Doha: Veteran Kannada actor and former minister Umashree was honoured with the ‘Qatar Kannada Samman’ at ‘Karunada Vaibhava-2026’, organised by Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ) to mark the 71st Karnataka Rajyotsava.
The cultural festival was held at the DPS-MIS auditorium near Al Wakra under the aegis of the Indian Cultural Centre and the Embassy of India. Kannadigas living in Qatar participated in the celebrations.
Indian Ambassador to Qatar K Srikar Reddy and Bengaluru Rural MP Dr C N Manjunath inaugurated the event. Other dignitaries included representatives of the Indian Embassy, ICC and Qatar’s Ministry of Culture.
Umashree, who is also Deputy Chairperson of the Karnataka Legislative Council, received the award in recognition of her contribution.
KSQ president Subrahmanya Hebbagilu welcomed the gathering, while general secretary Sujith Kumar Hosadurga presented the annual report. The association’s souvenir, ‘Srigandha’, featuring articles, poems, artwork and achievements of Kannadigas in Qatar, was also released.
The cultural programme featured comedy performances by ‘Comedy Khiladigalu’ artists Raghavendra, Jaggappa and Sushmitha, and musical performances by Sa Re Ga Ma Pa singers Mehboob Saab and Revanasiddha Phulari. Local children and representatives of Karnataka-based associations presented dance performances.
Dharmendra Kumar Arenahalli delivered a lecture. KSQ vice-president Anil Bhasagi proposed the vote of thanks, while Pranitha Thimmappa compered the programme.
