Saudi Arabia | ISF hosts colorful Kannada Rajyotsava in Al-Khobar

coastaldigest.com web desk

November 5, 2018

Al-Khobar, Nov 5: The Karnataka state unit of the Indian Social Forum, recently celebrated Kannada Rajyotsava in Gulf Darbar Restaurant Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia to commemorate formation day of Karnataka state.

The colorful ceremony was inaugurated by displaying the Karnataka state flag and playing state anthem. A series of events like Kannada skit, felicitation ceremony, Kannada poems, quiz competition and stage programs made the celebration remarkable.

Indian Social Forum, Karnataka State, Eastern Province, president Mohammad Shareef presided over the event while ISF State committee member Arif Jokatte delivered the key note speech.

Addressing the audience Arif highlighted the role of Kannadigas in building the nation. Chief guests Sajid Valavoor, General Secretary, Indian Fraternity Forum, Mohsin from Karkala Association Saudi Arabia (KASA), Nizar from Rezayath Sparrow Company, Syed Safdar from Indian Embassy School Dammam, Nizamuddin President of Jamiathul Falah Dammam and Hathim Kanchi President DKSC Eastern Province were present at the event.

Documentary video was displayed during the event shed the light on Karnataka’s beauty and unity in diversity which was appreciated by the audience. ISF Dammam Block team played an eloquent and funny skit which showed the variety of the Kannada language within different regions of Karnataka and the generous and Kind attitude of Kannadigas. The skit entertained the audience while delivering beautiful message. Audience were also amazed with the spot Quiz, pick & speech, kannada songs and other cultural program during the event.

Achievers were felicitated. Dakshina Karnataka Sunni Center (DKSC) was honoured for successfully establishing various educational institutions under the umbrella of ‘Al-Ihsan Educational Trust’ Muloor Udupi. DKSC representatives Hathim Kanchi, Abdul Azeez Muduthota, Ismail Katipalla and Basheer Vardara received the momento.

Jamiathul Falah was honoured for its contribution in the field of education in Coastal Karnataka for past 30 years. Jamithul Falah representatives Nizamuddin Sheikh, Imran Karkala, Shareef Karkala and Azeem Alam received the momento.

ISF president Mohammad Shareef, State Committee members Arif Jokatte and Shareef Addoor presented the mementos to the respective organizational representatives.

ISF member Shareef Krishnapura welcomed the gathering. Irshad Haleyangadi compered the event and Rizwan Sastana proposed the vote of thanks.

Comments

Nice Program

proude to be a kanndiga jai Indian social form

Great.. wonderful program

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Wings over Mangaluru: 12th Karnataka bird festival takes flight at Pilikula

News Network

January 8,2026

Mangaluru: The pristine landscapes of Pilikula Nisargadhama are set to become a haven for avian enthusiasts as the 12th edition of the Karnataka Bird Festival (popularly known as Hakki Habba) kicks off this Friday. Organized by the Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board in collaboration with the Forest Department, the three-day event (January 9–11) aims to pivot the state’s tourism narrative from "tiger-centric" to a more inclusive appreciation of its diverse winged inhabitants.

A Majestic Mascot for Coastal Conservation

This year, the spotlight shines brightly on the White-bellied Sea Eagle, a formidable raptor of the coastal skies, which has been designated as the festival’s official mascot. Board Chairperson Shalet Pinto emphasized that the choice highlights the region's unique maritime biodiversity and the urgent need for environmental protection through sustainable eco-tourism.

Global Knowledge, Local Roots

The festival will be officially inaugurated by Eshwar B. Khandre, Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment. Beyond the spectacle, the event serves as a critical bridge between seasoned naturalists and the next generation.

Anthony Mariappa, DCF of the Mangaluru Division, noted that the festival is designed as an "outreach and knowledge-sharing powerhouse." More than 180 students from six prestigious colleges, including St. Aloysius and Mangalore University, will trade their classrooms for the field, gaining hands-on experience in bird spotting and documentation.

The "Big Twelve": Habitats Under the Lens

Ornithologists and participants will fan out across twelve strategically identified locations representing four distinct ecosystems:

•   Wetlands: Kenjar, Kavoor, Polali, and Jokatte.
•   Forest Patches: Pilikula and Mangalore University campus.
•   Shorelines: Mukka and Sasihitlu.
•   Estuaries: Bettampady.

With over 420 species recorded in the Dakshina Kannada district—including 40 migratory visitors—this edition of the Bird Festival promises to be a milestone in documenting India's western flyway.

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