Mumbai: The Alvas Nudisiri Virasat, Mumbai unit and the annual cultural program was inaugurated at SM Shetty Junior College, Powai on Sunday, November 17.

Abhayachandra Jain, Minister of State for Fisheries, Youth and Sports, was the chief guest and congratulated all the members and initiators of the cultural program.

Dr Talajay Vasant Kumar, retired head of the Department of Kannada at Mumbai University along with Dr Sunita M Shetty from the field of literary, presided over the event.

The dignitaries inaugurated the event by lighting up the lamp.

Addressing a gathering, Dr Sunita Shetty said, “Such program enlightens the culture of the society, and help it to sustain. It is our responsibility to retain our culture for the future generation.”

“The cultural program is an inspiration and we must be fortunate to be a part of it. I am extremely proud to represent the Mumbai Unit,” she added.

She also said, “I hope that this event will set up a standard and will be marked in the pages of history.”

Dr Talajay Vasant Kumar said, “The achievements denoted by Alvas’ Nudisiri Virasaat are remarkable in the history of Dakshina Kannada, which has made a record in the district. Kannada, Kannadigas and Karnataka are in a crucial situation and such programs will inspire youth to maintain and redeem the culture.”

“The Tulu Kannadiga clump acknowledge that education is incomplete without implementing culture thus equal importance must be given to culture; moreover only through unity, culture can be endured”, he added.

The chairman of Alvas’ Nudisiri Virasaat CA Shankar B Shetty said, “This is a wonderful program and all the initiatives and efforts are appreciable.”

The students of Alva education foundation performed, ‘Mohini Attama’. Also, several popular folk dance performances, Banjara an Andhra Pradesh’s tribal dance form; Yakshagana, the classical dance form from Karnataka; Manipur’s classical Dhol cholom; and few other folk dance performances from Kerala, West Bengal and etc.

Besides, a skit called “Deva Vrudharu” was conducted under the guidance of Jeevan Ram Sullia.

Dr M Mohan Alva from Alva Education foundation felicitated the office bearers and supporters of the event, also presented them a memento.

Udhaya Kumar hosted the event, whereas welcome speech and vote of thanks were delivered by Vijay Kumar Shetty.

President of Mumbai unit Ajaykar Shivram G Shetty, Secretary Sunder Kumar, Dr M S Alva, Lalita S Alva and others were present at the event.