Kuwait: Cultural extravaganza and comedy fiesta mark ‘Tulu Parba 2018’

Media Release
November 8, 2018

Kuwait: Jam-packed audience, distinguished personalities from Tulu Nadu as guests, colorful and heart touching welcome to the guest, divine welcome dance, tembere 2 – a unique and spectacular show with more than 100 TKK talented artists and most awaited Tulu comedy drama “Paniyere Avandina” by Telekeda Bolli Devdas Kapikad and his Cha Parka Team…  Certainly, it’s difficult to summarize the mega festival of Tulu Koota Kuwait ‘Tulu Parba 2018’.  TKK created a new history by breaking all its previous records and most of all one among the best events in Kuwait. Tulu Parba 2018 celebrated on Friday, October 26, 2018 at the American International School, Kuwait.

The Chief Guest of this event was Mr. Pramod Madhwaraj, Former Minister for Fisheries, Youth Empowerment and Sports, Govt. of Karnataka, as well Managing Trustee of Malpe Madhwaraj Charitable Trust, assisting poor and needy patients. Guest of Honour Shri. Roshan D’Souza Belman, Founder Humanity Trust and Guest Artist Shri Telikeda Bolli Devdas Kapikad, Kuwaiti adventurer Mr. Ali Albairami and all other guests have been welcomed and received at the ingress in a traditional way. Tiny kids of age 2 to 6 years dressed in traditional Indian costume at the front row showering flower petals along with TKK Frist Lady Mrs. Reshma Wilson D’Souza sprinkling Rose water, Joint Secretary Mrs. Shalini Vijay Shetty and Mrs. Vasanthi Sudhakar Shetty welcomed the guests with Arathi and Thilaka.  All other beautiful Ladies of TKK dressed colorfully were lined-up on both sides of the passage and gave a “Poorna Kumbha Swagatha” and escorted the dignitaries to the auditorium by procession.  The Chande beats added a special ethnic ambiance to this.

The celebration kicked off with a curtain raiser, and compere’s Mrs. Jayalakshmi V Karkal and Mr. Lional R Mascarenhas welcomed the dignitaries with a brief introduction, followed by the Kuwait and Indian National Anthem. The invocation Dance ‘Pushpanjali’ asking God to protect us from evil and remove all the obstacles, performed by Nritta Dyana team and choreographed by Smt. Arundhathi John. The dazzling evening officially commenced with the lighting of the lamp by Management & Advisory Committee Members and the dignitaries. The flow followed by the release of the Souvenir of Tulu Parba 2018.

The Charming President, Wilson D’Souza in his address to the gathering welcomed the respected dignitaries, guests, sponsors and members.  He gave a brief report on the achievements and activities of the association during the year including, Family Picnic, Rasamanjari, Blood Donation Camp, Welfare activities and Financial support extend to the various organizations and individuals during the year.  He also thanked all the sponsors, well wishers, committee members and volunteers for their support and contribution towards the success of all the activities of association.

Mega event like Tulu Parba 2018 is only possible with the support from the sponsors and well-wishers. During the event TKK honored all its sponsors as a gesture to express the gratitude towards their support.  Mr. John Simon, Group Manager – Marketing, Corporate Sales & Events, Al Mulla Exchange, the event sponsor, in a brief note congratulated TKK and mentioned about features of their new Al Mulla Exchange Online/Mobile App. Tulu Koota Kuwait expressed its sincere gratitude to Al Mulla Exchange for their continued support for all the events of TKK and a long relation.

Tulu Koota Kuwait distributed Scholarship for eligible students for their further studies and certificate of Merit for those TKK children who outperformed in 10th Grade and 12th Grade examinations. TKK Committee Members Mr. Nakre Sathishchandra Shetty, Mr. Foustin Pinto, Mr. Sathish Acharya and Mrs. Kavitha Kidyoor were honoured for their outstanding service and dedication for the association. As a token of respect and appreciation to their respective dedicated work, Mr. Roshan D’Souza Belman, Social worker and Founder of Humanity Trust and Telikeda Bolli Devdas Kapikad for his contribution in the field of Tulu Drama were felicitated on this occasion.  TKK also honoured with Memento, Shawl and Flower bouquet to the Chief Guest Mr. Pramod Madhwaraj as a token of respect and gratitude.  Mr. Madhwaraj greeted and appreciated all Tuluvas in Kuwait for working together as one family and involving the association in various socio-cultural and welfare activities.  Dr. Preeti Shetty well-coordinated the felicitation program.

Tulu Koota Kuwait under an oath to promote the culture of Tulunadu, every year puts its fullest energy and efforts to showcase and enrich the cultural and traditional values of Tulunadu and pass it on to the next generation.  Tembere is one of the finest and unique cultural show that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Tulunadu.  After a grand success of its first part which as presented during the Tulu Parba 2017, TKK again presented the second Part of Tembere extending all its boundaries like previous year. This magnificent show Conceptualized and Directed by Suresh Salian, Written by Tharendra P Shettigar, Voice given by Tharendra P Shettigar and Shalini Vijay and was presented by more than 100 TKK members. The senior members of committee extended their full support in coordination at stage and during the rehearsals.

