India’s Kundapura expats celebrate culture, salute their leading lights
600 Expats hailing from Kundapura, Karnataka, were part of the get-together
dubai — A unique business meet in Ajman on Friday saw entrepreneurs and executives from a coastal town of Karnataka, India, dress up in traditional Kannadiga attire and get together for an evening of fun and networking. Expatriates hailing from Kundapura were treated to a cultural fiesta that saw performances of art forms such as Yakshagana, a traditional theatre form developed in Udupi and north Karnataka districts. Artists flew all the way from Karnataka to perform the art form that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques.
The programme also saw some top achievers of Kundapura being honoured for their social work in India as well as here in the UAE.
Mohamed Yahya Kazi Meeran, Senior Founding Trustee, VicePresident and Treasurer of the Shiroor Welfare Trust, which operates the Green Valley National School & PU College, Shiroor, Karnataka, was conferred the Udhyomika Sadhana Award, for his contribution in the commercial field. A renowned Dubai-based professional, Mohamed Yahya is the recipient of several awards, including the coveted Distinguished Fellow Award from the Institute of Directors. His UAE career spans over four decades, playing several senior managerial and directorial roles across a wide range of industries. His son, Abdul Hafiz Y. Kazi, received the award on his behalf.
“This meet was for people of our area to reconnect with each other, irrespective of religion or caste barriers. The idea behind this annual get-together is just to promote our native place and make our people aware that they have a community here with whom they can connect during adversities. It is also a way of introducing our children to our culture through these traditional events where we can showcase our language and culture to them,” said Sadhan Das, who was in charge of the get-together.
Big Boss contestant Dhanraj also flew from India to entertain the crowds with his mimicry skills in their regional Kundapura Kannada language.
Over 600 people belonging to Kundapura and nearby areas were part of the get-together. People could be seen enjoying the traditional food comprising Kundapura chicken and kori roti.
“A lot of people of our town may be living here in the UAE for years without knowing that they have more people from their hometown living nearby. So today is the day we unite, meet and get to know each other,” said businessman Praveen Kumar Shetty, chairman of Fortune Group of hotels in the UAE. “The message of such a meet is that we are there to help each other. This event aims to give the feeling of security and brotherhood to all people of our community, telling them that we are all part of one Kundapura family.”
The idea behind this get-together is just to promote our native place and make our people aware that they have a community here with whom they can connect during adversities.”
Sadhan Das, Organiser