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SHRADHANJALI OFFERED TO LATE DEVESH ALVA BY FRIENDS & RELATIVES IN DUBAI

In a solemn remembrance event, a Shradhanjali Prayer meet was convened to honor the memory of the late Devesh Alva, a prominent figure in social circles who passed away on December 30, 2023. The prayer meet, held on January 14, 2024, took place on the rooftop of Fortune Atrium Hotel, Karama, owned by Praveen Kumar Shetty, the President of KNRI Forum. Approximately 300 close friends, relatives and various community leaders gathered to pay their respects during the ceremony, which commenced at 4 pm and concluded around 6 pm.

Following recent cremation rituals held in the deceased’s hometown of Mangalore, the condolence meet was organized for those unable to attend the services back home. Attendees were treated to a visual tribute, featuring cherished videos and photos of the late Devesh Alva displayed on a central video screen. A large photo image of the departed was prominently placed on the stage, accompanied by a smaller photo adorned with rose petals and flanked by two illuminated lamps, inviting attendees to share their condolences.

The ceremony began with Rajesh Kuthar, President of Gammath Kalavider, reciting verses from the Holy Book Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, providing a glimpse into the life and benevolent deeds of the departed. Sangeetha Shetty followed with the rendition of Shanthi Shloka, verses from the Vedas.

Rajesh then invited Sarvotham Shetty, President of UAE Bunts to speak, who shared heartfelt memories of Devesh, highlighting his significant contributions to the formation of the Bunts Community and the broader Mangalorean Community in the UAE up until the recent Bunts league tournament. He revisited Devesh’s generosity and support during the initial stages of Bunts Community’s ‘Satyanarayana Pooja’- who took the initiative for the ‘Maha Prasada’ offering to all those who attended.  He also reiterated that Devesh was a good Samaritan not only to the Bunts Community, but also the Mangalorean Community in large.  Sarvotham also recognized Devesh’s pivotal role and sportsmanship behind all the successful League Cricket Tournaments organized by Bunts UAE throughout the years including the last one which was held recently before his demise. Devesh was also very proactive in bringing in the maximum donors for the Bunts Blood Donation campaigns. Sarvotham Shetty then thanked Praveen Shetty for facilitating the timely repatriation of the mortal remains to fly back home on the same day of the demise. He prayed for Devesh’s soul to rest in peace and prayed to almighty to shower all strength to the bereaved family.

Kuthar then invited Shodhan Prasad, a well-wisher of all the Communities in UAE to speak on behalf of all.  Shodhan delivered a poignant condolence speech, reflecting on the shock and loss felt by all upon learning of Devesh’s sudden demise during the early morning of December 30; which he mentions the shivering still persists. Devesh was not only a brother, a good friend but was also a great human being, he added.  He underscored Devesh’s quiet philanthropy, emphasizing his dedication to charity across communities, his help to the needy, his support for those who wanted to get educational assistance, supporting blood donation camps and his principled, straightforward personality. He also emphasized that Devesh’s restaurant business was not just for profit but for serving good food for people, also in the pretext of providing help for his co-workers.  In his concluding note, Shodhan expressed his request for all of those gathered to kindly extend support to Devesh’s bereaved family at times of need.

Praveen Shetty, President of KNRI Forum who organized the meet, joined the gathering and spoke on the condolence prayer, expressing gratitude to those who attended to pay the last respects to Devesh.  He shared some of his personal anecdotes and great moments of his close relationship with Devesh and their families.  He said that they were very close to each other and were visiting each other often both in UAE and Mangalore. He lauded Devesh’s wife, Reshma, for her strength and support during his challenging health journey. Supporting each other while holding back tears might have added to the extended period in Devesh’s life, he expressed. Finally, he thanked everyone and acknowledged that the extensive support in the gathering was a reflection of Devesh’s friendly nature and personality.

Later, Manohar Thonse, Chief Convener of Billawa Balaga Abu Dhabi offered a condolence prayer, mentioning that although he was not close to Devesh, he had an opportunity to be with him during the League event in the last year and found him to be a man of deeds.  With being personally introduced to Devesh only recently, he knew about Devesh’s great leadership qualities through common friends. He mentioned that Devesh’s contribution in heading one of the committees during Vishwa Tulu Sammelana 2018 was apparent and worth remembering. 

Following Manohar’s request for everyone to chant the Maha Mantra ‘Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.. Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare’ to provide positive energy, all those attended repeated after.  

Several associates and friends, including Sunder Shetty of Nihal Restaurant and Vignesh Unakadath of Thumbay Group, conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.

Raghavendra Kamath, Devesh’s business partner in Restaurant & Pioneer Marine Service ventures, spoke warmly about their association over the years in both professional and business capacities.

Finally, Devesh’s son Laksh, delivered a concluding condolence prayer and a heartfelt speech.  He greeted everyone and thanked all those for being assembled to celebrate to remember his father.  He acknowledged the attendees’ presence as their gratitude and that Devesh may be looking down to watch.  He continued, ‘my father was saluted in different names Anna, Bale, Devesh etc. but for me he is only Papa’.  ‘For me my father was a superstar, a fighter and a remarkable person. He loved me more than anything else’ he said.  ‘When I was much younger people used to say I am a replica of my father and at that time I was thinking it was joke..but now I have realized that it is the greatest compliment I have ever received’ he added.  ‘Thank you Papa for everything’ he concluded with it.

The ceremony concluded with attendees showering rose petals on Devesh’s portrait, offering prayers for his eternal peace and blessed Reshma and Laksh who expressed gratitude in return.

Light snacks and tea/coffee were graciously provided to all attendees, fostering a sense of community and support during this difficult time.