Dubai: Namma Kundapra Kannada Balaga (NKKB), which was formed last year to unite Kannadigas of Kundapura under one umbrella without any distinctions, successfully hosted its first anniversary celebrations on April 13 with a full day event at Crowne Plaza, Deira, Dubai.
Invitees included philanthropist, scholar and seasoned politician from Basrur, Appanna Hegde, Government of Karnataka Bureaucrat Ajith Kumar Shetty, teacher and comedian Manu Handadi and Chembur based renowned lawyer Sudhakar Arate. The guests inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp. They were joined by the honorary presidents of NKKB Varadaraj Shetty, MD of Ramee Group of Hotels and Praveen Kumar Shetty, MD of Fortune Group of Hotels, President of NKKB Sadan Das, Vice President of NKKB Dinesh Devadiga, MD of Elegant Group of Companies Sheena Devadiga, Proprietor of Bombay Udupi Restaurant Prakash Naik and other dignitaries. The guests were welcomed with traditional “Poorna Kamba Kalasha” which proceeded from the entrance to the stage led by the women volunteers of NKKB.
In his introductory remarks, Sadan Das informed the audience about the agenda of NKKB and said that all the members could share their grievances with NKKB for any assistance required in UAE.
On this occasion, businessman Varadaraj Shetty was bestowed with “Udyog Ratna” Award whereas Scholar Appanna Hegde was conferred with “Seva Ratna” Award. Sudhakar Arate, Ajith Kumar Hegde, Praveen Kumar Shetty, Meera Saheb, Yahya, Prakash Naik, Sheena Devadiga, Manu Handadi, RJ Nayana, Marattur Shetty and Shodhan Prasad were also honoured for their contribution to social service.
Applauding the effort of NKKB, the guests reiterated the need for such an organisation for the benefit of the expatriates.
In the cultural programme that followed, the performers sang and danced to mesmerise the audience. Comedian Manu Handady’s standup routine in Kundapra Kannada had the audience in fits of laughter.
Red FM Mangalore Radio Jockey Nayana who arrived from Mangaluru for the event, compered the programme. Ronald Olivera and Arathi Adiga of Dubai also hosted a part of the show in their own unique styles. Sudhakar Poojary proposed a vote of thanks at the end.
