MP Brijesh Chowta led Mangaluru Kambala inaugurated

MP Brijesh Chowta led Mangaluru Kambala inaugurated

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, December 28, 2024: The 8th Rama Lakshmana Mangaluru Kambala held under the leadership of Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta was inaugurated at the Rama Lakshmana Jodukare at Gold Finch City on Saturday. Venkatesh, former MD of MRPL inaugurated the Kambala.

The event commenced with the father of martyr Capt. M.V. Prajwal, M. Venkatesh, a retired administrative director of MRPL, flagging it off. Capt. Prajwal had sacrificed his life in a battle with militants in Rajouri, Kashmir.

Speaking on the occasion, M. Venkatesh said, “Kambala represents the cultural grandeur of Tulu Nadu, where my son grew up playing and cherishing this soil. If my son were alive, we would have joined together to celebrate this tradition. Being a part of this magnificent culture, we should learn from our homeland’s environment, animals, and birds. It is a matter of great pride that this traditional folk sport, Kambala, has reached new heights.”

The event was inaugurated by K. Chittaranjan, president of the Shri Brahma Baidarkala Garadi Kshetra, by lighting the lamp. Blessings were extended by Shri Rajasekharananda Swamiji of Gurupura Vajradehi Math, Chidambarananda Swamiji of Ramakrishna Math, and Ananta Padmanabha Asranna, the priest of Shri Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple.

Presiding over the program, Prof. P.L. Dharma of Mangalore University remarked, “When our ancestors began Kambala, it was a platform that united society without discrimination. Today, let Kambala continue to serve as a symbol of unity and nation-building.”

Captain Chowta welcomed the guests and recounted the efforts to save Kambala from a ban. He highlighted how the community, including children, women, and youth, along with 200 pairs of buffaloes, united to preserve this tradition, marking a historic moment for Tulu Nadu. He also thanked Prakash Shetty, CMD of MR Group, for providing a spacious venue and supporting the event.

As a tribute to the nation, the dignitaries gathered at the Mangalore Kambala offered floral respects to Mother India. A moment of silence was observed for Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s 14th Prime Minister. Later, floral tributes were also paid to five soldiers, including Anoop from Kundapur, who tragically lost their lives in a military vehicle accident in Poonch district, Kashmir, on December 24.

The event proceedings were anchored by Keshava Bangera, Vice President of the Mangalore Kambala Committee. Notable attendees included Capt. Ganesh Karnik, Legislative Council Member and Mangalore Kambala Coordinator Kishore Kumar Puttur, Harikrishna Punaruru, Jayaram Shetty Kudumbur Guttu, Ashik Ballal Kuloor Bidu, Rani Abbakka Tulu Study Centre President Tukaram Poojary, Opposition Leader of the City Corporation Anil Kumar, council member Kiran Kumar Kodikal, former Mayor Kavita Sanil, Ex-Servicemen’s Association President Srikant Shetty, Colonel Sharath Bhandari, Capt. Deepak Adyantaya, Brigadier I.N. Rai, Pradeep Kumar Kalkur, and Prasad Kumar Shetty, Honorary Advisor of the Mangalore Kambala Committee, among others.