Multitalented Ex-President of Sharjah Karnataka Sangha, B.K. Ganesh Rai is being bestowed with the 'Global Man Award 2015' for his contributions to Kannada language, Literature, Art, Folk & Social Service both globally and in India and is the only one chosen from UAE. This announced award will be presented to him during the 12th Vishwa Kannada Samskruthi Sammelana & 13th anniversary of Sharjah Karnataka Sangha Celebrations to be held on 19th & 20th of November, 2015 at Al Boom Tourist Village, Sharjah, UAE.

Ganesh Rai is the name which flashes in the minds of every Kannadiga specially in UAE when matters of creativity is concerned. Multi-talented, one can call him "Sakala Kala Vallaban", it may be different forms of painting from miniatures to wall size, various forms of sculptures from paper pulp to plaster or parry's, Large stage settings, Tablos, Palatial Sets, Photography, Videography, Brochures, Digital Banners, Souvenirs, Models, etc. you name it and you will find the skills in this great man, Ganesh Rai. He will simply smile and says yes 'I will do it' without any hesitations as for him work is worship and so he does it in ease. For that matter it is not only Ganesh's hand work doing the job; he is a good speaker too who came out to be the receiver of "Karnataka State Best Teacher Award" in the year 1993.

Straight from Coorg (Mercara) or the so called 'Madikeri' as it was also called 'Scotland of India' by the inspired British who occupied this area for over 100 years, Ganesh Rai is born to Thulasiamma and Krishnappa Rai parents who themselves sound 'Krishna Tulasi' close to the Lords. The enchanting fragrance of coffee, the aroma of fresh cardamom, Black pepper, the everlasting taste of pure Coorg honey, the flowing of holy river Cauvery, the noticeably cool fresh air, the beautiful scenic of hilly terrain, with its austere beauty, this god gifted, pollution free, calm and quiet land of mountains, the wooded slopes, eccentric villages, colourful scenery, rugged landscape, endless mountain ranges, ridge after ridge of slopes laden with forests rising to the sky, gives Madikeri its unique & irreplaceable character. And this special land Madikeri has gifted to the world this unique personality called, Ganesh Rai who always keep saying "Elladaru iru yenthadaru iru, yendendhigu nee kannada vaagiru"

Ganesh Rai needs no introduction in this part of the world. As there is one India, one Lata Mangeshkar, one Amitabh Bachhan and one Jakannachaari, you will find only one Ganesh Rai. You will see that all the qualities of these great personalities of different fields are in one person. It is indeed nice to have this great person who raises out of limitation of colour, caste, creed, religion and language barriers. Be it a request for art, stage setting, designing, printing, executing brochures, logos, invitations, souvenirs, sculpture, decorating stage from any corner of people, any corner of UAE, at any point of time, you will find only one person who smilingly creates and executes in spite of his busy schedule. He is none other than the Professor of Art, B. K. Ganesh Rai. 'Sirigannadam Gelge, Sirigannadam Baalge' he never forgets when completing his speech in any of the respected podiums he has attends.

B.K. Ganesh Rai

Just to remember the credentials of Ganesh Rai in bullet point - 'A Service to Humanity':-

* Turnkey project management for almost all Social Organisations without linguistic barriers
* Conceptualization, designing, printing & distribution of invitations
* Creation of giant size banners, stage backdrops, stage settings, cut-outs, posters etc.
* Creative Journalism writing to various web medias flashing timely news around the world
* Publication of high profile visit reports of specially invited artistes and guests from India
* Expressive Master of Ceremony (MC) par excellence with easy flow of language and literature
* Conceptualization of 'Certificate of Honour' for Dignitaries, High profile guests, Artistes etc.
* Concept, design & execution of various Souvenirs to almost all the existing Associations in UAE
* Creating Sculptures especially Ganesh Idol every year, Narayan Guru Idol and so many
* Paintings of Lords, Brush Arts, Pencil Art, Charcoal Art and various naturalistic creations
* Assumed and discharged active role as President of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah in 2004
* Conducted first Blood Donation Camp for Karnataka Sangha Sharjah in association with MOH
* Attending all Blood Donation Camps organised by various associations and creating awareness
* Creating Banners, Role-ups and notices for Blood Donation Camps and providing media news
* Compiled, created & released Brochure of all Karnataka based organisations Blood Donations
* Blood Donation Brochure release and inaugurated by H.E. M.K. Lokesh, Ambassador of India
* Record of Indians Blood Donation presented to Governments of India, U.A.E. and Karnataka
* Helping the unfortunate deceased Indians in formalities of sending the mortal remains to India
* Enlightening and spreading the essence of Kannada as a soldier of Karnataka to Kannadigas
* Attained appreciations and accolades from almost all Karnataka based Associations
* Attained appreciations and accolades from Tamil, Malayalam and other Indian Associations
* Attained accolades from NMC Group where he is serving as Creative Art Director
* Supported people of Bangladesh during the flood and natural disasters to the affected people

Rai a B.Com., graduate of Government College, Madikeri, a Fine Art Diploma holder of Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Art6s, a Art Master Certificate holder from Kalanikethan School of Arts, Mysore and Mahalasa School of Arts, Mangalore is very well supported by his charming wife Manjula Rai, beautiful daughter Aishwarya Rai & handsome son Monish Rai.

