hAsyOtsava
On the occasion of Deepavali and Kannada Rajyotsava, Kannada Sangha (Singapore) organized a “hAsyOtsava” on Sunday, the 1st of November 2009. This entertaining evening of nage habba was held at DBS Auditorium, Shenton Way. The doyens of Kannada Entertainment – Shri. Pranesh B, Shri. Richard Louis and Prof. Krishne Gowda had come prepared to relieve Singapore Kannadigas’ of their daily tensions at least for a few hours. But at the end of the session, going by the mood of the attendees, it was felt that the after effects of the laughing session would have continued for the next few days if not weeks.
The programme started off at around 5.30 pm with a Prarthana (Invocation) by Kum. Kushi Udaykumar, followed by the welcome speech and introduction of the guest artists by Dr. Vijay. Kumar, President, Kannada Sangha (Singapore). November 1st being the Rajyotsava Day, the Chief Guest of the evening Prof. A.N. Rao and the guest artists of the evening flagged off the event by lighting the traditional lamp in front of a decorated picture of “Jai Karnataka”.
The much awaited session started off with Shri. Richard Louis with his free flowing Bangalore Kannada. Having been associated with the Kannada Film industry, it was not just his style of talking that was entertaining but also his actions while administering the laughter pills. Among other topics Shri. Richard Louis & Shri. Pranesh’s dig at each other had the audience entertained.
Shri. Pranesh’s equally free flowing Uttara Karnataka Kannada and the example of how Kannada being one, the way it’s used, talked and understood by Kannadiga’s in different parts of the state was informative and entertaining. How a person’s daily use of language looks offensive for a person from another part of the state was explained in the most lighthearted way. Prof. Krishne Gowda, a Kannada professor by profession & having a strong hold on the literary aspects of the language, left the audience spell bound with his humorous real life incidents – both personal & professional. His style of Mysore Kannada had both English & Kannada literature intertwined into the humorous aspects of the language.
‘Singara Puraskaara’ initiated in the year 2000 to recognize, honour and encourage the achievements of Singapore Kannadiga’s in different fields was awarded to Kumari. Prajwala S Prakash for her academic excellence in Secondary 4 level exams and Kumara. Jayanth Ganapathy for his academic excellence in the GEC ‘A’ level exams.
"Singara Aajeeva Sadhana Puraskaara" was initiated in the year 2008 to honour eminent Singapore Kannadiga’s for their Life Long Achievements and contributions to the Society. This year, Kannada Sangha had the privilege of honoring Shri. C.K. Murthy in recognition of his invaluable contribution in the field of Civil Engineering and service to the Singapore Community. It was appropriate that Shri. C.K.Murthy, who had his early inspirations from the legendary engineer Sir. M. Vishweshvaraiah, be honoured with a Mysore Peta.
The Puraskaara winners had the honour of receiving the awards from the founder president of our Sangha Prof. A.N. Rao. While felicitating the awardees, Prof. A N Rao recollected the way Kannada Sangha, which was started with a small group of members, has been growing over the past few decades.
Shri. G. GopalaKrishna presented the achievements of the Puraskaara winners to the audience. Smt. Shashimukhi Shanbagh., Asst Secretary, Kannada Sangha, presented the vote of thanks.
It was a real coincidence and treat for the Singapore Kannadigas to taste the different styles of Kannada on the Rajyotsava day. A full house audience exceeding 500 was a testimony to the popularity of these three artistes from Karnataka and we are sure that all those who attended had a memorable, relaxing and entertaining evening. The event also saw more than 50 attendees taking up / renewing their membership for the year 2010. Kannada Sangha thanks every Singapore Kannadiga for the whole hearted support extended as always.
This event was sponsored by State Bank of India - Singapore., S.P.Jain Center of Management, Kamats Restaurant Pte.ltd,, Divine Park, Saligrama / Singapore and Singapore Professionals' & Executives' Co-operative. Kannada Sangha thanks all its sponsors’.
As a part of the social commitment at large and the floods in parts of Karnataka in particular, the Sangha arranged for charity collection towards the flood relief fund. The Sangha is thankful for the contributions and the collected amount will be forwarded to appropriate organization in Karnataka.
We hope you, your family & friends have enjoyed the programme. If you have attended the programme, we would like to have your feedback on what you felt - either accolades or areas of improvement. We heartily welcome your feedback & suggestions.
Event report on this “hAsyOtsava” has also been written by Shri.Suresha HC and Smt.Vani Ramdas and can be followed at:
1) http://www.ourkarnataka.com/events/nagehabba09.htm
2) http://thatskannada.oneindia.in/nri/article/2009/1111-humor-festival-singapore-pranesh.html