By Ishwar M. Ail

Malad, Mumbai : 'Shree  Varamahalakshmi  Pooja' , for the third year was celebrated traditionally, in gaiety and splendour at Jijamatha School, Anandawadi, Kurar Village, Malad East on August 5, 2012 by Shree Varalakshmi Pooja Samiti, Malad, under the leadership of well-known journalist Bokkapatna Dinesh Kulal. 

Hon. President of Malad Kannada Sangha Padmanabha Payyade, Businessman Ratnakar Shetty, Mundkoor,  Shridhar Shetty President of Shani Mahatma Pooja Samiti,  Santosh Poojary, Chairman of Billawara Association Local Committee, Kulala Sangha Building Committee Convenor Gopal Bangera, Janardhan Rai, and Social Worker Rangappa Gowda were the guests of honors during the ceremony.

Five Kannadigas who are prominent in various field were felicitated by the guests present. They are, Purohit Pandurang Bhat of Bhavani Shankar Mandir, Malad, Harish N. Shetty President of Malad Kannada Sangha, Wellknown doctor, Dr. G.S. Tilve, Social worker Kumaresh Acharya and Social worker Dombayya S. Karkera.

Students who obtained highest marks in X and XII standard were also felicitated, in addition to financial help was given to the needy poor students of Malad area. Note books were also distributed to all the Kannada students of Kurar Village area.  Two poor students received sponsorship to continue in their further studies.

In their speech the guests appreciated the activities of Shree Varamahalakshmi Pooja Samiti, for serving the weaker sections of Tulu-Kannadigas by way of Scholarships and financial support to the students, and even recognising their achievements and felicitating them, which will encourage them further.  Dinesh Kulal compered the programme.
Various dance programmes were performed by the youths of Malad , which attracted all the devotees present, and applauded by all of them.

Traditionally dressed  Sumangalis who came in  large numbers made this Shree Varamahalakshmi Pooja a unforgettable event. Even all the male members of  Varamahalakshmi  Pooja Samiti, were clad in traditional dress. The pooja mantap was beautifully decorated and the pooja was performed by the sumangalis in a systematic manner with the guidance of Santinja Janardhan Bhat

Pooja Samiti President Adv. Jagannath Shetty, Hon. Secretary Ganesh L. Kundar, Treasurer Jaganath Mendon, Paramananda J. Bhat, Ravi Swamiji, Shrinivasa Sapalya, Santosh Poojary, S. B. Kotiyan, Sundar Poojary, Satish Bhat, Dev B. Kotiyan, Andara Krishna Prabhu, Shailesh Poojary, Umesh Saliyan, Umesh Anchan, Mrutyunjay Palli, Harish Shetty, Mahabala Poojary, Ravi Moolya, Jayarama Patkar, Ishwara Kulal, Bhimanna, Mahesh Gowda, Dinesh Kumble, Raghu Poojary, Seetarama Amin, Devanna Prabhu, Somnatha Vagle, Dinesh Poojary, Udaya B. Saliyan and other members of the samiti, Ladies members extended their co.operation for the success of this entire programme. Shailesh Poojary offered vote of thanks.