Vishwa Tulu Sammelana 2018 in dubai on Nov 23, 24

Shodhan Prasad | Photos by Ashok Belman
November 11, 2018

Dubai: Overseas Tuluvas in association with Akhila Bharatha Tulu Okkoota and Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy have jointly come up with a meaningful event ‘Vishwa Tulu Sammelana 2018 – Dubai’ to be hosted in Dubai on November 23 and 24, 2018 at Al Nasr Leisurel and Ice Rink & Nashwan Hall under the License of Rhythm Events Company. 

The two day event for the first time ever is being hosted outside India giving it a real meaningful name. All these years the same Conventions were arranged by the organizers in Mangaluru and outskirts but were all the time within the territory of Tulu Nadu. This time a thought arose as to ‘why not we hold this outside India’.

A meeting was held in Dubai by likeminded Tuluvas viz., Sarvotham Shetty, Shodhan Prasad & Ganesh Rai who later arranged a meeting with the various Tuluva Community leaders of UAE and requested support in hosting this mega event in Dubai.

Sarvotham Shetty as the President of UAE Tuluvas became the Chief Convenor of ‘Vishwa Tulu Sammelana 2018 Dubai.  Shodhan Prasad as the Event Manager drafted and crafted the whole Event.  Ganesh Rai took charge of the Souvenir with his expertise and as one of the fund raising source. Thus the programme got a good start to move ahead.

It was decided that the whole Event will be conducted through a professional licensed Event Management Company and ‘Rhythm Events’ came into this venture with their License.  The event will be under DTCM permission and the proposal has been sent along with the clearance from venue Al Nasr Leisureland’s NOC to the Event Management to proceed with.  

Shodhan Prasad presented the master plan andas per that it is a ‘Sarva Dharma Convention’ mainly highlighting Tulu Language, Culture & Folk amongst the Tulu Speaking ‘Sarva Dharma’ Communities of Tulu Nadu.With the vision to save Tulu language, Culture & Folk the core mission is to show case the importance of including the Tulu language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.  Currently as per Article 344(1) and 351 of the Indian Constitution, the eighth schedule includes the recognition of around 22 languages.  There are demands for inclusion of 42 more languages and Tulu stands in the bottom 42nd.

Sarvotham Shetty as Chief Coordinator held various meetings with AkhilaBharata Tulu Okkoota & Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Presidents to get moral and monetary support from the Government of Karnataka.Since it is a joint venture of the three organizers the hosts being in Dubai will do all preparations to present the event whereas the later will put every effort in getting Government of Karnataka’s grants as monetary support for the event.  An initial nod from the Chief Minister has been received and await sanctions.

Accordingly the following sub-committees were formed to present a two day mega event.

SUB COMMITTEES

- Core Committee – Comprising of leaders of various community organisations

- Sub Committee – Comprising of Members from various community organisations

- Budget & Audit Committee – Comprising of Auditors & Chartered Accountants

- Members Co-ordination Committee

- Souvenir Committee

- Exhibition Committee

- Cultural & Convention Committee

- Food Committee

- Marketing & Publicity Committee

- Welcome & Volunteer Committee

- Backstage Committee

- Stage Programme& Felicitation Committee

- Time Police Committee – Who will manage the time slots

- Airport Receiving & Transport Committee

- Musical Orchestra Committee

- Al Ain Ghataka

- Abu Dhabi Ghataka

- Oman Ghataka

- Throw-ball Teams Ghataka

The whole programme will comprise of the following Cultural & Social awareness programmes:

Tulu Folk Dance Competitions 

A pure GCC Level Folk Dance Competitions will be held during the event.  So far 6 Teams comprising of Oman, Bahrain, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s various teamshave confirmed their participations.  Each team has more than 10 members and some of the team has around 28 participants of various age levels fully prepared.  A total of 118 dancers will be competing in these 6 groups registered.

