Doha: A premier Socio Cultural group Tulukoota Qatar celebrated its 15th anniversary on 10th April Friday evening at Delhi Public School, Al-Wakra. The celebration started at 3.00 PM with a colorful procession.

The chief guests were received in a traditional procession dance by children with Chande, Kombu and accompanied by Yakshagana artists provided the Tulunadu-touch to the event.

Dynamic leader Tulukoota president Ravi Shetty delivered the welcome  address during which he recalled the great contributions of past presidents and committee members, who made Tulukoota Qatar a leading Socio cultural group in Qatar starting since 1999. Tulukoota General Secretary Kiran Anand presented the annual report and brief activities of community.

Manohar Prasad, who compered the program described the great heritage of  the Tulunadu Tradition.

Manohar Prasad a news editor of the Karavali daily newspaper, Udayavani, who also has amazing language skills and knowledge of Tulu culture, kept the audience engrossed throughout the event with his snippets about the rich tradition.

President Ravi shetty, Vice president Prakash Rao, General Secretary Kiran Anand escorted the chief guests to the dais with the Udipana ritual. Raj Kumar Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission, Indian Embassy Qatar was the Chief Guest of the evening. TKQ honored three outstanding Tuluvas who have made Tulunadu proud with their professional achievements and humanitarian approach. Dr B R Shetty of NMC and UAE Exchange Group, Abdulla Kunhi of Yenepoya Group and philanthropist and NRI entrepreneur Ronald Colaco were conferred with the prestigious ‘Tununada Bolpu’ awards on the occasion, with a Shawl and  Cardamom Garland.

 Acknowledging the awards Abdulla Kunhi dedicated the award to his parents and thanked TKQ for choosing him for this prestigious award. Addressing on the occasion Colaco shared his experiences in life with humble words. B.R.Shetty shared his life’s struggling experiences and gave the message, never give up during life’s difficult times.

Walter Nandalike,  ICBF president Aravind Patil, ICC president Girish Kumar, ICC general secretary Divakar Poojary and Tulukoota past President Seetharam Shetty were present on the occasion.

Other Karnataka based associations KMCA, SKMWA, MCC and Karnataka Sangha Qatar also honored  with mementos.

The cultural program was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the TKQ president, executive committee members and elders from the gathering.

TKQ Ladies Throwball team which was the Runners-up at the MCC Annual Throwball tourney and the Men’s Kabaddi team that won the Tulu Koota as well as ICC Kabaddi tournament recently too were felicitated. Master Pranav who has excelled in sports and brought laurels too was felicitated and presented with the memento. TKQ General secretary Kiran Anand conducted the felicitation programme while TKQ president Ravi Shetty, former presidents Ramchandra Shetty, Diwakar Poojary, Seetharam Shetty, Prakashchandra Ajila, TKQ sports secretary Asmat Ali presented the mementos to the contributors. The Tulu Koota Green campaign team that won first prize Ambassador’s Rolling trophy and a special prize and praise from the Qatari authorities for its environment and green initiatives too was felicitated on the occasion. Chaitali Shetty who coordinated and led the campaign along with Naveen Bannadi was felicitated on the occasion.

The cultural program followed by gana vaibhava, musical extravaganza by Ajay Warrier, one of the most popular singers from Sandalwood. Ajay initially rendered some of the golden hits from Kannada and Hindi movies which made people to dance on the floor. The program followed with Bharthnatyam Dance from Tulukoota Children.

Kadekodi comedy team comprising of renowned Tulu actor Navin D Padil, Saikrishna and Vismaya Vinayak of Radio Mirchi fame was the special attraction of evening.

Sahithya Sambrama-Santhoshodottugu sandeshala, special programme by Vittal Nayak, Suhas and Tejas was another special programme of the evening. The programme aimed providing values of life through literature.

Bahrain Karnataka Sangha president Rajesh Shetty, former president of BKS Austin Santhosh, Nirel Tulu film director Shodhan Prasad, KMCA president Niyaz Ahmed, MCC vice-president Prakash Noronha, KSQ president Deepak Shetty, Bunts president Prakashchandra Ajila , MCC founding member and advisor Gerald D’Mello, MCA advisor Wilfred Fernandes, TKQ former presidents Ramchandra Shetty, Seetharam Shetty, office-bearers and past presidents and committee members from other Karnataka based association  were also present on the occasion.

The program was compered by Dr Padmashree Shetty in an exquisite rendering of the Tulu language. The beautiful Tuluva culture depicting backdrop designed by Harish Kodialbail was main attraction of the program.