Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha celebratesRajyotsava 2016' with pride and fervor

[email protected] (By Shodhan Prasad | photos by Sonu Bantwal)
November 5, 2016

Abu Dhabi, Nov 5: Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha is one such proud parent association for Kannadigas in UAE which has always kept the mantle of Karnataka high raised in this golden soil conducting Kannada programmes regularly and promoting art, literature and folk of Karnataka with Kannada flavor successfully since so many years. This year's Rajyotsava Day was grandly celebrated on Friday, November 4, at the Indian Social and Cultural Centre with much pride gathering a packed house auditorium throughout the day.

rajyotsava 17

Presided by Patron of Kannadigas in UAE, Padmashree Dr. B.R. Shetty along with Dr. Chandrakumari B.R. Shetty the celebrations kick started at 10.30 am with Manohar Tonse welcoming the guests and inviting the Chief Guests on to the stage to inaugurate the programme with the traditional lighting the lamp. Also present were Vice President of India Social Centre, RajanZacharia, General Secretary John Vegas, President of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Sarvotham Shetty and Committee Members. The invitees were honoured with flower bouquets. Soon Divya Sharma & Group rendered the prayer song followed by rich Kannada patriotic songKannadambeya Mukutuda Manigale' during which the audience gave a standing ovation with pride spirit.

Well known VJ Avinash Kamath of Spandana TV Udupi was specially flown in from India to host the Cultural part of the celebrations. As he was warmly welcomed by the audience, he took over the stage and the audience in his own imitable style into the days programme. He introduced the whole days programme and soon presented a welcome danceSharanu Sharanu – Swagatha Nruthya' ably choreographed by the famous Vidushi Rohini Ananthof Dubai.

Followed wasShiva Thandava' choreographed by Vidushi Sapna Kiran which was beautifully presented and appreciated. Next was colourfulKarnataka da UdugeThoduge' ably directed by VeenaMallya and was loudly applauded.Kamsa Mardhana' byVidhwan C Navda was a hair raising well appreciated performance.

“Da Ra Bendre” Award

Every year Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha identifies a staunch Kannadiga who indulges and contributes himself greatly towards Kannada literature and art in this part of the world who will be eligible for this honour. This year they unanimously identified and announced the multi-talented versatile Art Director of Kannadigas in UAE, B.K Ganesh Rai who was welcomed on to the stage and bestowed with “Da Ra Bendre Award”. Ganesh Rai received a respectful felicitation and honour by Padmashree Dr.B.R. Shetty in whose organization he currently serves as a Creative Art Director. He was honoured with Shawal/Mysore Peta/Bouquet/Plaque and Certificate of honour.

While President of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Sarvotham Shetty announced the award, Manohar Thonseread out Rai's achievements and the video presentation gave a colourful glory for the award function. In response Rai thanked Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, the Patron, President and all the Kannadigas for the great honour he received while promising his continuous commitment towards Kannada. He also said that this is theRajyotsava Award' for him which he missed to receive few years ago in Karnataka.

Various Honours

As like every year this year too Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha honoured the Merit Students who were identified with the applications received from those parents of the students who had achieved 90% and above in 10th& 12th Std. and who excelled during the last academic year2015-2016'. Also those who have excelled in the field of sports (CBSE National Level) during the same academic year including the winners of Shaikh Hamdan Award and Sharjah Award were invited on to the stage and honoured. While Ravi Rai/Althaf MS conducted the proceedings, Dr. Chandrakumari B.R. Shetty honoured the students.

Soon Sarvotham Shetty took over the stage and blissfully thanked all the Sponsors of the event. He starting inviting the Main Sponsors and honoured them with Shawl and Memento. Other Sponsors were also invited on to the stage and honouring them with Shawls while the audience kept on applauding.

Vidhwan Chandrashekar Navada was also invited on to the stage and honoured with Shawl and Memento. Delegates from Gandhi Bhavan Bangalore Prof. G.B. Shivaraju, S Narayan Swamy & V.B.Somashekar who had come to Dubai forGandhi Statue' unveiling programme were also invited on to the stage and felicitated with Shawl & Memento.

At the same time Presidents of various organisations, Representatives of Media and Deepak Somashekara were all invited on to the stage and honoured with shawl.

Special honours were for Nruthya Vidushi Rohini Ananth & Sapna Kiran who were felicitated with Shawl and Memento.

Like every year Karnataka Throwball Players were invited on to the stage and honoured with Medals individually.

Special invitee Vasu Puthran, Founder President Tulu Sangha, Borivli who is also a former Secretary of Kandivli Kannada Sangha was also invited on to the stage and honoured.

Guest MC and Compere VJAvinashKamath of Spandana TV was also invited on to the stage and honoured with Memento and Shawl.

VJ Avinash took over the stage again for the cultural part of the programme which continued with Instrumental Folk Dance by Vidushi Sapna Kiran. Followed wasKarnataka Navarasollasa' beautifully presented by Vidushi Rohini Ananth.

