London Hosts KannadigaruUK Rajyotsava

The main highlight of this year’s Rajyotsava celebration was scintillating performances by the local talents only. The event proceedings were spearheaded by Namm Radio RJs Girish and Rashmi with the audience engaging through their wonderful compering skills …. Reports Asian Lite News

After two years of confinement to their homes due to Covid-19, Kannadigas in the UK came out to celebrate 66th Kannada Rajyotsava in London.  It was KannadigruUK’s 17th Kannada Rajyotsava, a flagship event held at Feltham, London with grandeur.

The event started with a delicious and sumptuous Karnataka style lunch which some attendees couldn’t resist the second serving.  One minute silence was observed in memory of Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar after the Naadageethe and welcome speech by KUK Executive Committee.

The event was graced by honourable British Deputy High Commissioner, Bengaluru Mr Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford as the chief guest. Mr Pilmore-Bedford, starting with a greeting in Kannada (which received roaring applause) spoke about the role Kannadigas playing in contributing to the economy of the UK. He also spoke about various initiatives taken by the UK post Brexit towards strengthening ties between UK and India and hailed the relation as a Living Bridge and great steps for collaboration.

Addressing  the diaspora, Mr Pilmore-Bedford said “I am absolutely delighted to be here in person on the foundation day of Karnataka. I can see the energy, vibrancy of the Kannadigaru. Last year I attended a virtual event along with Minister Ashwath Naraynan. I am privileged to have lived and worked in Karnataka and have travelled there extensively. We are working in collaboration projects in Bengaluru “

The main highlight of this year’s Rajyotsava celebration was scintillating performances by the local talents only. The event proceedings were spearheaded by Namm Radio RJs Girish and Rashmi with the audience engaging through their wonderful compering skills. The Yakshagana play “Bhasmasura Mohini” was splendidly enacted by Yogindra Maravante and his daughter. There were many dance performances by children including tribute to Puneeth as well by adults that made the audience spellbound.

The KUK committee also presented about various online zoom events and   activities including Yoga camps carried out during covid lock down period emphasizing KUK never stopped serving the community regardless of the situation. There was also a presentation about KannadigaruUK’s Kannada Kali activities, fund mobilisation for Covid victims in Karnataka and KUK’s financial status.

Soon after the snack and tea break, members of the Kannanda diaspora participated in a colourful fashion show after which followed the events biggest and main attraction, the musical evening presented by singers Dr Shweta Hiremath  a Zee Kannada Saregamapa finalist, Lakshmi Hoysal who has gained popularity after winning the ETV’s ede tumbi Haaduvenu and Harshita who was the popular contestant of Colors Kannada Kogile.

The trio along with compere Rashmi paid tribute to actor Puneeth by singing medley of Puneeth’s songs. They went on to sing popular film songs, folk songs one after the other. The melodious singing by them was so mesmerising and immersive that the audience went delirious by jumping to the dancefloor. The power packed singing by the trio and dancing by the audience went on so long until all realised that it was time for the venue closure.

One more successful, memorable, and grand Kannada Rajyotsava celebration was hosted by KannadigaruUK this time (with all the necessary COVID measures) made an honest attempt to provide cultural experience to fellow Kannadigas.