Report: Reena Castelino
Pics: Sunil Crasto
Doha, May 21: Tulu Koota Qatar (TKQ) exists with a motive to develop togetherness with feeling of security among the Tuluvas residing in Qatar and provide recreation to the members in the midst of their hectic work and home life in Qatar. Tulu is one language that unites people from different cultures, social and even economical backgrounds, and it was this common uniting factor that also brought together people from all walks of life together. Years have passed by but Tulu Koota has stood the test of time and grown by leaps and bounds to be recognized as one of the premier socio-cultural organizations established and run successfully by the Indian expatriate community in Qatar.
The annual day celebration of Tulu Koota Qatar, held at Delhi Public School auditorium here on Friday May 19, was a grand success with celebrities from India and young local talents presenting a beautiful and memorable show came in praise from all those who attended.
Chief guest of the evening P Kumaran, Indian Ambassador to Qatar, guests of honor Dr H S Ballal and first lady president of ICC Milan Arun, 'Tulunada Bolpu' awardees Harekala Hajabba, Sunil D'souza and Krishna Kumar Punja were welcomed in a procession by the executive committee members of Tulu Koota.
The event began with opening remarks by the host of the evening Nithesh Shetty followed by formal inauguration by lighting the lamp by the guests, executive committee members and elders from the gathering.
Tiny tots and ladies of Tulu Koota Qatar welcomed the gathering with a wonderful dance.
Guests of the evening were escorted by president of TKQ and platinum sponsor Ravi Shetty, sports coordinator and platinum sponsor Asmath Ali, vice-president Kiran Anand, general secretary Vijay Rai, and cultural secretary Dhanlakshmi Shetty to the dias. President Ravi Shetty welcomed the gathering.
Chief guest P Kumaran released the sub edition of annual day souvenir 'Nirel'. Tulu Koota MC member and technical coorinator Nithesh Doddanagudde was the chief editor of the same, graphic design was done by former mult-italented Sanjay Chapolkar from Bengaluru.
Guest of honour Milan Arun, president of Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), Qatar and a senior member of Tulu Koota on an advisory role, an inspiring and multifaceted lady who has carved a niche for herself among the Indian diaspora with her multiple talents and yeoman’s service, was felicitated on the occasion by Tulu Koota for being the first lady among the Gulf countries to take the above position.
Milan in her address thanked Tulu Koota and Karnataka associations for providing her the platform by recognising her talent and appreciated Tulu Koota unity and its support to ICC in all possible ways.
Children who excelled in different fields were honoured on the occasion. Priyanka Shetty, daughter of Naresh and Vijaya Shetty was felicitated for her achievement in badminon at GCC level, Aishwarya Shetty, daughter of Manjunath and Sudha Shetty was felicitated for her noble initiative of joining teach for India and also for winning May Queen 2017 conducted by Goan Association. Naresh and Vijaya Shetty were felicitated for their continued support to Tulu Koota specially in providing the venue for the practice.
Guest of honor Dr H S Ballal, a radiologist by profession and current pro-chancellor of Manipal University, is a well-known face in the education sector and has been the chairman of FICCI higher education committee, also the recipient of this year’s Karnataka Rajyotsava Award was felicitated by president and MC members in the presence of chief guest and other guests of honour. Presidents of other Karnataka associations viz Karnataka Sangha (KSQ), Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association (KMCA), Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association (SKMWA), and Bunts Qatar later presented a joint memento to Dr Ballal in continuation of the rich tradtion which exhibits the solidarity and unity among all the Karnataka associations in Qatar.
Dr H S Ballal in his speech was full of praise for the way Tulu Koota functions with unity invloving all segments of the society irrespective of cast and religion. He also appreciated Koota's noble idea of inviting three selfless social workers and honoring them with Tulunaada bolpu award .He also apprecaited koota ladies and children and all those who have taken part towards the successful annual day celebrations.
Guest of honour Dr R Seetharaman the most popular and articulate economist of the Middle East, CEO of Doha Bank, prominent personality in the banking industry throughout the Middle East, recently conferred with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, constituted by the ministry of overseas Indian affairs, government of India in conjunction with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day), was honoured by Tulu Koota.
