World Kundapura Kannada Day Celebrated in Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 12, 2024: The World Kundapura Kannada Day was grandly celebrated on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the Ramakrishna College premises, Bunts Hostel, Mangaluru. The event was organized by the Kudladagippa Kundapradar WhatsApp Group and commenced with traditional rural sports activities in the morning.
Dr. Sanjeeva Rai, the Director of Ramakrishna College, inaugurated the sports fest by releasing balloons. Events like lemon-and-spoon race, three-legged race, sack race, running around a pole, and tug-of-war were conducted, along with a mat-weaving competition. Around 200 participants, including children and senior citizens, joined in the festivities.
The formal ceremony in the afternoon was inaugurated by lighting a lamp and the traditional planting of rice grains by the chief guest, Halady Shantaram Shetty, retired DGM of Vijaya Bank. In his address, he emphasized the importance of preserving the Kundapura Kannada language, stating that despite working in various parts of the country, he continues to speak Kundapura Kannada at home. He urged everyone to keep using their mother tongue to ensure its survival.
Following this, Balakrishna Shetty, retired principal of Ramakrishna College, Mangaluru, captivated the audience with his humorous speech in the Kundapura Kannada style. Outstanding SSLC and PUC students were recognized and honored during the event. The chief sponsors of the event, Shekhar of Tamnvi Constructions, Mangaluru, and Kundapura Kannada artist Chetan Nailadi, were felicitated. The Kundapura Kannada story collection “Nudi Theru,” edited by Karunakar Balkur, was symbolically released during the event.
Mangaluru MP Brijesh Chowta and President of Bunts’ Association, Mangaluru Ajit Kumar Rai Maladi attended the event and extended their best wishes.
The honorary president of the World Kundapura Kannada Day Organizing Committee, Dayanand Shetty, and Vice President Mamata G. Aithal were present. Committee President G.K. Shetty welcomed the guests, and the event was hosted by RJ Nayana and RJ Prasanna. The vote of thanks was delivered by Organizing Committee Secretary Ramakrishna Marati.
The event witnessed the participation of 450 Kundapura Kannadigas from Kudla, who enjoyed various cultural activities, including dance, Yakshagana, and singing performances by Kudladagippa Kundapura members.
A unique comedy act titled “Hengsra Pancheti” in Kundapura Kannada was performed by Chetan Nailadi and his team. The winners of the morning’s sports competitions were awarded prizes during the cultural program. The event concluded with a special dinner in the traditional Kundapura style.
