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Celebrating Kannada Rajyotsava in Brunei – a special speaking experience

Some experiences take root in the heart and bloom into lifelong memories.
Emceeing the inaugural Kannada Rajyotsava celebration at the High Commission of India, Brunei, was one such moment—deeply emotional and cherished.

I have done emcee roles previously, but this one will remain special – compering in my mother tongue Kannada. Honouring a language that is not only close to my heart but also one of the 22 official languages (and 1600 other languages & dialects) of India made the experience deeply meaningful.

Kannada #Rajyotsava celebrated on 1st November every year is tied to two landmark years — 1956, when all Kannada-speaking regions of India were unified to form the state of Mysore, and 1973, when the state was officially renamed Karnataka (one of the 28 states of India).

“Karneshu atati iti Karnataka” celebrates Karnataka as a melodic, literary, and culturally resonant land, where everything from language to its Carnatic music is a joy to hear.

From the timeless works of Adikavi Pampa to Kuvempu’s poetry and the modern expressions of contemporary writers like DVG, Karanth, Bendre & Masti, Kannada literature has shaped identity, thought, and culture for generations.

A variety of colourful cultural programs were performed during the event, showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of our community. The lineup featured delightful songs and energetic dances by BSB and KB groups — including singing and dance performances by children, ladies, and men. Each segment brought its own charm, making the celebration diverse, and memorable.

The vibrant Huli Vesha performance reminded us of the Lion Dance traditions cherished in this region—rooted in fierce energy, colour, rhythm, and centuries-old storytelling.

Emceeing offers a unique opportunity to research, explore, and deeply connect. It teaches you to listen, observe, honour stories, and narrate the essence with responsibility and pride. Another learning chapter in my Speaking Diaries in this beautiful abode of peace.

ಸಿರಿಗನ್ನಡಂ ಗೆಲ್ಗೆ, ಸಿರಿಗನ್ನಡಂ ಬಾಳ್ಗೆ.

#KannadaRajyotsava #KannadaInBrunei #CommunityEngagement #EmceeLife #KannadaKootaBrunei #HighCommissionOfIndiaBrunei #KarnatakaCulture #CulturalHeritage #LeadershipThroughArts #PublicSpeakingJourney #MotherTongue #SiriKannadamGelge

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Flying over the Grand Canyon

‘A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.’

I realized the saying on my first visit to the iconic Grand Canyon in the state of Arizona in USA. This geological marvel has been persistently carved by the mighty Colorado River and its tributaries through layer after layer of colorful rock strata. My husband and I  had the opportunity to visit this spectacular natural wonder on a crisp July summer in 2019, the year the magnificent Canyon turned a 100 years. In February1919, this Arizona canyon was designated as Grand Canyon National Park. In 1979, UNESCO designated the Grand Canyon a World Heritage Site.

Boarding the best seat, we are all set for the heli-ride.

We took this unforgettable heli-tour of Sundance, Las Vegas. Sundance picked us up in a limo at our hotel, The Cosmopolitan, and dropped us back after the tour. Total time away was about four hours. We had to bring original booking docs and government photo ID as required at the Sundance office prior to departure. At the office, we were given safety briefing via hand outs, video and by the pilot himself.  It is recommended to use the washroom prior to boarding the heli, as there are no facilities on this tour until return to the airport office in 2-2.5 hours. There were six passengers and the pilot. We had the front seat next to the pilot and the ride was smooth and safe. Our pilot detailed the highlights during the heli-ride both ways, as we wore headsets to listen and speak with filler music. We flew over and around the Hoover Dam. We marveled the grandeur of the Canyon which is about a mile deep, up to 18-miles wide and almost 300 miles long.

Breathtaking views of the shimmering limestones and sandstones and the beautiful Colorado river, evoking great fantasy and delight.

We flew over Lake Mead and landed in the fascinating landscape of the Grand Canyon. It felt meditative as we stood at the rim of the Grand Canyon gazing at layer upon layer of rock. It was quite breezy and as the light wind splashed across our faces, we felt a renewed vigor and sense of surrender to the mighty nature ahead of us. We had time to take several pictures of the iconic landscape.

