The vibrant sounds of buffalo races and community celebration marked the successful conclusion of the ninth edition of Mangaluru Kambala, an event that this year shone a spotlight on a powerful homecoming movement. The event, held at Rama-Lakshmana Jodukare in Goldfinch City, Bangrakuluru, became a platform to honour a special group of individuals: successful entrepreneurs who have answered the call to return to their roots and invest in Tulu Nadu's future.
BJP Leader Applauds Unique 'Back to Ooru' Vision
Bharatiya Janata Party's Karnataka state president, BY Vijayendra, was a prominent attendee at the event on Saturday. He lauded Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta for his innovative 'Back to Ooru' concept. Vijayendra described the initiative as both unique and commendable, drawing a parallel to how the Kambala tradition has been brought from rural settings to urban audiences.
"Kambala is not merely a rural folk sport; it is a symbol of Tulu Nadu's identity," Vijayendra stated. He expressed his appreciation that the energetic sound of the races now resonates in city areas as strongly as in villages, a development he credited to the Mangaluru Kambala under the MP's leadership. He also praised Capt Chowta for systematically organising the Mangaluru Kambala for the past eight years.
Celebrating Entrepreneurial Homecomings
The core of the event's second day was a special ceremony to recognise ten accomplished professionals and entrepreneurs. These individuals, under Chowta's 'Back to Roots' concept, left high-profile positions globally to establish enterprises in their coastal homeland, creating local employment and driving innovation.
MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, who is also the president of the Mangaluru Kambala Committee, detailed their contributions. The honoured entrepreneurs include:
- Anand Fernandes: A Global IT leader who relocated his company's India operations to Mangaluru, building a tech workforce of over 850.
- Nitik Ratnakar: A visionary architect introducing net-zero, energy-efficient innovation and green manufacturing to the Mangaluru SEZ.
- Bruno Marcel Prakash Pereira: An engineering leader who established advanced manufacturing units in the SEZ, generating skilled jobs.
- Shriya Shetty: A chef and mentor reimagining local cuisine while taking Mangaluru's flavours to international kitchens.
- Avinash Rao: Founder of Agrileaf, transforming rural farming in Karnataka with AI-driven sustainable solutions.
- Smitha Rao: A global tech entrepreneur contributing deep-tech leadership and innovation capacity back to the city.
- Namith PP: Established Bose Professional's India Research & Development centre in Mangaluru, strengthening the national innovation landscape.
- Sandesh D Poojary: Returned to build Deenet, expanding internet access and creating livelihoods along the coast.
- Sudhakar Poonja: A hospitality entrepreneur shaping Mangaluru's evolving food culture and urban spaces.
- Ansar Ali: An industrial leader who brought Middle East-scale enterprise and work practices back to the region.
Preserving Culture and Inspiring Future Generations
Speaking on the broader purpose of the festival, which concluded on Sunday, Capt Chowta emphasized that the Mangaluru Kambala is conducted to introduce the rich art and cultural identity of Tulu Nadu to future generations. K Prakash Shetty, the honorary president of the Mangaluru Kambala Committee, presided over the events.
The occasion saw a distinguished gathering, including Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the opposition leader in the Karnataka legislative council, Udupi-Chikamagalur MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary, along with several MLAs, MLCs, and other dignitaries. Their presence underscored the significant cultural and economic importance of both the traditional Kambala festival and the modern 'Back to Ooru' movement, which together are shaping a dynamic future for the coastal region.
