Mesmerizing Cultural Show Bharatha Varsha and Tulu drama Adhyaksher enthrall the audience at Tulu Parba 2022

Tulu Koota Kuwait (TKK) led by the charismatic president, Mr. Sanath Shetty organized the 23rd year’s Tulu Parba at the American International School Auditorium, Maidan Hawally, Kuwait on Friday, October 28th, 2022. The ‘Bharath Varsha’, a grand dance drama with over 180 participants on stage, and the comedy-drama 'Adhyaksher’ by the Ranga Taranga team from Kaup were the major attractions of the annual event.

The program commenced with the national anthem of Kuwait and India. Mr. Harish Bhandary introduced the compere of the day Dr. Priya Harish of Namma Kudla Channel Mangalore. The program was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp traditionally, followed by the opening of an auspicious coconut flower, Pingara by the president, chief guest Dr. Thukaram Poojary (Founder - Rani Abbakka Tulu Study Center & Tulu Baduku Museum, Bantwal), guest of honor Mr. Rayan Fernandes (Director- Sevedhama, Rehabilitation Center, Belthangady), the Management, and the Advisory Committee members.

A souvenir of Tulu Parba 2022 was released and a classical welcome dance was performed by the disciples of Swastika Bharathanatyam dance academy, choreographed by Dr. Vaishnavi Swaminathan. Mr. Sanath Shetty welcomed the audience, sponsors, and members and briefed the achievements and the activities of the association. He thanked all the past presidents, members, and those who have been actively involved in the activities of TKK for their continuous support in keeping the Tulu Koota flag always high, both on the cultural front and in philanthropic deeds. He mentioned the list of philanthropic and welfare activities carried out during the year. He also thanked all the event sponsors, well-wishers, committee members, and supporters of Tulu Koota Kuwait.

The stage program began with the felicitation of sponsors who were the main pillars behind the success of any activities of Tulu Koota Kuwait. The sponsors of the event were Al Mulla Exchange, Badr Al Samaa Medical Center, FK Jewellers, and TVS Travels and Cargo. The main sponsors were Om Shree, Rohan Corporation, Lotus Builders, Khain Properties, Ecological habitats, and Provident Skyworth. The gold sponsors were Keentech Electrical Contracting Co, Al Rathath Est, Al Beit Al Khaleeji Restaurant, Wealthy Ways Research Pvt. Ltd, Al-Arfaz Engineering Co, Al Babtain Auto ( Gulf Express), and Legal Action Group. The silver sponsors were Khalil Bahman & Partners, Kuwait Swedish Cleaning Service Co, Qatami Steel, Diamond Trading Center Co., Atharva Builders & Developers, Oncost, Kuwait Maritime & Mercantile Co. KSC, Mohamed Naser Al Sayer & Sons Est. Co. W.L.L, Al Rasheed International Shipping CO., Crown International FMCG, Oriental General Trading and Contracting Company, Max Life Insurance, NorthernSky Properties, Diva Saloon, GrowMore, and Caesars General Trading & Contracting Co. The sponsors were honored with a flower bouquet and memento as a token of gratitude for their support to Tulu Koota Kuwait.

Academic excellence award with certificates and scholarships was presented to deserving candidates who have completed their classes X and XII successfully in the year 2022. TKK continued its tradition of honoring the committee members for their hard work and consistent contributions. This year TKK members Dr. Preethi Shetty and Mr. Jagadeeshwar Shanubhaug were felicitated for their dedication and selfless service for several years to the association. The program continued with the felicitation to the guest compere Dr. Priya Harish. Further, Mr. James Paul, Mr. Satish Acharya, and Mr. Abdllah Sheikh of Akbar Travels were honored for their contribution and service. In the same event, Mr. Gokuldas Bhat, and Mr. Abdul Razak were honored for their service towards the Koota.

The guest of Honor for the day Mr. Rayan Fernandes and the Chief guest Dr. Thukaram Poojary were honored with the traditional cap, shawl, garland, fruits, and memento. They appreciated the philanthropic and welfare activity of Tulukoota Kuwait and wished all the best for TKK’s future endeavors and effortless service of TKK. Meanwhile, TKK contributed Rs. 1,00,000 to Rani Abbakka Tulu Study Center & Tulu Baduku Museum, Bantwal, and Sevedhama, Rehabilitation Center, Belthangady to fulfill and continue their ambitious goals and endeavors in their respective association back in India.

