Qatar: In a land where desert winds sweep across the horizon, something far more refreshing filled the air on a remarkable day in Qatar—a rhythm, a voice, a belonging. Pratibhotsava 2025, the annual talent festival organized by the Karnataka Cultural Foundation (KCF), was not just a cultural event—it was an emotional reawakening.
Held at the elegant Qurrathusadath Arena, Pune University Hall, Barwa Commercial Avenue, this full-day celebration of Kannada culture brought together hearts, voices, and talents from every corner of the diaspora. I had the honour of being invited as a judge by my dear friend Mirshad Kanyana, one of KCF’s most devoted and silent torchbearers—steady in purpose, sincere in service.
From early morning until the final applause, the venue pulsed with energy. Songs soaked in nostalgia, fiery debates, PPT presentations that mirrored cultural pride, evocative essays, and soul-stirring stories filled the program. The quiz competition, brilliantly conducted by Farooq Jeppu, was a crowd favourite—intelligent, lively, and flawlessly managed. It wasn’t merely a contest—it was an orchestra of knowledge and identity.
Guiding the audience through every moment was the charismatic Samjad Zakariya, the Master of Ceremonies, whose multilingual narration—seamlessly flowing between Kannada, English, Arabic —was more than anchoring. It was a vibrant, unifying thread that kept the cultural spirit alive from start to finish.
Among the many unforgettable moments, the writing competitions—particularly the essays and stories submitted by women participants—left a lasting impact on me. Their work was not just literary; it was alive, bold, and profoundly rooted in lived experience. It dismantled outdated assumptions and illuminated a powerful truth: the voices of Kannada women abroad are not just present—they are thriving, eloquent, and essential. Judging them was no easy task. Every piece deserved to win. With great difficulty, I finally settled on two First Prizes and two Second Prizes, though in my heart, all were winners.
The Daff and Kavali competitions stirred deep emotion, resonating with spiritual and cultural fervor. The debates were razor-sharp and deeply reflective. And the quiz, cleverly designed and energetically delivered, brought laughter, cheers, and admiration for the sharp minds who carried Karnataka’s intellectual legacy abroad.
The inauguration ceremony added a dignified layer of purpose and community pride. It was graced by esteemed figures including Dr. Syed Hussain Khadri, President of Anvarul Huda Kodagu Qatar Chapter; Muneer Magundi, President of KCF Qatar; Farook Krishnapura, General Secretary of KCF Qatar; Hafil Umarul Farooq Saqafi, President of the KCF International Council (Education Division); Saquib Raza Khan, President of Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association (KMCA); Ravi Shetty, President of Karnataka Sangha Qatar; Subrahmanya Hebbagilu, former Vice President of the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) and Karnataka Sangha Qatar; Dinesh Gowda, PRO of Karnataka Sangha Qatar; Asmath Ali, General Manager of Golden Trading & Decoration; and Haneef Pathoor, President of KCF’s Professional Wing, Abdullah Monu,Siddique Handuguli Their presence wasn’t just ceremonial—it was symbolic of the solidarity and shared commitment to Kannada culture.
The event also witnessed a proud literary milestone with the unveiling of the subscription campaign for Ishara, the first Kannada magazine in the Gulf. It stands as a living bridge—connecting the diaspora through storytelling, poetry, and prose.
Women, with their own dedicated seating and space, added colour and creativity through the “Cooking Without Fire” contest—a culinary showcase filled with innovation, presentation, and warmth.
The competition was intense among the four zones, with Wakra emerging as the clear winner by securing the highest points tally of 400. Madeena Khaleefa followed with 324 points, Aziziya earned 271 points, and Doha concluded with 165 points.
And at the heart of this unforgettable day stood the Karnataka Cultural Foundation itself. With over 12,000 members across the Gulf, the UK, and Malaysia, KCF is more than a cultural entity—it is a lifeline. Its reach spans education, healthcare, humanitarian service, and inter-community dialogue. It empowers people to preserve their heritage while moving forward with dignity and purpose.
As twilight wrapped the venue and conversations turned to farewells, one truth lingered in every heart: Kannada is not just a language—it is an emotion, a connection, a home. KCF didn’t merely organize a festival; they created a space where identity could breathe, grow, and shine.
They sparked a movement, built a memory, and rekindled a legacy that will echo far beyond Qatar’s borders.
