Letters

I enjoyed reading Stan Szecowka’s interview with Bahrain International Circuit’s CEO Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa about plans for next season’s Formula One race in the kingdom. As a motor sport fan I don’t think I’ve been more excited about a coming season ever, what with the change-over of drivers and the introduction of some of the brightest talent for a long time on to the grid.

However, judging from Lewis Hamilton’s performance at last weekend’s race in Abu Dhabi, I think Shaikh Salman is wrong about ruling out the Mercedes main man from adding to his collection of driving crowns, although I hate to admit it being a devoted Ferrari follower.

Tracy Tifosis, Saar.

Editor’s note: The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix weekend festivities will take place on March 28-29-30-31 as the second of 21 rounds in the 2019 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Check out the special Early Bird Tickets Deals by visiting www.bahraingp.com for more details, call the BIC Hotline on 17450000 or visit the BIC stand in Bahrain City Centre.

A galaxy of stars from Karnataka’s cinema and music industries will land in Bahrain for the annual Karnataka Rajyotsava – Kannada Vaibhava 2018 this weekend.

The mega cultural event will be hosted by the Kannada Sangha Bahrain on Friday at the Al Raja School auditorium.

The event will depict the grandeur of the cultural heritage of the Indian state of Karnataka, home to almost 70 million population. Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha will be the chief guest on the occasion.

Other honoured guests at the event will include award-winning actress Tara Venugopal, who is also a former member of the state legislative council and acclaimed cinematographer H.C Venugopal. Adding a musical note, two of the state’s top music directors - Sadhu Kokila, two-time recipient of the State Award for Music Direction, who is also a noted actor, producer and film director, alongside Guru Kiran, four-time winner of the Filmfare Award - will also take part.

Ravi Hegde, editor-in-chief of popular Kannada Prabha newspaper and Suvarna News TV channel will also be present. The event will be choreographed by noted Kannada actor and art director, Arun Sagar.

A highlight of the event will be a 90-minute dance recital by the Three Aksha troupe from Philadelphia, US. The troupe is led by Viji Rao and is based at Girard College, where she has been an artist in residence since 2008. Three Aksha seeks to preserve and promote Indian culture and heritage through classical Indian Bharatanatyam dance choreography and has performed in major cities across America, the UK, Europe and India.

Also providing various entertainment programmes during the five-hour event will be more than 50 Kannada Sangha artists.

The event is an occasion for the Kannada community in Bahrain to celebrate their culture and traditions. More than 1,000 people are expected to participate. Entry is free for all Kannadigas and doors open at 5pm for the 5.30pm show.

The event is supported by BMMI (title sponsor); Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, President Group, Papillon Restaurant and Al Safir Hotel (platinum sponsors); and Prudential Manpower, Exelon, Auma Middle East, Malbar Gold & Diamonds & Bin Hindi (main sponsors).

This year we have a top level guest list, featuring the pride of all Kannada-speaking people.

Pradeep Shetty, Sangha president.

Top class volleyball action will return to The Indian Club as the club plays host to The Indian Club – Indian Delights Open Volleyball Tournament 2018.

It starts from Saturday at its premises and the entry fee is BD20 per team. The tournament is open for all nationalities.

Winners will pick up a prize of $1,500 and the runners-up $750 along as well as trophies. This tournament is sponsored by Indian Delights. For further information, please contact the tournament coordinator Jose K. P. on 33824354, the convener Ajith Kumar on 39813067  or The Indian Club on 17253157.

Ricson Rebello,

General Secretarym, for and on behalf of The Indian Club.