Kaladarpana 2025: Kuwait Kannada Koota’s Grand Rajyotsava Celebration Showcases Karnataka’s Rich Heritage and Cultural Convergence Kuwait
Kaladarpana 2025: Kuwait Kannada Koota’s Grand Rajyotsava Celebration Showcases Karnataka’s Rich Heritage and Cultural Convergence
Kuwait
Kuwait Kannada Koota (KKK), a 41-year-old socio-cultural organization in Kuwait, hosted a spectacular Kannada Rajyotsava celebration titled “Kaladarpana” recently. The event unfolded as a vibrant showcase of Karnataka’s rich artistic heritage, traditional customs, and cultural expressions. A colorful medley of performances and activities mesmerized the audience, marking the occasion as a grand tribute to the state’s art, tradition, and linguistic pride.
The Executive Committee of Kuwait Kannada Koota, 2025, President Mr. Tharendra Shettigar, Vice President Dr. Preeti Shetty, Secretary Dr. Guruprsad Suubbarao and Treasurer Mr. Manjunath Jogi, commenced the vibrant evening by lighting the ceremonial lamp along with their families and guests, formally marking the start of the festivities. Dr. Preeti Shetty then extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to dignitaries, members, and guests, setting the perfect tone for an evening filled with cultural pride and unity.
The program was graced by eminent personalities, including Chief Guest Mr. Vijaya Raghavendra, a celebrated Kannada actor and cultural ambassador. Joining him were Mr. Harith Ketan Shelat from the Embassy of India as Guest of Honor and Mr. S.N. Ramachandran, the event’s guest sponsor. Their presence added prestige and warmth to the celebration, elevating the spirit of Rajyotsava.
Mr. Revanasiddappa Hombali and Mr. Ramachandran presented the details of the Chiguru Balli program, emphasizing the importance of teaching Kannada to members’ children and other interested learners. Reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility, Kuwait Kannada Koota Welfare Association (KKKWA) an affiliate group of KKK which actively supports education in rural India with 26 Kannada Medium Schools benefitting 7000+ rural kids. Dr. Diwakar Cheluvayya elaborated on KKKWA’s initiatives and outlined its future plans, underscoring the group’s dedication to educational development and cultural preservation.
Cultural committee members led by convenor Smt. Shantala Sathish Acharya and co-convener Saurabha Vikram, meticulously curated the theme of Kaladarpana, presenting each performance as a tribute to Karnataka’s diverse art forms. The much-anticipated cultural extravaganza unfolded seamlessly, blending music, dance, and song into a captivating spectacle that left the audience in awe. The cultural program showcased a diverse array of art forms, including Nritya(Dance), Sangeetha (Music), Tantrajnana (Technology), Cinema (Cinematic Drama), Karakushala (Handicrafts), Vastra Vinyasa (Fashion Design), Chitra Kale (Painting), Hasya Kale (Humor), Samara Kale (Martial Arts), Grameena Kale (Rural Arts), Sahitya (Literary Art) Shilpa Kale (Stone Sculpture), and Janapada (Folk Art). Choreographers and performers earned high praise for their dedication and artistry, offering an unforgettable celebration of Karnataka’s legacy.
The success of Kaladarpana was made possible by Kuwait Kannada Koota’s well-structured committees. The Public Relations Committee set the tone with elegant decorations and a warm welcome. The Sports Committee managed logistics and refreshments, while the Technical Committee ensured flawless audio-visual support. Numerous volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this vibrant celebration to life.
A special biography video paid tribute to Mr. Vijaya Raghavendra, celebrating his illustrious journey and remarkable contributions to Kannada language, art, and cinema. Following the video, the Executive Committee felicitated him with deep admiration and respect. His gracious demeanor and the two melodious songs he rendered after the felicitation captivated the audience, leaving them spellbound. His presence created an indelible impression in the hearts of Kuwait Kannada Koota members. Every family had the delightful opportunity to meet and greet him, capturing cherished selfies that now adorn their living room walls as treasured memories.
President Mr. Tharendra Shettigar delivered a captivating address in eloquent Kannada, highlighting the profound beauty of Karnataka’s heritage and expressing gratitude to sponsors, members, and volunteers whose efforts made the event a resounding success.
The celebration was further immortalized through a beautifully curated souvenir, released by the distinguished guests alongside the Executive Committee. Prepared in collaboration with Design Committee and Marala Mallige committees, the souvenir features an impressive collection of articles authored by Koota members and children. These contributions form the highlight of the publication, offering profound insights into the community’s literary talent and cultural awareness. Through its words and visuals, the souvenir captures cherished moments of the celebration reflecting the pride and passion for Kannada heritage.
Special felicitation was extended to all sponsors in recognition of their generous contributions that made this grand event possible. Heartfelt gratitude was also conveyed to every sponsor, advertiser, and well-wisher of Kuwait Kannada Koota for their unwavering support and commitment to the success of Kaladarpana 2025.
A sumptuous dinner was served at the conclusion of the program, delighting members and guests alike. With hearts full of cherished memories, the celebration ended on a high note—uniting the community in pride and admiration for the grace and grandeur of Kannada language, literature, and culture.
