THANK YOU TEXAS BANA 2024 TEAM !!!
A big thanks to Texas BANA executive team for your amazing leadership, invaluable guidance and smooth transition. A special shoutout to the entire Texas Bunts team for putting together an incredible BANA Texas event!
MEET THE TEAM BANA 2026
.jpg)
and All PNW BANA FAMILY
CONGRATUALATIONS
Prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 2024
Mr. Sekhar Naik
Mystic, CT
Founder, CEO & President
MResult Corp.
Entrepreneur, Business and Community leader
Prime-donor and supporter - BANA
Mr. Ajith Bhaskar
New York
President at NY Tennis Ball Cricket League
President at LI Titans
Former President at Kannada Koota NY
Kannada Sahitya Parishat Award
REGIONAL CELEBRATIONS
Content by : Sai Santosh Shetty Canada
Bunts Canada Diwali 2024: A Celebration to Remember
On November 9, 2024, the Bunts community of Canada gathered at Bombay Palace, Brampton, to celebrate Diwali 2024. This year’s function was nothing short of spectacular, bringing together tradition, community spirit, and innovation under one roof. With the theme “Back to Our Roots,” the evening was a heartfelt homage to our rich heritage, resonating deeply with every attendee.
Rekindling Our Traditions: A Thematic Journey
The evening began with the auspicious Diya Lighting Ceremony, a moment steeped in tradition. Women and girls dressed in vibrant ethnic attire had a procession to the tune of popular song written, sung and recorded by the community members. The elders of the community lit the ceremonial diyas, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The warm glow of the lamps and the heartfelt prayers set a serene and spiritual tone for the celebrations.
Following this, the stage came alive with a breathtaking Classical Jugalbandi, featuring trained classical dancers showcasing Indian classical styles of Bharatnatyam and Kathak. Their soulful performance was a tribute to the depth and diversity of our cultural heritage.
The celebration continued with a series of enchanting performances that spanned generations. Children and teenagers showcased their talents with energetic dances and skits, bringing youthful exuberance to the stage. Young adults impressed the audience with their contemporary yet culturally rooted performances, while the ladies of the community presented a mesmerizing dance sequence that celebrated the grace and strength of women in our traditions.
The highlight of the evening was the grand showcase, “Festivals of Tulunadu,” a vivid depiction of the customs, rituals, and joyous festivities unique to our homeland. From the vibrant Aati Kalenji to the rhythmic Diwali Parba, this cultural depiction transported the audience straight to the heart of Tulunadu.
Adding a modern twist to the evening was a flashmob performance that took everyone by surprise and drew cheers from the crowd. The night culminated with a rousing final act by the organizers, followed by DJ night that brought everyone to their feet and symbolized the unity and hard work behind the event.
Strengthening Bonds: Community Initiatives in Focus
The year 2024 was a remarkable one for Bunts Canada, marked by two significant initiatives aimed at strengthening community ties and fostering growth:
1. Bunts Business Directory
This initiative was a beacon for Bunts entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to showcase their businesses and services. The directory served as a comprehensive resource, making it easier for community members to support each other professionally. Whether you were seeking a trusted professional or a reliable service, the directory offered a ready-made network of Bunts talent.
2. Bunts Mentorship and Advisory Program
Recognizing the challenges newcomers face, this initiative connected experienced professionals within the community with those seeking guidance. Through mentorship and advisory sessions, newcomers received invaluable insights, helping them gain a head start in their professional journeys. The program exemplified the spirit of giving back and ensuring collective progress.
A Grand Success: Thanks to Our Pillars of Support
The success of Bunts Diwali 2024 was a testament to the collective efforts of the community. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our sponsors, whose generous contributions made this event possible. Your support is invaluable in helping us preserve our traditions and foster a sense of belonging.
To our dedicated volunteers, we owe a debt of gratitude. From planning and organizing to executing the event seamlessly, your hard work and commitment were evident in every detail. Your efforts ensured that the evening was memorable for all.
Finally, a big thank you to all participants—performers, attendees, and everyone who contributed to the vibrant energy of the celebration. Your enthusiasm and participation truly made Bunts Diwali 2024 a grand success.
Looking Ahead
As we look back on this joyous occasion, we are reminded of the strength and beauty of our community. Bunts Diwali 2024 was more than an event; it was a celebration of our heritage, a reaffirmation of our values, and a step forward in fostering unity and growth.
