Sharjah: The cultural glory of Karnataka was unveiled during the 12th anniversary  of the Sharjah Karnataka Sangha and the Mayura Award Presentation ceremony held here on  Friday, June 20.

Thousands of Kannadigas based in the Gulf participated in the glittering ceremony held at the Sharjah Indian Association Auditorium. If the prestigious Mayura Award was conferred on Herman Lewis, CEO of Radio Spice, the Chilly Willy Dheem Tanana dance contest too left the audience spell bound. A variety of entertainment events also marked the occasion.

The participation of renowned sandalwood star Vijay Raghavendra and choreographer Harini Madan added a charm to the spectacular event.

Sharjah Indian Association President Balakrishnan, former president YA Raheem, Acme Building Materials Managing Director Harish Sheregar, Fortune Group of Hotels Chief Praveen Shetty, Chilly Willy Chief Satish Venkatramana, MA Mulur, Anand Bailur, Sharjah Karnataka Sangha President Shantharam Acharya, Ganesh Rai, Shashikanth Kanangi and others were present.

Herman Lewis who spoke after receiving the prestigious Mayura Award said the Award has increased the responsibilities on his shoulders. He assured to strive for the cause of Kannada land, language and culture with much more vigour. His wife Nishitha Lewis and  two daughters were also present.

Anand Bailur and his wife Varija Anand of the Sangha, Aryabhata Award winners Satish Poojari and Rohini Ananth were felicitated. Deepak Somashekhar who is in-charge of Kannada movie screening in UAE, actress Varna Shetty, Sheikh Hamdan Award winners Shriddha Devadas Shetty, Shashwik Diwaker Shetty, Prapti and  Prerana Pai  were also honoured.

Kannada film songs by Harish Sheregar, Akshatha Rao, Mallika, Divya Kumble and Sharath entertained the gathering. The finals of the Mayura Cup Dheem Tanana dance event   was  also held.

Rajesh Kuttar, Rohini Ananth and Ganesh Rai were the anchors of the event.

Mayura Raja Rani Award winning dancers.