Bangkok: Tulukoota Bangkok, an association of Tulu speaking people living in Bangkok had organised an event titled “Tuluvere Minadana”, a get-together programme to honour famous artists from Tulunadu on Saturday, June 1, at Saichol Mansion, Charoen Nakorn road, Bangkok.

The guest list included prominent magician Kudroli Ganesh, ‘Kusaldarase’ Naveen D Padil, ‘Sakala Kala Vallabaha’ Chotu, Umesh Mijar, ‘Kusalda Birse’ Sundeep Shetty Manibettu.

The programme began with a brief introduction to the event which highlighted the fact that despite differences in faith, religion, food habits, dressing sense, culture, language, thinking and socio-economic status, the force “Tulu” brings everyone under one roof. This also highlighted that the Tulu people who live in Bangkok proved the old belief, that when people become rich and educated they tend to forget their roots, wrong. Tulukoota Bangkok makes an attempt to preserve and identify with our root that is Tulu Culture.

This was followed by welcome address by ‘Gurikara’ Naveen Roshan Pinto who rightly stressed on the motive behind forming Tulukoota in Bangkok and explained the road map ahead for the organization. He warmly welcomed all the guest artists and the members of the Tulukoota family and expressed his gratitude to all those who made the event a successful one.

Following on this, guests were escorted to the stage by the members of the Tulukoota. As a tradition, the event started with a prayer, rendered by Akshata Praveen and Pramitha Anand, and lighting of lamp by guest artists and dignitaries Vinay Rai, Vincent Daniel Pinto, Naveen Roshan Pinto, Satheesha Shetty, Habeebullah Saheb Kattappadi, Satheesha Shetty and Naiem Mohammed.

The main part of the event was dedicated to felicitate renowned guests.

To begin with, Kudroli Ganesh was felicitated by Raveendra Amin, Michael Vegas and Shiv Poojary. Umesh Mijar was felicitated by Guru Prasad, Nitin Prabhu and Vinol D’Souza. Larson, Sharik Hussein, and Jeevan lobo felicitated Sundeep Shetty Manibettu with a memento, shawl and bouquet. The details of achievements, awards and titles of all the guest artists were made known to the entire audience.

Though Naveen D Padil was invited as the guest, he could not make it to the event due to illness. He, with a video message, felt sad for this miss and promised to be with Tulukoota Bangkok for the next event.

Jeevan Lobo extended his heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support in organizing this event and wished for further expansion of the activities of Tulukoota Bangkok.

At this moment, the sad news of losing beloved friend Rupert Kiran Baretto due to cardiac arrest was recalled and all members prayed for his soul for a minute.

The highlight of the programme was cultural fusion by the great trios of Tulu Nadu. The rare combination of  magic and comedy by Kudroli Ganesh, Umesh Mijar and Sundeep shetty Manibettu not only mesmerized the audience but also kept them on their toes until the end of the event. All members of the Koota were appreciated for the great work done by the artists and also wished them whole heartedly for more feathers in their hat in the coming days.

Next in the line was typical signature style of Tulunaadu “Pili dance competition’” participated by highly energetic members in pre-determined teams. Delora Lorraine Pinto, Suprabha Shetty and Margeret Tauro were tasked with judging the best teams. All members cheered for their favourite teams and congratulated the winning team of professional pili dancers Nitin Prabhu and Sharik Hussain.

Delora Lorrainr apinto and Vinol D’Souza organized very interesting games for children that were part of the event.

The entire programme was culminated with a group dance by all members to the tune of famous Tulu songs.

Yashodhara Poojary of Vrindavana Restaurant prepared delicious Tulunadu food to all members.

John Wilson Pinto of Pinto Creations helped with photography and video of the event.

Gilbert Buthello was gave media coverage of the event.

All members for their direct and indirect support in organasing the event were thanked by Naveen Roshan Pinto, the chief organizer of the event.

Praveen Kumar Sullia compered the programme.

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