Chief guest of the evening P Kumaran, Indian Ambassador to Qatar lauded Tulu Koota Qatar and he too appreciated Tulu Koota for its support to all the three apex bodies and also lauded the idea of honouring three social workers from different communities.
P Kumaran and Dr R Seetharaman were presented with mementos as a token of appreciation.
'Tulunadu Bolpu' award was conferred on Harekala Hajabba, Krishna Kumar Punja and Sunil D’Souza in a glittering style by escorting each awardee in a trational procession with the celebratory umbrella for their immense contribution towards the welfare of the humanity and society. These awards are not only the recognition but also an inspiration for all to strive to support others around in need of help. A standing ovation was given by the audience when the Tulunadu Bolpu award was conferred on the awardees.
Harekala Hajabba: Harekala Hajabba known as 'Akshara Santa' (Saint of Letters) is an fruit vendor in the city of Mangaluru, Karnataka and a well-known social reformer. Despite being uneducated, Hajabba fought tirelessly to build a government school in his native Newpadpu in Harekala by pooling money he earned and by seeking donors help. The British Broadcasting Corporation published an article on him with the title "Unlettered fruit-seller's Indian Education Dream" in November, 2012. He is the winner of 'Real Heroes' award by CNN IBN and Reliance Foundation.
Acknowledging the award Harekala Hajabba thanked in his own innocent way profusely the president and the Koota for recognizing and inviting a poor man like him.
Krishna Kumar Punja: Krishna Kumar Punja has been in the forefront of social service activities and social awareness campaigns for years. From organizing blood donation, health awareness camps to free medical check-ups, eye-testing camps, he has contributed in abundance towards the social wellbeing. He has also contributed towards more than 400 health check-up camps. He has significantly supported the younger generation specifically by providing financial aid to engineering and other students. His service has been recognized and he has been conferred with many prestigious awards and recognitions.
Krishna Kumar Punja replied to the award and said Social work is there in his blood and he continued the same after retirement and thanked Tulu Koota for recognising his contribution to the society.
Sunil D'Souza: Vishwasada Mane, the name in itself infuses faith among the homeless and those in need of care and Sunil D’Souza is the person and inspiration behind this. The care center at Shankerpura near Udupi has been panacea for many in need of helping hand, especially for people with unsound mind. The center is popularly known for providing shelter to many homeless psychiatric patients who wander on the streets.
Sunil D'souza thanked Tulu Koota Qatar and narrated the story behind before he took up this special humanitarian service .
'May 22', a Tulu play directed by Prasanna Shetty, Bailuru of Team Prashamsa fame was staged on the occasion. Many of the locally well-known artists gave a memorable performance under the able directorship of Prasanna Shetty. Audience appreciated the professionalism in acting and the heart touching message of "May 22" which is memorable day for Mangaloreans, the rib tickling comedy and the emotional feelings gave a special meaning to the play. Music support provided by the music master of Prashamsa Sharath Uchila made the play a complete one.
Pada Rangitha from renowned singing couple from Mangaluru Prakash and Roopa Mahadevan who have performed extensively across Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Mumbai and the Gulf entertained the gathering with some wonderful numbers, the music and their songs was a treat to the music buffs of Qatar.
Lakshmish Bhandary, the managing director of Bhandary Builders and golden sponsor of the event gave a presentation to the audience on their upcoming projects in Mangaluru.
MCs of the evening Nithesh Shetty and Sowmya Dinesh Shetty were both excellent in their control over Tulu language, their energy in keeping the audience attentive and engrossed was commendable.
Volunteers and guests artistes were presented with mementos. Cultural secretary Dhanlakshmi Shetty proposed the vote of thanks. Appreciation mementos were presented to Shashi Patra and Riyaz of DPS School and Shabeeb of Spirit sound system and Makdoom of Insight video.
Presidents, office-bearers and committee members from other Karnataka associations were also present on the occasion. Audience gathered for the celebrations enjoyed the entire show and lauded Tulu Koota Qatar for the professionalism in organizing the evening.