Abu Dhabi : The Bunt community whose population is just a few lakhs, has still succeeded in proving its worth across the globe, said Shree Dr. Vidyavachaspathi Vishwa Santosha Bharathi Swamiji, Pontiff of the Barkur Mahasamsthanam, Udupi.
He was responding to a felicitation conferred on him on the occasion of the 40th Sneha Milan of UAE Bunts and 2nd World Bunts Day celebrations organised at the Armed Forces Officers Club Auditorium here on behalf of UAE Bunts.
The seer further said such programmes go a long way in fostering brotherhood and a sense of belongingness.
He also stated that the need of the hour is for the Bunt community to retain its originality and uniqueness. The celebration of World Bunts Day should not just be a symbol of glory, he said adding the community should also work towards the upliftment of the weaker sections.
Bunta Vibhushana Award was conferred on noted entrepreneur and Chief of Shastavu Bhoothanatheshwara Temple Vijayanath Vittal Shetty for his outstanding contributions to the social and cultural fields.
Speaking after receiving the Award, Shetty said the coastal belt which is endowed with natural beauty also has abundant talent which need to be identified and encouraged.
Dr. B.R.Shetty, Director of NMC Group presided over the function. In his address, he said life can be successful only when man forges ahead with confidence and determination. He hoped the World Bunts Day programme would be a unifying bond for Bunts.
The seer released on the occasion an informative handout on World Bunts Day.
Manoj Shetty, a star model as well as talented children who have won the prestigious Sheikh Hamdan Award were honoured on the occasion.
A variety of cultural programmes including welcome dance, filmi dance etc enthralled the gathering. The folk dance by five teams unravelled the folk glory of Tulunad. Prizes were awarded to the winners of various competitions.
Ajith Shetty, Shanker Shetty, Shyam Shetty, Satyaprakash Shetty, Shashidhar Shetty, Mahesh Hegde, Vishwanath Shetty, Sudhaker Shetty, Satishchandra Shetty, Ratnaker Shetty, Surendra Shetty, Rajesh Shetty, Vivek Shetty, Raghuram Shetty, Chandrashekhar Shetty, Praveen Shetty, Sarvottam Shetty, Vijaykumar Shetty and other Bunt leaders were present.
Sudhir Kumar Shetty, Chief Operating Officer of UAE Exchange, Praveen Shetty, Director of Fortune Group of Hotels, Shekhar Shetty, Chief of Arab Udupi Hotels, Premanath Shetty, Director of Heat Shield, Gunasheela Shetty, Chief of Ace Cranes. Neelesh, officer of Khain Properties, Atmika of Northern Sky Properties and other sponsors were felicitated on the occasion.
A Raffle Draw contest was also held. President of UAE Bunts Sarvottam Shetty and other member strived for the success of the programme.