Here’s to more such memorable celebrations in the new year. Wishing everyone a prosperous year ahead, filled with love, joy, and success. Happy New Year!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and attended! Your energy, enthusiasm, and love made this celebration truly special. Every smile, every moment of joy, and every shared laugh is what made this event unforgettable.
📸 Dive into the memories captured by the official photographer here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kk9EjNAJCaYEWhtY9
Let’s continue this incredible spirit of togetherness! Please extend your support and participation for all our future organizers, initiatives, and celebrations.
Warm regards,
Bunts Canada Diwali 2024 Organizing Team
📸 Dive into the memories captured by the official photographer here:
With Simple Star Rakshith Shetty
Content by : Sudarshan Shetty , Canada
Tulukoota Canada & Bunts Canada got the opportunity to felicitate Namma ooruda super star Rakshith Shetty . Very humble and down to earth . Indeed he is a simple star.
BANA - ATLANTA
Content by : Prasad Shetty , Canada
Diwali Atlanta
Date: Saturday , Oct 26 2023
Venue : Clubhouse in Longlake community, Cumming, Georgia
Wanted to take a moment to share my appreciation for the wonderful Diwali party hosted for the Atlanta Bunts. The evening was a vibrant celebration filled with joy and community spirit. We enjoyed lively dances, delicious food, and engaging games that brought everyone together. It was truly heartwarming to meet new faces and reconnect with old friends, making the night both memorable and meaningful.
A big thank you to everyone who helped organize such a fantastic event. The warmth and camaraderie we shared are what make our community so special.
Looking forward to more gatherings that bring us all closer. Wishing you all a joyous and prosperous year ahead!
Warm regards,
Atlanta Bunts
ART WORK
Content by : Navya Alva , Atlanta , GA
Art work by Nishka Shetty,14yrs, Atlanta, GA. daughter of Navya Alva.
LionArt was published as cover page for school calendar (Autrey Mill Middle school 2023-2024).
FLORAL ARCH
Artist Name: Anitha Naik, Bay Area
BELTWAY BUNT
Content by : Avani
The Beltway Bunt community gathered on November 2nd, 2024 to celebrate Diwali. This celebration started off with blessings and prayers offered for this auspicious day, beautiful soulful bhajans, and amazing energetic dance performances. not to mention the delicious food, laughter, dancing, laughter and love.
TRISTATE BANA
Content by : Tristate bana team
The Tristate Bunts community celebrated Diwali on November 17th at Akbar Restaurant in New Jersey. The event was filled with fun activities, featuring delicious Indian cuisine, lively music, and entertaining games. The festivities kicked off with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by dance & music performances, games, and concluded with a delicious Indian lunch.
Accomplishments
Dr. Sharmilee Shetty, West Hills, NY recently graduated summa cum laude from Cornell University with an Executive Masters in Healthcare Administration (EMHA). Additionally, she has the privilege of serving as a member of the Board of Governors for Northwell Health. Northwell Health is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, operating as a non-profit integrated healthcare network. The system comprises 21 hospitals, over 900 outpatient facilities, and employs more than 87,000 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and allied health workers.
Tulunadu at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Content by : Dr Arti Datta, Muttontown NY
Last weekend, my husband and I visited the fabulous Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue in New York City. We’ve been there before, but it had been a while since our last visit. Little did we know, this trip would hold a special surprise.
In addition to the incredible Roman, Greek, Egyptian, and Asian exhibits we expected to see, we were absolutely amazed to discover something from our own hometown of Tulu Nadu on display! Right there, among artifacts from some of the oldest and richest cultures in the world, were two stunning pieces of art from South Canara—something we never expected to find at the
Met. A beautifully crafted breastplate worn by female priests and, wait for it…from the Bhuta culture - Jumadi’s mask!
We were filled with pride to see these intricately carved metal artworks showcased for millions of visitors at one of the world’s most renowned museums. It was such a surreal feeling to see a representation of our small corner of the world standing proudly among such iconic global treasures.
If you’re ever in New York City, this is definitely something you won’t want to miss!
VISHWA BUNTARA SAMAGAMA - 2024
AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Content by : Raghurama Shetty , Southern California
Vivaswan Shetty’s Hollywood
Music Video tying Tulu Cobra culture
Vivaswan is a Music artist(singer, writer, producer), Hollywood Actor, Model, and an Yakshagana Artist. Born in Mangaluru, raised in the United States, he went on to break the India’s men’s national record in the Indoor 200M as a teenager. His family(father Raghuram Shetty being the first Guru to train many foreign teams outside India in advanced coastal Indian theaters, stage hundreds of shows across US), travelled the world performing award winning Yakshagana, kOla and Drama shows for international audiences! It was from there VivaSwan found his love for music and acting which he then took to Hollywood.