Joint Inauguration (Udipana) by Heads of various religious communities of Tulu Nadu on 23rd Nov @ 2 pm:

Padmavibhooshan Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade – Dharmadhikari of Shri. Kshetra Dharmasthala will inaugurate
Padmashri Dr. B R Shetty, Patron of UAE Tuluvas& Main Sponsor will preside the event
Rev. Bishop Peter Paul Saldhana of Mangalore
Rev. Bishop Henry D'Souza of Bellary
Bollywood Star Shri.Sunil Shetty
Rev. Fr. Ebnezer Jathanna of CSI Protestant Church
Shri. Abdul Salam Puthige, Muslim Scholar and Chief Editor of Varthabharati
Shri. Ronald Colaco, Philanthropist and Businessman& Main Sponsor
Shri. Sujat Shetty, Businessman and Silver Sponsor
Dr. Mohan Alva, Founder Alvas Educational Institution Moodabidri & Promotor of Tulu
Shri Veerappa Moily, Member of Parliament
SmtJayamala Actress, Minister of Government of Karnataka
Shri. U T Khader, Minister of Government of Karnataka
Shri UmanathKotian, MLA Government of Karnataka
Shri. AravindJatti (BasavaSamithi)
Shri. Sarvotham Shetty, Chief Organiser of Vishwa Tulu Sammelana, President UAE Tuluvas
Shri. Dharmapal Devadiga, President Akhila Bharata Tulu Okkoota
Shri. A C Bhandary, President of Karnataka Sahitya Academy
Shri. Guru Kiran – Sandalwood Artiste
Shri. Shodhan Prasad, Event Manager of Vishwa Tulu Sammelana
Shri. Ganesh Rai, Artiste

Joint Valedictory (Mugithala) by following dignitaries on 24th November at around 7 pm
 
Padmavibhooshan Dr.D.VeerendraHeggade as Chief Guest
Padmashri Dr.B R Shetty (Presided)
Dr.Sunitha M. Shetty, Writer & Scholar will be the main Speaker
Mangalore Bishop Rev. Peter Paul Saldhana
Bellary Bishop Rev. Henry D'Souza
Bollywood Star Sunil Shetty
Rev. Fr.EbinejerJathanna – CSI Protestant Church
Shri  Abdul Salam Puthige, Muslim Scholar
Shri VeerappaMoily, Member of Parliament
Smt Jayamala, Minister Govt. of Karnataka
Shri U T Kadar, Minister Govt. of Karnataka
Shri Sarvotham Shetty (Swagatha)
Shri DharmapalDevadiga
Shri A. C.Bhandary
Shree Shree His Holiness SugunendraTheerthaSwamiji of Ashta Mutt
Shree ShreeGurudevanandaSwamiji, Odiyoor Temple
Shree Shree Mohandas ParamahamsaSwamiji
Shri Guru Kiran
Shri Shodhan Prasad
Shri Ganesh Rai

‘Tulu Aisiri’ Souvenir Release

As a part of the maiden ‘Vishwa Tulu Sammelana 2018 Dubai’ remembrance a 200 plus pages beautifully crafted Souvenir designed by well-known artiste Ganesh Rai will be released during the event.  This all in one hand book of Tuluvas will have beautiful messages from leaders, poems, stories, write-ups, wishes, greetings including personal and commercial advertisements from Tuluva Community people around the world.  Around 2000 copies will be distributed free to all the families during the event.

Tulunada Pabholu (Festivals of Tulu Nadu) 

A dance ballet by Artistes from Chakrapani Nritya Kala Kendra Mangalore headed by Master Suresh Attavar comprising of more than 35 artistes from both India and Dubai will showcase different festivals of various religious sects.

Tulu Yakshagana Bayalata (Ballet)

Local artistes of YakshaMitraru comprising of talented youngsters headed by Dinesh Shetty Kottinja will be presenting ‘Jambhav tiKailasa’ Yakshagana Bayalata

Yakshagana Natya Gana Vaibhava (Dance drama)

Satish Shetty Patla and his 9 member Team will be arriving from Mangalore to present the very famous Yakshagana Natya Gana Vaibhava, a spectacular dance drama.

