Tuluparbha 2024: A Grand Silver Jubilee Celebration of Tulu Koota Kuwait

Tulu Koota Kuwait celebrated its highly anticipated annual event, Tuluparbha 2024, in grand style, marking the organization’s 25th-anniversary silver jubilee. The event was a vibrant showcase of culture, unity, and tradition, filled with lively performances, meaningful moments, and reflecting the energetic spirit of the Tulu-speaking community in Kuwait.

The program commenced at the American International School at 3:00 pm with a warm reception of distinguished guests and an enthusiastic crowd filling the hall. The program was energetically led by dynamic emcees Mr. Deepak Andrade and Mrs. Ashwitha Poojary. The celebration began with the national anthems of Kuwait and India, paying homage to both nations and setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

The celebration commenced with a unique lamp-lighting ceremony, skillfully choreographed by committee member Mr. Suresh Salian. Staying true to tradition, the lighting symbolized enlightenment and positivity, marking the official start of the festivities. Following this, the 25th-anniversary souvenir was unveiled in a creative and memorable way, also under the direction of Mr. Salian. Vice President Mr. Shankar Shetty warmly welcomed all guests and members in his welcome speech, followed by an enchanting welcome dance by Nrittadhyana Academy that added vibrancy to the occasion. The program continued with a felicitation ceremony led by Dr. Preethi Shetty.

Several deserving students were awarded for their outstanding academic achievements in the academic year 2023-2024. Cash prizes, along with merit-cum-means scholarships, were awarded to the top scorers from grades 10 and 12, while other high achievers received certificates and mementos, recognizing their hard work and dedication. In addition, five committee members were honored for their exceptional and dedicated service to Tulu Koota Kuwait over the years.

As part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations, Tulu Koota Kuwait proudly honored all its former presidents who have contributed to the organization’s success since its inception. This gesture expressed deep gratitude for their leadership, guidance, and dedication over the years, emphasizing the continuity of service that has shaped the association over the years.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Ganesh Amin Sankamar, a renowned Tulu folklorist, along with Guests of Honour Dr. Devdas Kapikad, a celebrated Tulu drama artist, and Mr. Eshwar Malpe, a prominent social worker. All three guests were recognized for their significant contributions, and their inspiring speeches underscored the importance of preserving Tulu heritage and fostering unity within the community.

In his address, Tulu Koota Kuwait President Mr. Abdul Razzaq expressed heartfelt gratitude to all members and warmly invited new members to join the association. He emphasized the significance of expanding the community and highlighted the benefits that Tulu Koota offers, reflecting the organization’s mission of promoting togetherness and carrying forward the rich traditions of Tulunadu.

The celebration continued with a series of spectacular cultural performances by various associations in Kuwait, showcasing the diverse cultural fabric of the Tulu community. This included mesmerizing shows from Buntara Sangha Kuwait, Billava Sangha Kuwait, Kuwait Kannada Koota, Karnataka Cultural Foundation, Kuwait Canara Welfare Association, and dance performances from Pushkara Nrithya Niketana and Spark Dance Academy. The Tulu Koota Kuwait Committee members performed a captivating Yakshagana performance. The cultural events were well-coordinated by the cultural secretary, Mr. Vijay Wilson.

The cultural program concluded with ‘Genoda Sude,’ a visually captivating performance directed by Mr. Suresh Salian, depicting the significance of the 16 rivers of Tulunadu. This performance beautifully illustrated the importance of cultural continuity, passing traditions from older to younger generations.

A specially curated video presentation took the audience on a nostalgic journey through Tulu Koota Kuwait's 25-year history, highlighting the association's growth, milestones, achievements, and cherished memories. This touching tribute celebrated the organization’s legacy and reminded members of its significant impact on the community in Kuwait, inspiring them to continue promoting Tulu culture and its mission. General Secretary, Mr. Harish Bhandary, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, sponsors, performers, volunteers, and members for their contributions to the event's success.

The audience was treated to the highly anticipated Tulu drama "Namaskara Mastre," performed by Dr. Devdas Kapikad and his team. Known for their impeccable comic timing, the actors kept the audience engaged with laughter while delivering a meaningful social message. The performance received resounding applause, solidifying its place as one of the event’s highlights. The evening concluded with a felicitation ceremony honoring the drama artists for their significant contribution to the event's success. In celebration of the 25th anniversary, snack boxes were distributed to the audience as they departed, ensuring they took home cherished memories of the grand celebration.

Tuluparbha 2024 was a grand success, uniting the Tulu community in Kuwait in celebration of heritage, unity, and tradition. The Silver Jubilee celebrations reflected not only the association’s remarkable past but also its commitment to preserving heritage while embracing the future.