Since then, Vivaswan along with his family has been in numerous National and International Commercials including 3 Superbowls, IPL, many Film/TV/Media and magazines. His music has gone viral several times over the years, with his hit song “Slay” being the top Tik Tok trending song at 150 MILLION streams!
Now VivaSwan is back in the Year of the Snake, with a brand new music video shot in India itself! Adorned with a live Naaga around his neck, Viva tells the story of harboring those who’re abused and forgotten by society as much conveying the rich TulunaaD culture of Cobra worship. The music video happened only by chance, his grandfather Puttige Guttu Thimmappa Shetty passed and he came back to the village for his “Bojja” aka 16 days funeral rites!
On the way back from sprinkling sacred remains of grandpa on major holy rivers of India, family got inspired to do a Production in India. The next morning at 5 AM, he and his father alongside their Bollywood team went scouting locations in Mumbai, Gujarat etc. Within a week they nailed a full Palace, a huge Sets where major Indian TV series were shot, a live Snake, a dance choreographer who worked with top Bollywood Stars like Ranveer Singh, custom wardrobes etc., and finished a massive Music Video production involving over 75 crew!
Make sure you do not miss out on this unique experience down below. Please drop a comment, share and support. He want to inspire our youths and worldwide audience with many more cultural Videos and Films to spread out BUNT and Tulu culture, but he needs your support to make it happen! Let’s make the Bunt and Tulu community proud!
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/nzcFFJOYZ9w
All platforms:
https://ffm.to/qb4dona
Simoul Alva - FORBES 30 UNDER 30
Content by : Dr. Premraj Alva
Avani Rai - National 4-H Youth in Action award
Content by : Brahma Rai
Avani Rai is a sophomore at Harvard University studying Economics and Statistics.
This past year, she received the national 4-H Youth in Action award, given to four youth nationwide, for her exemplary service in improving healthy living across the state of Illinois.
She was further recognized for her work when she was selected to lead the Illinois State Fair parade representing 4-H as a Grand Marshall, behind Governor J.B. Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton.
Avani also received a nomination to the Jacob Wendell prize, on the basis of academic success in her class.
Sameera Rai - Bronze Medal for USA at Junior World Racquetball Championships
Content by : Sathwik Rai
Sameera Rai ( Sammie Rai) recently won a Bronze Medal for USA at the 2024 World Junior Racquetball Championships held at Guatemala City, Guatemala ( Dec 6th - Dec 12th, 2024) . Sameera is the daughter of Sathwik Rai and Laura Rai & granddaughter of late Prabhakar Rai , Usha P Rai and Cheryl Hinkle and currently resides in the California Bay Area.
Sammie & her doubles partner, Sloka won a Bronze Medal for Team USA in the Girls Under 10 Doubles event.
She was the youngest member (9 yrs) on the 2024-25 US Junior National Girls team.
Back in June 2024 at the Junior National Championship held at Pleasanton, CA, Sammie won 3 Gold medals to secure a place on the US Junior National Team. She won the Under 8 Girls Singles, Under 10 Girls Doubles and Under 10 Girls multi bounce event.
In 2023, Sameera represented Team USA juniors in the Under 10 girls doubles event as a 8 year old at the 2023 World Junior Racquetball Championships held at Tarija, Bolivia in Nov 2023.
2024 World Junior Racquetball Championships website: https://www.internationalracquetball.com/xxxiv-irf-world-junior-racquetball-championships/
Recap of the 2024 World Junior Racquetball Championships, Guatemala City :
https://www.usaracquetball.com/news/2024/december/06/daily-blog-from-the-xxxv-irf-world-junior-racquetball-championships
Results of 2024 US Junior National Racquetball Championships
https://www.r2sports.com/tourney/viewResults.asp?TID=41777
Disha Rai - Good's Bronze Jefferson Award
Content by : Brahma Rai
Disha Rai is 13 year old from Bloomington, IL.
She is an 8th grader at George L Evans Junior High School.
The following are her accomplishments and awards in 2024.
1. Multiplying Good’s Bronze Jefferson Award and the Nickelodeon Our World Award
Disha was selected for these awards because of her public service, as well as her dedication to improving lives in her community.
2. McLean County YICU Service Award
The YICU award is given to recognize and celebrate young adults' leadership skills and contributions to the broader community.
