Shanghai Kannadigaru Celebrated 65th Kannada Rajyotsava
Continuing the tradition of the past two years, ‘Shanghai Kannadigaru’ celebrated the 65th Kannada Rajyotsava on 1st November 2020 at Indian Kitchen’s MinSheng Road location. On this special occasion, about 60 Kannadigas came together from Shanghai and nearby cities for the celebration. Online web streaming was arranged to webcast the event to outside members. It was wonderful to see many familiar faces from among relocated members of Shanghai Kannadiguru join in.
The Program commenced with an invocation prayer by Ms. Deepti. Speaking in Mangaluru and Uttara Karnataka dialects, Mrs. Mohini Vikas and Mrs. Reena Mayur warmly welcomed those present including special invitees Dr. J. Arvind (Acting Consul General of India, Shanghai) and Mr. Arun Kumar Panwar (Consul -Media, Broadcasting and Cultural).
The lighting of the lamp by Dr. J. Arvind and several group members marked the start of the Kannada Rajyotsava 2020 celebration. Shanghai Kannadigaru group felicitated special invitees traditionally with garlands and silk shawls. Dr. J. Arvind addressed the gathering and conveyed his best wishes in Kannada.
On this occasion, Mr. Arun Kumar Panwar inaugurated the website ‘https: //shanghaikannadigaru.com/’ and highlighted the importance of cultural programs’ in making the younger generation aware of their rich heritage and in bringing Indians together. Mr. Vittal Mallya shared the purpose of the website – that of capturing celebrations & memorable events and connecting members in China.
A rich and varied cultural programme followed. Mrs. Bharathi and team aroused feelings of patriotism through their rendition of Karnataka’s state song. Baby Pranavi & Sudithi charmed the audience by performing Lord Krishna’s recitation and dance. Beautiful songs by Sri Chandrashekhar Simha family mesmerized the audience. Mr. Mahesh, Mr. Vittal Mallya and Mr. Gangadhar got the entire audience clapping to the tune of the energetic folk song ‘Moodal Kunigal Kere’. The stage act ‘Pudong Pundru’, presented by Mr. Sadashivaswamy, Mr. Vivek Achar and Mr. Ravi Shankar, had the audience rolling in laughter.
While culture was the focus, there were plenty of opportunities for fun and prizes as well. Mr. Mahesh organized a variety of games for children along with some wonderful gift hampers. The entire event was fabulously hosted by Mrs. Aparna Gopal and Mr. Sadashivaswamy, who kept the audience on their toes with entertaining riddles, games for couples and multiple lucky draws. The winners walked away with nice gift hampers.
This year’s event added another memorable page to our lives. The wonderful cultural event achieved Shanghai Kannadigaru’s mission of showcasing the essence of Karnataka state while also displaying the talent of it’s members. We hope that the coming days are brighter for all members and their families.
On behalf of Shanghai Kannadigas, Mr.Sandeepshastri Kashikar, lead member, thanked Dr. Arvind, Sri Arun Panwar and all the Consulate officials for their continued support to fellow citizens living in and around Shanghai during these difficult COVID-19 times. He acknowledged their tireless efforts in every situation and expressed gratitude on behalf of Shanghai Kannadigas He applauded all volunteers’ hard work and dedication in his vote of thanks. Also most importantly, he thanked the event sponsors Mrs Kamala Lata and Mr. Noorulla for their continued generous sponsorship to the event. Mr. Kannan, manager of Indian Kitchen got praise for the sumptuous breakfast, lunch and venue.
At the end all the members and participants gathered in a group to capture the wonderful memory in a single frame. Finally, it was time to hit the dance floor to catchy Kannada tunes.
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Author: Mohini Vikas & Vittal Mallya on behalf of Shanghai Kannadigaru
RELATED ITEMS: KANNADA, KANNADIGA, CHINA, SHANGHAI, SHANGHAIKANNADIGARU
