Rajathananda : Ever Cherishing Moments to Balaga
Ananda Balaga celebrated its Silver Jubilee on 23rd & 24th February, 2013 in a grand style at Green Arch Auditorium of Hotel Woodlands, Bangalore. Two days celebrations left behind ever cherishing moments to all Members of Balaga.
The first day evening functions was graced by HH Shree Vishwa Prasanna Thirtha Sripadaru, Junior Swamiji of Sri Pejawar Mutt, Udupi. Poojya Swamiji in his Anugraha Sandesha. explained the significance of Dana and hard work. Swamiji appreciated the Balaga for promoting cultural values and desired that Balaga should continue its good work in the coming years.
Dr B N V Subramanyam, President, Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Maha Sabha, Bangalore and CA. A Raghavendra Rao – Chairman Srinivasa Group of Educational Institutions, Mangalore have participated as the Chief Guests at the function. While Dr Subramanyam stressed the need for collective efforts to uplift the community, Sri Raghavendra Rao briefed the importance of quality education which is a must for building the Nation.
Dignitaries released the Rajathananda Souvenir and Ananda Balaga Members Directory brought out to commemorate the occasion. Sri M S Bhat – Convener Souvenir Committee spoken about in the souvenir and Sri Y Jayanth Rao – Convener, Directory Committee briefed the features of Directory. Ex-Presidents and wives of diseased Ex-Presidents were honored in recognition their contribution in nurturing and building the Balaga. Smt B G Krishnaveni who donated Rs. 5.00 lakhs to education fund was also honored for her gestures. In the beginning Sri U B Venkatesh – Vice President, Ananda Balaga welcomed the gathering. Sri M K Gurumurthy- Secretary presented the activities of Balaga for the year 2012-13. Sri S Haridas Upadhya proposed vote of thanks.
The programme commenced with Swasthi Vachana by the students of Vidya Peeta, followed by invocation by Kum. Shriya Raj, Swathi Barithaya and Pooja Barithaya. A theme song “Rajathananda” exclusively composed by Sri T S Ganesha Upadhyaya was also rendered by these artists.
As part of cultural programmes Vidwan Ravichandra Kulur and troupe performed ‘Vishwa Sangeetha’ a spectacular fusion music, which was much appreciated and enjoyed by the audience. Over 1,000 members and their family gathered at the function, which was concluded with dinner.
On 24th February, 2013, celebrations commenced with breakfast. Members performed variety entertainment programmes throughout the day. Music, classical and contemporary dances, mimicry, skit etc., showcased the hidden talents of members. A seminar was also arranged which was moderated by Dr K P Puthuraya. A special dance performed by ten talented couples of Balaga was the added attraction of the day.
The evening programme was held in the divine presence of HH Shree Vishwesha Thirtha Swamiji of Sri Pejawar Mutt, Udupi. Padma Bhushana Dr U R Rao, an internationally recognized Space Scientist and Padmashree Dr Bannanje Govindacharya, a well known Scholar were felicitated on the occasion. Poojya Swamiji in his Anugraha Sandesha commended the noble activities of Balaga and blessed its endeavors in the years to come. Swamiji appreciated the idea of felicitating personalities one representing ‘Jnana’ and another ‘Vignana’, as these two aspects are complementary for enhancing the welfare of human beings.
Dr U R Rao in his speech urged the youth to pursue education in the pure science, as it will only help in enhancing the quality of life and wealth of the society. Dr Bannanje suggested the Balaga to involve more in spiritual activities which will bring solace to the mankind in the long run. Sri P Jayaram Bhat – MD & CEO, Karnataka Bank was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Justice Dr M Rama Jois and Sri M Narendra, CMD, IOB were unable to attend the function and their messages were readout by Sri P C Rao, Convener Resource Committee.
The programme commenced with invocation by Vidushi Saralaya Sisters followed by welcome speech by Sri B Ramachandra Upadhya , Convener, Reception Committee. Sri S Haridas Upadhya – Secretary Silver Jubilee Celebration Committee presented a brief preview of 25 year’s activities. In his presidential remarks, Sri P S Bagilthaya briefed the initiatives taken by Balaga to help more number of deserved students to pursue their higher education through Education Assistance Programme (EAP) of Balaga. He further said that, a target was set to create a corpus of Rs.25 lakhs under EAP to carry out this noble cause on a sustainable basis. Sri M K Gurumurthy, Secretary proposed vote of thanks. Stage programme on both the days were compeered by Dr. Veena Sharath and Sri M S Bhat.
Lava Kusha, a Yakshangana by Sri Durga Children Troupe of Kateel was organized as part of cultural programme, which was well received by the audience. The programme happily ended with a gala dinner hosted by Hotel Woodlands.