Tala Maddale – An ancient art of story telling

Jabbar Samoa, Bhaskar Rai Kukkuvalli, Kadri Navneeth Shetty, Thonse Pushkal Kumar & Dayanand Kathalsar will be jointly presenting this ancient art of storytelling.

‘Pili Nallike’ – Tiger dance of Tulu Nadu

Around 18 member ‘Phili’ Tiger dancers both from local and India will be presenting a dance form of Tiger Dance one of the old folk dance of Tulu Nadu with painted body and well synchronized dance trained by Girish Narayan of Dubai.

‘Tulu Rasamanjari’ – Musical Orchestra & Sandalwood’s Guru Kiran

An 7 piece band of local talented Musicians ‘Versatiles’ headed by Play back Singer Pramod Kumar will be presenting the first ever ‘Tulu Rasamanjari’ with various local trained singers.  They will be presenting one hour sessions on both days of the Event with melodious and fast numbers.  Actor Singer of Sandalwood, Guru Kiran will be the added attraction in this event who will present some of the famous Tulu songs to dance with.

‘Tulu Ayona’ – a Folk Dance Ballet 

Visiting artistes from Dr. Rajesh Alva Team ofBadiadka Mangalore will be presenting Tulu Folk Dance with their strong 50 member troupe who are arriving from Mangalore specially for this event.

‘Sathyapuratha Siri’ Dance Drama

A famous Tulu Nritya Roopaka by Sanathana Natyalaya Mangalore headed by Chandrashekar Shetty and Troupe comprising of around 26 artistes will be presenting this rare folk dance.

‘Yelver Daiyar’ Dance Drama

A grand Tulu Nritya Roopaka by Natya Nikethana, Mangalore headed by  Ullal Mohan Kumar will be presenting this with 6 artistes from Mangalore and 16 local talented dancers.

Tulu Nada Gobbulu – Sports of Tulu Nadu

Nagesh Kulal and his Team from Mangalore will be presenting a different form of dance titled ‘Tulu Nada Gobbulu’.

Various Stand-up Comedy Teams

Prashamsa Team comprising of Sandeep Shetty Manibettu, Prasanna & Merwin along with Sharath Kumar.  UmeshMijar Team along with his 6 accomplish will be flying from Mangalore to present some rib tickling super humorous stand-up comedy during the both days with various slots.  Gammath Kalavider the local talented Team will also add spice with their comedy skits in between.

Tulu Janapada Acharaney Ghosti (Folk Celebration Convention)

Well known Professor Dr. B.A. Vivek Rai will be presiding this convention which has Prof. Tukaram Poojary, Prof. Ganesh Amin Sankamar, Dayanand Kathalsar & Kudhi Vasanth Shetty participating.

Hasya Kavi-Kavana Ghosti

Dr. Y.N. Shetty will be presiding this Poetic Convention which has local poets participants comprising of Prakash Rao Payyar, Irshad Moodabidri, Gopinath Rao, M.E. Moolur & Shree Avinash Bhat Abu Dhabi.

Tulu Chalana Chitra & Rangha Bhoomi Ghosti (Film & Theatre)

Dr. Jayamala (Actress) will be presiding this Tulu Film & Theatre Convention which has Richard Castelino, V.G. Pal, Kishore D. Shetty, Naveen D. Padil, Thonse Vijay Kumar Shetty, BhojarajVamanjoor, AravindBolar, VijaykumarKodialbail & Shodhan Prasad participating.

Madhyama Ghosti (Journalist)

Walter Nandalike will be presiding this Ghosti with Dinesh Amin Mattu, Sadanand Perla, Dr.Ummer & Ganesh Rai.

Horanada & Anivasi Tuluvara Samavesha

A special discussion from Tuluvas from outside Tulunaduspecially Tulu leaders from various parts of India and NRI Tuluvas from various parts of the world will be gathering on this show.  There may be more than 25 members participating here.

Masters of the Ceremony

6 talented well-known MC’s viz., Bhaskar Rai Kukkuvalli, Kadri Navneeth Shetty, RJ Saiheel Rai, RJ Priya Harish Shetty, TV personality Naveen Shetty Yedmar all from Mangalore & Ashok Pakkala from Mumbai will be jointly hosting this mega event with their expertise.