The main attraction of the day remained the Tulu drama 'Paniyere Avandina' by the 'Cha Parka' group led by Telikeda Bolli Devdas Kapikad. A team of 16 well known artist including Bojraj Vamanjoor, Thimmappa Kulal, Sathish Bandale and other prominent artist presented the super hit drama written, directed by Telikeda Bolli Devdas Kapikad. The audience went into roars of laughter and sat through the end of the drama enjoying every bit of the show.

The program was well coordinated by the Cultural Secretary, Ronald D’Souza, while Vote of Thanks was rendered by the General Secretary, Jagadeeshwara Shanubhogue U. The Sound and Lightings were provided by Waves Events & Rentals Kuwait, Photography done by Mr. Alban D’Souza, Makeup done by Mr. Ajay Ghosh & Team, Stage setting by Mr. Sathish & Team, Mr. James Paul provided the space and support for practice and preparations. Relay slides by Ramesh Bhandary & Team and Souvenir artwork designed by Manoj Kumar.

Our gratitude to M/s Jet Airways for their hospitality concerning travel related requirements and supporting our entire guest artist for their to-and-fro Mangalore Kuwait journey. Audience were also given snack boxes and fruit juice at the end of the event.

\

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
January 8,2026

bird.jpg

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. 

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
January 16,2026

tourism.jpg

Following a record-breaking response to experimental joyrides during the Karavali Utsava, the Dakshina Kannada district administration has signaled a major shift toward high-end travel. Officials are now laying the groundwork to transform Mangaluru into a permanent heli-tourism hub, connecting the state’s most sacred pilgrim centers and untouched coastal gems via the skies.

The move comes as the Karnataka government readies a specialized tourism policy for the coast, aimed at drawing global investors. With Mangaluru already serving as a critical nexus for education, healthcare, and maritime trade, the introduction of a scheduled helicopter service is seen as the "missing link" in the region’s economic evolution.

By the Numbers: A Flying Success

The data from the recent 10-day trial (beginning December 26) paints a clear picture of high demand:

•    Total Passengers: 1,032
•    Ride Duration: 7 minutes
•    Ticket Price: ₹3,500 per person
•    Origin of Tourists: Significant turnout from Kerala, Udupi, and Karwar.

Bridging the Gap for Global Travelers

Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV emphasized that the vision extends far beyond festival joyrides. Currently, international tourists arriving via luxury cruises at the New Mangalore Port (peak season December–April) often find themselves "landlocked" by time.

"Foreign visitors staying for just 24 to 48 hours currently struggle to visit inland attractions like Chikkamagaluru or Kodagu due to road travel times," a senior official noted. "A permanent heli-link would make these Western Ghats destinations accessible in under 30 minutes."

Beyond Tourism: Medical and Logistics

The administration is also looking at the humanitarian and logistical benefits. As a medical powerhouse, Mangaluru’s private hospitals could utilize the proposed permanent helipads for:

1.    Cardiac Emergencies: Rapid transfer of critical patients.
2.    Organ Transplants: Vital "green corridors" through the air to save lives.
3.    Regional Connectivity: Linking remote areas like Puttur, Sullia, and Beltangady to the main city.

While the Karavali Utsava has traditionally focused on beach-side festivities, the DC confirmed that the district is now evaluating formal proposals from private operators. The goal is to establish a network of permanent helipads that will eventually offer regular sorties to Kudremukh National Park and the scenic heights of the Western Ghats.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
January 16,2026

Mangaluru: Mangaluru’s skyline is set for a high-end transformation as the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada prepares to shed its reputation for lacking premium hospitality. In a massive show of confidence, entrepreneurs have committed nearly ₹500 crores toward the construction of four new five-star hotels, a move experts say will finally plug the "luxury leak" to neighboring states.

For years, Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) has served as a gateway for high-net-worth travelers who, upon landing, promptly departed for Kerala or Kodagu due to a dearth of elite accommodation in the city. These new projects, three of which are backed by local visionary investors, aim to turn Mangaluru into a destination rather than just a transit point.

Mapping the Luxury Boom

The expansion is already in motion, with two major landmarks leading the charge:
•    Gurupura Property: Construction is already underway on a premier resort-style hotel.
•    Kuloor Hub: A sophisticated urban luxury hotel has been proposed for this strategic area.
•    Timeline: All four projects are slated for completion within the next 24 months, promising to fundamentally alter the region's tourism profile by 2028.

Why Now? The Investor Demand

The push for five-star infrastructure isn't just about tourism; it’s a direct response to the city’s industrial and academic evolution. Stakeholders from the IT and corporate sectors have long flagged the lack of premium suites as a hurdle for international business investments.

"Mangaluru is an powerhouse of mega-industries, medical excellence, and a burgeoning IT scene," noted a senior Tourism Department official. "It is an anomaly that a city with this much economic muscle has lacked a five-star anchor. By offering premium hospitality, we aren't just housing tourists; we are inviting global investors to stay, engage, and invest more deeply in our coast."

Strategic Retention

The "drain" of visitors to the neighboring state of Kerala has been a long-standing grievance for local businesses. With these new properties, the district administration expects a significant multiplier effect—benefiting local sightseeing, high-end retail, and the burgeoning medical tourism sector. As Mangaluru accelerates on its development trajectory, the message to the world is clear: the coast is finally ready to host you in style.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.