Dubai Karnataka Rajyotsava Awards: Celebration exemplary, says Speaker U.T. Khader

Mangalore Today News Network

Dubai, Nov 15, 2025: The Rajyotsava celebration is an event that all Kannadigas across the world observe with unity and harmony in the month of November. The Karnataka Rajyotsava festivities held by Kannadigas in the Gulf region are particularly remarkable, said Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr. U.T. Khader. He expressed hope that such enthusiasm will continue to grow and that Kannadigas in Dubai will celebrate the Rajyotsava with even greater unity in the coming years.

On Friday, at the New Dawn Private School in the UAE, thousands of Kannadigas gathered as the Karnataka Sangha Dubai celebrated the Karnataka Rajyotsava 2025 in a grand manner. Extending his greetings to all Kannadigas across the UAE, Speaker Khader presented the annual awards conferred by the association to recognize the service of Non-Resident Kannadigas.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Karnataka MLC Dr. Arathi Krishna, Bengaluru-based entrepreneur Kushal Gowda, businessmen Nilesh H.P., Dr. B.R. Shetty, Praveen Kumar Shetty (Vakvadi), Ibrahim Gadiyar, Sanjay Gowda, Jaleel, film personalities Jayamala, Sapthami Gowda, Dali Dhananjay, Sanil Guru, chief patron Ronald Martis, honorary advisor Jayanth Shetty, association president Shashidhar Nagarajappa, vice-president Daya Kirodian, secretary Manohar Hegde, joint secretary Mallikarjun Gowda, and treasurer Nagaraj Rao.

Award Presentations

The Dubai Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 2025 was presented to entrepreneur Samad Chirali Uchila.

The Sadhaka Ratna honours were conferred upon:

Alwyn Pinto – for contributions to the field of art

Irshad Moodbidri – for contributions to literature and journalism

Chidananda Poojary – for contributions to Yakshagana and theatre

Other recognitions included:

NRI entrepreneur B. Zakaria Jokatte (State Rajyotsava Award recipient)

Joseph Mathias (district Rajyotsava awardee)

Pratap Mendonca and Shobha Mendonca (Rachana Award recipients)

Achievers Amisha Anand, Vijetha Poojary, and Hirisha Chitral

Earlier in the day, Karnataka Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture K. Venkatesh inaugurated the Global Business Forum and conveyed his wishes for the Rajyotsava celebrations.

Dignitaries were welcomed with a ceremonial procession before being escorted to the stage.

Cultural Events Draw Thousands

From morning to night, the celebration saw the participation of thousands of Kannadigas from across the UAE. The event featured:

Dance performances by UAE-based Kannada artistes

Music programs by Kannada singers in the UAE

A comedy show by the "Supraam So" film team

A live music concert by SPB and Nishant’s team from Karnataka

Kannadigas in attendance enjoyed the grand celebration commemorating the 70th Karnataka Rajyotsava.

Daya Kirodian delivered the welcome address, Shashidhar Nagarajappa presented the preface, film actress Ankita Amar and popular UAE anchors Aarti Adiga and Kavya Yuvaraj compered the event, and Mallikarjun Gowda proposed the vote of thanks.