Tulu Nada Toopike (Exhibition)

Some of the rare artefacts of Tulu Nadu will be the main attraction of this Tulu Nada Exhibition headed by Artiste Zuber Khan Kudla.  He has a talented bunch of Artistes who are working hard from many days putting their fullest efforts to decorate and make this area inside Nashwan Hall and the ‘Dwara’ (main entrance) a real treat for the eyes.  This will have items of Tulu culture, games and sports including video presentations.

Tulu Nada Thenasu (Food Stall)

Mouthwatering Tulu Nada delicacies such as Moode, Kottige, ManjaldaIrethaAdya, Buns, GoliBaje, ArepAdya are some of the food to name.  However there will be many more displays and savories from Devesh Alva and his Team who are well prepared to serve fresh and tasty preparations for more than 4000 visitors from all over the world throughout the day.

Swagatha Team

More than 600 well prepared volunteers comprising of women & men have geared up to receive Tuluva Guests from all over the world in a traditional way.  A ‘Purna Kambha Kalasha’ with live drum beats &trumphets with traditional attire welcome will be provided for the Guests from the entrance to the venue in a formal way.

‘Muttale’ our traditional head gear

More than 2000 ‘Muttale’ (traditional head gear) will be flown from Mangalore for this event to be distributed during the raffle.  When it is worn by the audience it will display the simplicity of our Tuluvas in this rich land.

‘Vishwa Tulu Sammelana’ Dubai Tour

To attract and encourage more Tuluvas to attend the Vishwa Tulu Sammelana Dubai, officially Shodhan Prasad &Sabitha Shetty under the umbrella of ‘Wanderlust Tourism’ have offered Dubai Tours with economically budgeted price to Tuluvas from all over the world.  The 5 days package has now attracted big number of tourists from India and abroad who will be participating in the 2 days Sammelana along with the special Tour.

It is learnt that there are many Tuluvas from Mumbai, Bangalore, Mangalore, Delhi and other places who have formed various Groups and are coming on their own expenses voluntarily to witness this event.  

Live streaming

Namma Kudla TV Team of 4 cameramen will arrive from Mangalore to arrange live streaming of the entire event in Namma Kudla TV Channel.  People who will not be able to come will have an opportunity to watch it back in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi & Kasargod Districts plus live on internet.

With the joint preparations going on in full swing for quite some time;the organizers having more than 335 participants, 300 plus Committee Members, 600 volunteers and 24 plus well-known Guest Speakers hope that the world will witness an historic amazing unique programme in Dubai for the Tuluvas to remember forever. Sandhya Creations are the Event Manager of Vishwa Tulu Sammelana 2018 Dubai.

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coastaldigest.com news network
November 28,2025

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Udupi district transformed into a sea of saffron and celebration on Friday, November 28, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow swept through the coastal temple town. Thousands of residents lined the streets, turning the event into a vibrant public spectacle filled with cheers, flags, and festive energy.

The procession route—from the helipad to the historic Sri Krishna Math—was decked with buntings, saffron flags, and multilayered security barricades. One of the district’s largest-ever security deployments was put in place for the high-profile visit, with over 3,000 police personnel on duty. The arrangement included ten SPs, 27 DSPs, 49 inspectors, 127 sub-inspectors, 232 assistant sub-inspectors, 1,608 constables, and 39 women staff.

Six platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police, six Quick Response Teams, bomb detection units, and dog squads were stationed across Udupi. Enhanced surveillance covered Adi Udupi, Bannanje bus stand, and the Sri Krishna Math parking zone, with combing operations carried out along the roadshow corridor.

At the 800-year-old Sri Krishna Math, preparations reached a ceremonial peak. Paryaya Puttige Math seer Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji said the Prime Minister would take part in the Laksha Kantha Geetha Parayana, a mass chanting of the Bhagavad Gita by one lakh devotees, and inaugurate the new Suvarna Teertha Mantapa.

