M Venkatesh, retired Managing Director of MRPL and father of the late Capt M V Pranjal, who was martyred in a clash with terrorists in Rajouri, Kashmir lights lamp to mark inauguration of eighth edition of the Mangaluru Kambala— Rama-Lakshmana Jodukare Kambala at Goldfinch City in Bangrakuloor in Mangaluru on Saturday.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Mangaluru: The eighth edition of the Mangaluru Kambala— Rama-Lakshmana Jodukare Kambala, was inaugurated in a grand manner at Goldfinch City in Bangrakulur, under the leadership of Dakshina Kannada MP and Mangaluru Kambala Committee President, Capt Brijesh Chowta on Saturday.
The event was flagged off by M Venkatesh, retired Managing Director of MRPL and father of the late Capt M V Pranjal, who was martyred in a clash with terrorists in Rajouri, Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, M Venkatesh said, “Kambala is the cultural pride of Tulunadu, the land where my son, Capt M V Pranjal, grew up playing. If my son were alive today, we would have come together to enjoy this tradition. We are all part of this rich Tulunadu culture, and we must learn from our homeland's environment, animals, and birds. It is a matter of great pride that this folk sport of Kambala is flourishing.”
The event was inaugurated by lighting a lamp by K Chittaranjan, President of Sri Brahma Baidarkala Garadi Kshetra.
Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof P L Dharma said Kambala was initiated by our ancestors to unite society without discrimination. “I hope Kambala continues to build and unite our nation today,” he expressed.
Capt Chowta recalled the collective effort to preserve Kambala during its ban. “During the struggle to lift the ban on Kambala, everyone, including children, women, and youth, stood together.”
Rajashekarananda Swamiji of Gurupura Vajradehi Mutt, Chidambarananda Swamiji of Ramakrishna Mutt, and Ananth Padmanabha Asranna, the priest of Sri Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple were present at the occassion.
Floral tributes were offered to Bharathambe on the occasion. A moment of silence was observed in honor of the late 14th Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh.
Later, heartfelt tributes were paid to five soldiers, including Anoop Poojary from Kundapur, who died in the tragic accident on December 24 when an army vehicle fell into a gorge in Poonch district, Kashmir.
Competition under various categories will be held till December 29 morning and prizes will be distributed on Sunday.