Mangaluru: The Gurupura Buntara Mathru Sangha (R) will be organising “Bunta Kalaveelya – 2020”, a competition for Bunts’ associations at the Amrutheshwara English Medium School Ground in Vamanjoor on February 2.

Informing the media about the programme, the competition’s chief convener, Sudarshan Shetty Permanki, on Tuesday, February 28, said, “The programme will be inaugurated by Aasare Charitable Trust President Dr Ashajyothi Rai at around 9 am. Different cultural competitions will be conducted for the members of different Bunts Associations from in and around the state. A total of 10 teams have already confirmed their participation. The winning team will be presented a cash award of Rs 1 lakh and the runners-up will be given a cash prize of Rs 60,000. The teams which secure the third and fourth places will be given cash prizes of Rs 40,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively. We will also provide a consolation prize of Rs 10,000 for all the participating teams. Apart from this, the other awards that will be given are for best actor, actress, anchor, singer, dancer and best choreography.”

 “A debate on the topic ‘Of the Bunt, by the Bunt and for the Bunt’ will also be conducted, wherein resource persons like Vijay Prasad Alva, Dr Ashajyothi Rai, Sheela Shetty Ermal, Gananath Shetty Ekkar and Jayakar Shetty Indrali will participate,” Sudarshan informed.

Speaking about the intention behind conducting the programme, association president Rajkumar Shetty said, “The aim of the programme is to unite the Bunt community and protect the Bunt culture and traditions. Over 6000 people are expected to participate in the programme.”

Association vice president Santhosh Shetty Shedde, general secretary Chandrahas Shetty and other office bearers like Devikiran Shetty, Sathish Shetty and others were present.