarts of the Mangalorean soil, to name some of them: Karnad Sadashiv Rao, Srinivas Mallya, Udupi Haji Abdulla Sayeb, Dr. T.M.A. Pai, T. A. Pai, Madhava Raj, Suryanarayana Adiga, Joachim and Violet Alva, J.M. Lobo Prabhu, all of whom have etched an indelible mark by playing an important role on the various development fields of Administration, Finance and infrastructure of the West Coast belt of Mangalore.
He pointed out that the world at large was not pointing out to India as a country with a “population boom” but instead as a country that now has rich “human resources” taking part globally in the field of Banking, Information Technology and Industry sectors. He noted that India is emerging as an economic power in the world at a time when it was celebrating the 100th year of Satyagraha. He added that there are still 25% of the population below poverty line and for their upliftment, all Indians including NRIs had a responsibility and a role to play.
As regards to the various recommendations requested in the memorandum presented to him, he assured the general audience that he would take up the matter as appropriate.
With a new runway at Bajpe, Mangalore Airport, he confirmed that very soon Air India Express will commence direct flights to Mangalore as and when new aircraft are acquired and that too with economic ticket prices as indicated to him by the Civilian Airports Administration Directorate in India.
He was all praise for the Ruling Family of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the opportunities it gives Indians and in conclusion, requested Indians on the island to continue to work for the development and betterment of the people of Bahrain and India.
Anand Lobo, the Chief co-ordinator of the program then introduced the Committee members of the Mangalore Cultural & Charitable Association, Bahrain. This was followed by a colourful cultural entertainment program of sing, song, drama and dance anchored by the young TV anchor, Sahail Ahamed,
Harry’s Century (Silver) Brass Band, from Bejai, gave their spirited trumpet blasts from the sidelines and made their presence conspicuous by their performance on stage. Famous byla singers, Claud and Anita Samson entertained the audience along with Shrikanth who is known as the Mohamed Raffi of Mangalore with Kannada, Konkani, Tulu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi yester-year filmy numbers to augur to all tastes.
Another highlight of the evening was the superb scintillating drum-beating and leg-thumping performers of the Thannir Bhavi Yuvaka Mandala who romped the stage with several of their rhythmic synchronizing dance-drum rituals and colorful stage performance. Theirs was a splendid one-of-a-kind performance to behold
Excellent music support for the program was given by Mr. Nafjad and members of his Orchestra.
Earlier, in the games tournament, the gents Metalco Bahrain Team won the Kabbadi tournament honours and among the ladies Bunts Team bagged the Throwball tournament honors.
Food and beverages on the occasion were served by The Palace Hotel, Bahrain.
The Palace Hotel, along with the unique initiatve of M/s. Lobo International, made KUDLOTSAVA 2007, a day for all Mangaloreans to remember.
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