3. State Champion for 4H’s Public Speaking Competition
4. State Champion for 4H in the category of Leadership
5. Selected as one of the ten Kid Reporters nationwide for TIME for Kids Magazine
6. Recognized as a CI (Central Illinois) Hero from the WJBC News Channel
OBITUARY
Sri. T. Dayananda Bhandary passed away on November 29, 2024. A cherished member of the New Jersey BANA community, he touched the lives of many with his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering spirit.
Sri. Dayananda Bhandary was a devoted husband to Uma Bhandary, a loving father to Dhruv and Shree Bhandary, and a proud Ajja (grandfather) to his five beloved grandchildren: Dhevin, Jeet, Riyyan, Aric, and Siyona.
His life was a testament to love, family, and service, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and compassion that will be forever remembered.
We deeply mourn his loss and hold his memory close in our hearts. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Rohini Shetty of McLean, Virginia, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 15.
A cherished member of the DC BANA family for over 50 years, Rohini shared a loving marriage of over 60 years with Sundar Shetty.
Rohini raised three children, Atul, Sujatha, and Vaishali, but her greatest joy was being the proud grandmother of five grandchildren: Sameer, Ashish, Kiran, Simren, and Sohan.
Our community deeply mourns her loss and our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this time of sorrow.
DR. (MAJOR GENERAL) KIDIYUR JAYAKAR SHETTY
SEPTEMBER 2, 1931 NOVEMBER 23, 2024
Dr. (Major General) K. Jayakar Shetty passed away peacefully in the early hours of November 23, 2024, at his daughter's home in Baltimore, MD. He lived a rich and impactful life. As one of his former students put it upon hearing of his death: ”Teachers and human beings like him never die - they simply live on in the hearts of many.”
Jayakar Shetty was born in the village of Kidiyur near Udupi in what was then the Madras Presidency. After completing his early education in Kidiyur, Udupi, and Mangalore, he earned his medical degree, (MBBS) in 1955 at Madras Medical College. In 1956, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army, marking the start of a 34-year military career that would culminate in the rank of Major General.
While in the Army, he completed his MD from Poona University and specialized further in Endocrinology at the University of Cardiff, receiving a MRCP from Edinburgh, and later a FRCP. During his military career, he held a variety of academic and administrative positions across India and overseas. The most notable of these were: member of the Indian delegation to the International Control Commission in Vietnam, and Medical Specialist in the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) in Bhutan where he also served as the personal physician to the
King. He went on to become: Head of the Department of Medicine at the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune; Commanding Officer, Military Hospital, Pathankot: and Senior Consultant, Medicine, Armed Forces Medical Services.
After he retired from the Army, Dr. Shetty worked in Al-Hofuf (Saudi Arabia), established the teaching program in Medicine at the Manipal College of Medical Sciences (MCOMS) in Pokhara, Nepal, and was a Consultant at a number of hospitals in Bangalore, including Manipal Hospital (where he also helped initiate its post graduate program in Medicine), Baptist Hospital and Specialist Hospital. Throughout his life, he never forgot his roots in the Bunt community, including serving as the President of the Bunts Sangha in Pune from 1980 to 1983.
In 2020, Dr. Shetty moved to Baltimore along with Hemalatha, his wife of 64 years who predeceased him in 2021. He is survived: in the US by his daughter, Kirti (of Baltimore, MD), his son, Sudhir and daughter-in-law, Madhavi (of Kensington, MD), sister-in law, Indira Shetty (of Flushing, NY), brother- and sister-in law, Sakaram and Gayathri Shetty (of Edison, NJ), and grandchildren, Shefali, Alok, Aditi and Rohan; in India, by his sister, Pushpa and brother-in-law, Ganpathi Shetty (of Udupi), brother- and sister-in-law, Dr. Shantharam and Vasanthi Shetty (of Mangalore), sister- and brother-in law, Saroja and Satish Bhandary (of Mangalore); and across the world by many nephews, nieces and their families.
His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched as a patriarch, physician, teacher, mentor, and
community leader.
Dr. Hebri Suresh Ballal ("Gundu") passed away peacefully at
home, surrounded by his loving wife, Anita, and all three of his
daughters--Sangeeta, Sanjana, and Sapna on Saturday, January 11th.
In the hours following his passing, his family came together to
grieve and celebrate the tremendous love and respect Gundu
inspired in those around him. He was a proud father and a loving
grandfather to his two granddaughters, Prafulla and Rukmini.
Our community deeply mourns his loss, and our thoughts and
prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
