Report and Pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (SP)

Mumbai, Oct 29: The renovated Radhabai Timmappa Bhandary Auditorium as well as Kabetiguttu Kashi Siddu Shetty air-conditioned mini hall located in Buntara Bhavan located at Bhandary Estate, Kurla (East) here, were inaugurated by the respective donors, Dr Prabhakar Bhandary and Lata P Bhandary couple and Bermu Bhandary and Deepa B Bhandary couple, by cutting the ribbons. The renovated halls were later officially inaugurated by Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji of Ramachandrapur Mutt by switching on the lights. At the same time, Bunts Sangha Mumbai president, Aikala Harish Shetty, unveiled the Bunts Sangh Mumbai website, www.buntssanghamumbai.com and dedicated it to the society.

Before the function, the three legislators from the Bunt community, Gopal C Shetty, Suresh Shetty and Krishna Hegde, who have been elected as MLAs in the recently held assembly election in Maharashtra, were felicitated by Aikala Harish Shetty by draping  shawls and offering fruits, flowers and mementoes.

Aikala Harish Shetty presided over the function. In his benedictory address, Sri Raghaveshwara Swamiji felt that he must have a close bond with the Bunt community since his previous births, as the last function before the renovation of the hall had been attended by him, and he was also in the first function held here after its renovation. While hailing Aikala Harish Shetty for getting the hall renovated within such a short time, he advised people to always think for others, rather than for themselves and get happiness in serving the others. He also asked the Bunt families to imbibe the Tulu traditions and culture among their children and to put motherhood above all, as is their tradition back home. He wished that the Bunts Sangha and the people connected with it will together work for a beautiful tomorrow, and at the same time, vibe with the problems of the people in distress.

Veteran actor Suresh Oberoi participated as honorary guest and conveyed his best wishes to the Sangha.

MLA Gopal C Shetty expressed his gratefulness to the Bunt community for ensuring his success for the second time with a huge margin. He asked those from the community to choose their life partners from their own community, in spite of the fields of their work and to conserve their  language and culture.

Suresh Shetty, who was the minister of state in the earlier government, and has been elected again for the second time, expressed happiness at the fact that four Bunt candidates including Rajit Kambli (who he said, is a half-bunt), have emerged victorious, although a decade ago, he was the lone Bunt to have got this honour.

Krishna B Hegde said that he will henceforth actively work with the Sangha activities. He added that he is aware of the problems the Bunt community, which is mostly involved with the hotel industry in the metro, is facing and promised to work to mitigate their hardships.

In his presidential address, Aikala Harish Shetty thanked the donors for helping for the renovation of the hall. He told them that there are plans to soon rebuild the community temple by sticking to the Vaastu principles.

Donor Prabhakar Bhandary said that he had made the donation in memory of his parents and hoped that the place will prove to be lucky and bring happiness to those who make use of the hall.  Lata P Bhandary said that this was a small gift from her family towards the conservation of the community and culture.

Various people including the donors were felicitated by the Sangha president. Aikala Harish Shetty and Chandrika Harish Shetty performed puja of Goddess Durgaparameshwari of Katil, took part in Sayanarayana puja and performed Padapuja of the Swamiji. They also felicitated national awardee weightlifter Abhilasha Shetty and sportsperson, N Sudarshan Shetty.

Vice-president, Shankar Shetty, treasurer, Prabhakar L Shetty and scores of other dignitaries were at the dais. Mala Bhaskar Shetty and team provided auspicious start to the programme with Ganapati Stuti.

Working presidents of regional committees, office bearers and members of the Sangha then presented various cultural programmes and dances with the help of teams guided by them.