“He will first offer floral tributes to saint-poet Kanakadasa and then unveil the golden covering over the Kanakana Kindi,” the seer said.

The Prime Minister will also receive a Poorna Kumbha welcome and have darshan of Lord Sri Krishna, Mukhyaprana Devaru, and the Suvarna Paduke. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister Bairathi Suresh, Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade, and seers from the Ashta Maths are expected to join the ceremony.

Ahead of his arrival, the Prime Minister posted on X that he felt “honoured” to attend the spiritually significant gathering. “This is a special occasion that brings together people from different sections of society for a recital of the Gita. This Matha has a very special significance in our cultural life,” he wrote, noting the institution’s long-standing legacy rooted in the teachings of Sri Madhvacharya.

roadshow2.jpg

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  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
Media Release
November 24,2025

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Sharjah, UAE: Ayisha Basheer Esra, a talented young writer hailing from Aramboor in Dakshina Kannada’s Sullia taluk, marked a significant milestone in her burgeoning literary career with the launch of her debut novel, The Betrayal of the Kingdom, at the Sharjah International Book Fair. The prestigious event, recognized as the world’s largest book fair, provided a fitting stage for the unveiling of Esra’s work.

The official release ceremony was conducted by Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director of the Religious Affairs Office of the Sharjah Government and a distinguished member of the royal family, underscoring the significance of Esra’s achievement. Mrs. Lini Shivaprasad, Principal of GEMS Millennium School, Sharjah, had the honor of receiving the first copy of the novel.

The event was graced by the presence of numerous distinguished guests, reflecting the widespread recognition of Esra’s literary talent and the anticipation surrounding her debut novel. Among the notable attendees were Syed Panakkad Munawwarali Shihab Tangal, Dr. Mariam Al Shenasi, the UAE’s renowned writer and Head of Dar Al Yasmin Publications, Dr. K. K. N. Kurup, Retired Vice Chancellor of Calicut University and Historian, Sharjah Businessman Shamsuddin Bin Mohideen, Nizar Talangara, President of the Sharjah Indian Association, V. T Salim, Director of Silver Home Real Estate, Munir Al Wafa, MD of Lipi Publication Akbar, and other esteemed individuals.

At the remarkably young age of eight, Esra has already established herself as a prolific writer, authoring and publishing collections of short stories in addition to her newly released full-length novel. Her dedication to writing and her exceptional talent have positioned her as one of the youngest authors to achieve such literary success. 

Esra is the daughter of Basheer and Haseena, residents of Aramboor, Sullia, and currently a student at Sharjah’s GEMS Millennium School. Her early accomplishments serve as an inspiration to aspiring young writers and a testament to the power of nurturing creativity from a young age.

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News Network
December 2,2025

Puttur: The long-cherished dream of a government medical college in Puttur has moved a decisive step closer to reality, with the Karnataka State Finance Department granting its official approval for the construction of a new 300-bed hospital.

Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai announced the crucial development to reporters on Monday, confirming that the official communication from the finance department was issued on November 27. This 300-bed facility is intended to be the cornerstone for the establishment of the government medical college, a project announced in the state budget.

Fast-Track Implementation

The MLA outlined an aggressive timeline for the project:

•    A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the hospital is expected to be ready within 45 days.

•    The tender process for the construction will be completed within two months.

Following the completion of the tender process, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the project.

"Setting up a medical college in Puttur is a historical decision by the Congress government in Karnataka," Rai stated. The project has an estimated budget allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for the medical college.

Focus on Medical Education Department

The MLA highlighted a key strategic move: requesting the government to implement the hospital construction through the Medical Education Department instead of the Health and Family Welfare Department. This is intended to streamline the entire process of establishing the full medical college, ensuring the facilities—including labs, operation theatres, and other necessary infrastructure—adhere to the strict guidelines set by the Medical Council of India (MCI). The proposed site for the project is in Bannur.

Rai also took the opportunity to address political criticism, stating that the government has fulfilled its promise despite "apprehensions" and "mocking and criticising" from opposition parties who had failed to take similar initiatives when they were in power. "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has kept his word," he added.

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