The 55th International Cultural Fest & Cultural Exchange Programme recently concluded in Dubai, bringing together a vibrant assembly of Karnataka community leaders, distinguished awardees, and renowned artistes. Hosted at the Grand Excelsior Hotel Banquet Hall in Bur Dubai, the prestigious event culminated on Sunday, July 26, 2026, marking a significant celebration of Indian culture.
Organised by the International Cultural Fest Council of India in collaboration with the Sandhya Creations Event Network Team (SCENT), the festival served as a memorable platform. It showcased Indian literature, music, theatre, and promoted social harmony, featuring talented performers from both India and the UAE. Er. K. P. Manjunath Sagar, Chairman of the World Kannada Cultural Convention Committee 2004 and Editor-Director of Hrudayavahini News, opened the proceedings, emphasizing the global importance of preserving Indian cultural heritage. Shodhan Prasad Attavar, Founder of SCENT, extended a warm welcome and introduced the Master of Ceremonies, Nithin Kumar, who expertly guided the programme.
Dignitaries inaugurated the event with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Chief guests included Shri Shri Maheshwara Swamiji of Nandipura; Sarvothama Shetty, President of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha; and M. Jayaram Rai, former President of the Indian Social & Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi. Other prominent figures present were Shashidar Nagarajappa (President, Karnataka Sangha Dubai), Arun Kumar (President, Kannada Koota Dubai), and Dr. Satish Kumar Hosamani (Director, SSK Department of Education, Government of Karnataka). Smt. Sridevi R. V. Nayak, a social worker from Raichur, presided over the function. The gathering also honoured several distinguished invitees from the UAE, including Alwyn Pinto of Mangalore Konkans, and Sandeep Kotian, President of Biruver Kudla UAE, highlighting the strong coastal Karnataka representation.
A key highlight of the evening involved the presentation of the Golden Iconic Awards, recognising exceptional contributions across various fields. Recipients included Dr. P. V. Pattar for Herbal Medicine & Homeopathy, Dr. Satish Kumar Hosamani for Literature & Education, and Sri N. T. Thammanna for Education & Social Service. Sri V. K. M. Thimmayya from Bengaluru and Sri Sampath Kumar were honoured for Theatre, while Smt. Vijayalakshmi Vasudeva and Sri Lakshman Suvarna received awards for Music. Dr. Gouramma Kalaburgi and Sri Maruthi Badiger were recognised for Education & Social Service respectively. Adding an international dimension, Mr. Abdullah Al Jafali, a renowned Emirati television, comedy, and theatre actor with over three decades of experience, also attended.
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📰 Source: Mangalorean Gulf