Soaking in the greatness of this gorgeous landscape.
Posing at the viewpoint.

At the helicopter landing area of the Canyon is a shelter place, where we were treated to a picnic lunch of pasta salad, sub, fruit and cookies, with drink and water. 

Rest and lunch break at the shelter place.

After a brief refreshment and surreal feeling, we boarded the helicopter for the return journey over the Canyon.

On the way back, the pilot flew us over the Vegas strip which was quite amazing as we spotted the Strat, Trump tower, MGM, Mandalay Bay among others.

View of the Vegas strip on our way back.

The heli-tour to the Grand Canyon was a journey worth taking because of its magnificent structure, scientific value and awe-inspiring beauty. We hope to visit this geological glory once more.

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bewitched in Bali

We had a refreshing getaway to the picturesque island of Bali, Indonesia in May 2017. The island lies east of Java and is approximately 8 degrees south of the equator. In March 2017, TripAdvisor named Bali as the world’s top destination in its Traveler’s Choice award.

Quick facts: Strategically located in international trade lanes. Country: Indonesia; Capital: Denpasar; Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR); Coordinates: 8°20′06″S 115°05′17″E

Stay and cuisine: Our stay was comfortable at the Champlung Mas Hotel And Spa Legian located in the premiere of Kuta – Legian within 10 minute walking distance to Kuta beach, Legian art market and restaurants.

Bali hotel.jpg

 

The best place for dinner is the tranquil Jimbaran bay with a terrific view of sunset, scrumptious sea food and nice area to walk around. Food can be overpriced!

Local customs and traditions:

Fragrant frangipani and incense adorn the streets, vehicles and houses in Bali. We bought some harum sari (fragrant incense) from the Toko Dupa incense shop.

Bali incense.jpg

Places of interest, history and culture:

Tanah Lot:

Means ‘land in the sea’. The offshore shrine is situated amidst constantly crashing waves and is an iconic feature. It is located in the Beraban village of the Tabanan regency, about 30 km away from Denpasar and 20 km northwest of Kuta.

Bali tanah lot.jpg

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan:

This beautiful water temple is located on the shores of Lake Bratan, known as the ‘lake of holy mountain’ in Bedugul, central Bali. Bedugul area is a cool upland with cold tropical climate at an elevation of 1200 m above sea level.

Bali Pura Beratan.jpg

Mount Batur and lake:

Gunung Batur is an active volcano located northwest of Mount Agung in the Kintamani district of Bali. Though we missed the well known sunrise, the magnificent volcano and the crystal clear view of the lake Batur were truly breathtaking.

Bali mount batur.jpg

Temples:

Temples in Bali offer a sense of calm to the visitors. They feature magnificent architecture and scenic beauty.

Bali temple.jpg

Bali performances and Kecak dance shows:

Balinese dance and drama are presented live on stage by performers in vivid costumes. ‘Kecak’ is the legendary singing and dancing ritual run in open amphitheater.

Bali show.jpg

Mushroom Beach, Nusa Lembongan:

Bali beach

Bali Zoo and elephant expedition:

Bali elephant expedition

Pura Luhur Uluwatu:

Bali uluwatu.jpg

Strawberry stop:

Located near the Beratan temple, this place serves delicious strawberry juice and pancakes. The pure juice is fresh from the farm. The backyard has a lovely garden with greenhouses of strawberry, vegetables and flowers.

Bali strawberry stop.jpg

My adventures:

Cycling amidst the lush green paddy fields of Bali

Bali cycling.jpg

 

 

 

 

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Speed longboat ride to Temburong

The exhilarating longboat ride to Temburong to explore the pristine rainforest at Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei. The breathtaking greenery soothes the eyes, the fresh air fills the lungs and the sheer speed of the longboat on the river spurs an adrenaline rush.

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Canopy walk in Temburong

A climb onto the jungle canopy at the Ulu Temburong National Park is adventurous and refreshing. The view of the jungle canopy is breathtakingly beautiful. The National park is situated in the Temburong District of Brunei Darussalam, which can be reached by an exciting long boat ride.

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