Sumptuous wide spread buffet lunch was announced and the audience rushed and savored the delicious vegetarian dishes and quickly returned to grasp other cultural programmes lined up aftermath.

Afternoon session started withKolata – Cheluvayya Cheluvoo'by Mrudhuvani which was well applauded.

Later VJ Avinash announced the UAE Level Open to all Group Songs Competition. The rule had minimum 8 singers in any group who will be eligible and that the song selected should be either Kannada Folk, Patriotic or the one chosen from any emotion poetry. The duration should be within a maximum of 7 minutes with 5 minutes maximum time limit allowed for the stage setting before the presentation. Pre-recorded music or Karaoke was totally excluded but musical instruments were allowed. While the group weretotally dressed with purely traditional attire, repetition of songs was avoided by pre-registering in advance.

Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha UAE Level Group Singing Competition winners are:
1.Da. Ra. Bendre Team Dubai won 1st place lead by Sangeetha Shetty & Team, Dubai
2. Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sanga Team 1 won 2nd place lead by Prashant Shenoy& Team
3. Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha Team 2 won 3rd place lead by Divya Sharma & Team

The competition was ably judged by a panel of judges viz., Sudhakar Pejawar, Mrs. Vijaya Bhat &RavirajTantryThe winners walked away with Cash Awards and Tropies honoured by Dr. B.R. Shetty.

Later Manohar Thonse took over the stage and announced theHanigavana Vachana' rendered smoothly by Irshad Moodubidri, Prakash Rao Payyar, Gopinath Rao, Arshad Hussain, Avinash Bhat, Satish Kulal & Arati Ghatikaar.

Before the conclusion the participants and the Coordinators/Choreographers were invited on to the stage and honoured with Prizes, the honours of which were ably conducted by Sarvotham Shetty in his own style.

Continued with the Raffle draw bySarvotham Shetty along with Jet Air representative Karthik Ramalingam, Jayaram Rai, Shekar Shetty and all the committee Members presence the programme concluded in the late evening with vote of thanks.

Guest VJ Avinash Kamath as a MC conducted the whole programme smoothly and was honoured by Sarvotham Shetty amidst big laud applauds.

On the whole the vibrant Karnataka Rajyotsava Celebration in Abu Dhabi was conducted with much pride and honour systematically with the hard work of all the Committee Members of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha ably lead by the leader Sarvotham Shetty.

rajyotsava 1

rajyotsava 3

rajyotsava 4

rajyotsava 6

rajyotsava 8

rajyotsava 9

rajyotsava 14

rajyotsava 15

rajyotsava 16

rajyotsava 31

rajyotsava 9

rajyotsava 18

rajyotsava 4

rajyotsava 19

rajyotsava 41

rajyotsava 2

rajyotsava 38

rajyotsava 2

rajyotsava 54

rajyotsava 10

More Photos

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
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: Public transport in Mangaluru is set for a state-led transformation as the government moves to deploy 100 new electric govt buses to replace unreliable private services. The initiative aims to provide a dependable alternative to private operators who have been frequently "cutting trips," leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

The announcement was made by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV during a public phone-in session. The move specifically targets routes where private bus service has become erratic, ensuring that citizens no longer have to rely on a fluctuating private sector for their daily commute.

Restoring the Govt Presence

The transport crisis was brought to the forefront by Ramayya, a resident of Bajal, who highlighted a growing trend of private buses skipping morning and night trips. With the previous KSRTC (govt) services discontinued, residents have been left without a fallback option.

To fix this, the DC confirmed that the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme will bring 100 government-owned electric buses to the city:

•    Phased Deployment: The first 50 of the new 100 government buses are scheduled to arrive by March 2026.

•    State Infrastructure: Two new government depots, including one at Mudipu, are being prepared for operations.

•    Recruitment: The state has already begun training a new batch of government bus drivers to ensure the fleet is operational the moment it arrives.

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
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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
December 7,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 7: A 34-year-old fruit and vegetable trader in Mangaluru has reportedly lost ₹33.1 lakh after falling victim to an online investment scam run through a fake mobile app.

Police said the scam began in September, when the victim received a link on Facebook. Clicking it connected him to a WhatsApp number, where an unidentified person introduced a high-return investment scheme and instructed him to download an app.

To build trust, the fraudster asked him to invest ₹30,000 on September 24. The trader soon received ₹34,000 as “profit,” convincing him the scheme was genuine. Over the next two months, he transferred money in multiple instalments via Google Pay and IMPS to different scanner codes and bank accounts shared by the scammers. Between September 24 and December 3, he ended up sending a total of ₹33.1 lakh.

When he later requested a refund of his investment and promised returns, the scammers demanded additional payments, claiming he needed to pay a “service tax” first. Even after he paid a small amount, no money was returned, and the scammers continued pressuring him for more.

A case has been registered at the CEN Crime Police Station.

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.