The guest of honor Mr. Rayan Fernades mentioned that the amount received will be used for the betterment of the spinal cord injured persons, as he was a victim of an accident and got rehabilitated and continuously working towards the betterment of spinal cord injured persons in Mangalore and Udupi regions. Dr. Thukarama Poojary in his speech appreciated the work of TKK and was spellbound by the traditional Tulanadu kalase and mudi on the stage which was used for the inaugural and detailed the disappearance of such valuable traditional assets which have been used for centuries and not to be seen by the new generations. He also mentioned the glorious history of Rani Abbaka and the importance of the Rani Abbakka museum at BC road, Bantwal, and invited all Tuluvas to visit the museum, where more than 4,000 traditional bygone artifacts can be seen. He also stressed the importance of the Tulu language and its inclusion in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The Bharatha Varsha performance by the Tulu Koota Kuwait members was the main attraction of the event, where more than 180 participants performed on stage with a variety of programs depicting the rich cultural heritage of India from North to South and East to West. The story was a journey of a soldier with a tribute to all soldiers and freedom fighters on the eve of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The key person behind this program was Mr. Suresh Salian with the concept, choreography, and direction. The script and dialogues were written by Mr. Tharendra P Shettigar, with technical support from Mr. Jagadeeshwara Shanubogue. The Bharatha Varsha was well-executed by the collective work of the various committee members, Mr. Abdul Razak, Vanitha VK, Babitha Shetty, Sushma Manoj, Ashwitha Poojary, Violet, Veera D Souza, Dinesh Ram, Shudan Shettigar, Suresh Kunder, Anil Britto, Vishu Shetty, Dushyanth Shetty, Jackson D’Sa, Veera D’Souza, etc. The dance drama showcased more than 180 artists, with a blend of 35 scenes depicting cultures, occupations, performances, religious rituals, folk dances, and glimpses of heroic freedom fighters, to name a few. A grandeur performance mesmerized the audience for nearly one and half hours and culminated with honoring the key persons behind the making of this Bharatha Varsha - Mr. Suresh Salian, Mr. Tharendra Shettigar, Mr. Jagadeeshwara Shanubogue. The various dance groups Ms. Sharanya & Team-Taal Academy, Ms. Renu Grover & Team- Gracefulmoves Academy, Mr. Nitin & Team -Somyntra Dance & Fitness, KMS Kalari Academy, and Nrityanjali Dance Studio were felicitated with a memento for a being part of the event.

The presentation on the welfare activities prepared by the welfare officer Mr. Vijay Wilson Albuquerque with the support of TKK members was displayed, depicting the various philanthropic activities of the association. General Secretary Mr. Roshan Quadras rendered the vote of thanks.

The main attraction of the day was the Tulu drama 'Adhyaksher' by the 'KaupRanga Taranga' group led by Samaj Ratna and Mr. Leeladhar Shetty. A team of famous celebrated artists, Sharath Kumar Uchila, Prasanna Kumar Bailoor, Sujith Shetty, Sandeep K Shetty, Deepak Ganiga, Harish Kotian, Merwyn Aranha, Praveen B Poojary, Raguraja Poojary, Rajesh Kottary, Shivaprakash Poonja, Srinivasa Acharya, Yashawanth Poojary, Pooja M Poojary, Bhagyashree R Kamath, Sowmya P Poojary presented the super hit drama. It was directed by Sharath Uchila, written by Prasanna Shetty Bailur, and the music was provided by Deepak Ganiga Malali. The audience went into roars of laughter and sat through the end of the drama enjoying every bit of the show. At the end of the show, the artists were honored with the presentation of mementos.

The entire event was well coordinated by the cultural secretary, Mr. Manoj Shetty, with active support from the TKK advisors, the management committee, and all committee members. The sound and lights for the event were provided by Waves Events & Rentals, photography & videography by Alban D’Souza, slides by Jagdeesh Shanobouge and Aravind Bhandari, Stage setting by Ronald D'Souza and Satish Acharya, make-up by Shaji Sebastian, Gopal, Libin, Deepu and Rena Raj and the souvenir artwork designed by Manoj Kumar. The event was well compered by anchor Dr. Priya Harish and Harish Bhandary. The audience was provided with snack boxes at the end of the event. Overall, it was a remarkable evening with a fully packed auditorium, with the live celebrations happening after a break of two years.