To know this personality's creations one should also need to see what are those? Here below are some of the creations which has been applauded:-

Rai's creations in INDIA

Sculpture / Statues
Created Pushpanjali, Elephants, Lion & Carving Designs in the year 1974 at Govt Junior College Madikeri - Courtesy P.P.Ayyanna- Principal and unveiled by the Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa

Ganapathy Statues
From 1979 onwards he has created more than 350 Statues (2ft – 12 ft) for Karnataka Electricity Board Madikeri 1979-1995, Archana Ganapathy Festival, Virajpet, Angala Parameshwari Temple, Virajpet, Sri Rama Mandir Dechoor Madikeri, Hindu Yuva Shakti New Extn, G.T.Circle, Madikeri.

Paper pulp Statues
Created Paper Moulding Statues 8ft-12ft of different styles & movements at Madikeri Dasara Festival, Gonikoppal Dasara Festival, viz., Ganapathy, Natya Ganapathy, Durga Parameshwari, Lakshmi, Saraswaty, Cauvery, Subramanya, Veera Hanumaan, Soorya Bhagavan with Seven Horses, ShanmukaTarakasura vadhe, Vishnu bhagavan, Narada, Thumbura, Shiva Linga, Lions, Tigers, Swamy Ayyappa, Maha Kali and many more. Also at Kanchi Kamakshi Temple Gouli street Madikeri, Kote Mariyamma Temple new Extn. Madikeri, Dechoor Sri Rama Mandir Madikeri, Kote Ganapathy Temple Madikeri, Kundurumotte Chamundeshwari Temple Madikeri Uma Maheshwari Temple Gonikoppal, Sree Hanuman Garadi, Beltangadi, South Canara, Bhuvaneshwari Statue – Kannada Rajyotsava Celebration - Virajpet etc.

Concrete Moulding Statues

Created 9 ft. Cauvery Statue both front & back side faced double dimension In front of Cauvery Kalakshetra Madikeri, St Michael Statue 9 ft. at St. Michaels Church Madikeri, St. Mary Statue 4ft. at Kedamalloor Church - Virajpet, Nandi Basava - Arameri Kalancheri Mata statues, Raghavendra Swamy Statue at Raghavendra Temple – Mantralaya A.P., Karu Mariyamma / Nandi / Shiva Linga statues at Karu Mariyamma Temple Madikeri, Swamy Vivekananda 12 ft. statue at Cauvery Krupa Madikeri & Prabhavali at Ganapathy Temple Virajpet

Wax Statues
Created Ganapathy, Lakshmi, Sarswathy, Cauvery statues at Madikeri.

Oil Color / Water Color Paintings
Created Birth Place of Cauvery Oil color Canvas Painting for Tamilnadu Tourism Development Board, Chennai. Also created Field Marshal K.M.Cariappa Life-size Oil Colour Painting, Gopala Krishna Gokale Lifesize oilcolour painting for Govt. Junior College Auditorium Madikeri, Coorg Landscape Paintings Oil Colour for Public Library Virajpet, Jayaprakash Narayan Oil colour Portrait for Hon Vajapayee –Prime Minister of India, Omkareshwara Temple by night oil colour painting for Lalitha Kala Academy Bangalore and many Paintings collections at Delhi, U.S.A. Australia, France, Dubai etc.

Participation in Water Colour /Oil Colour Paintings Art Exhibitions
Participated in Mysore Dasara Cultural Exhibition 1977, Group Artist’s Art Exhibition 1986, Lalita Kala Academy Bangalore- Kaveri Kala Kshetra Madikeri, Karnataka Artist’s Art Exhibition, Gokarnanatheshwara Temple Auditorium Kudroli Mangalore, 54th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana Artist’s Exhibition, Mann’s Compound Madikeri, Laksha Deepotsava Art Exhibition, Dharmastala, Group Artist’s Art Exhibition, Rotary Hall Virajpet, Taranga Group Artist’s Art Exhibition in 1991 at Town Hall Auditorium, Virajpet, Kodava Sahitya Academy Sammelana in 1995at Karnataka Sangha Hall Virajpet, Karnataka Citra Kala Parishat Art Exhibition 1990 at Karnataka Chitra Kala Parishat Hall, Kumarakrupa- Bangalore, Vishwa Bunts Convention Artist’s Exhibition, Cithra Kala Parishat Hall – Bangalore which was inaugurated by Dr. Shivaram Karanth, Group Artist’s Art Exhibition at Channabasappa Hall Somawarpet, Art Exhibition on Wheels at Karnataka Lalitha Kala Academy, Art Exhibition Bus – Bangalore, Bhoopal Union Carbide Tragedy / Chernobyl Atom Tragedy, Art Exhibition Town Hall Virajpet DYFI Virajpet, St. Anne’s Church 200 years celebration in 1991 at Art Exhibition St. Anne’s Auditorium at Virajpet

Al Ain Kannada sangha prog

Dr. D.V. Hegade Honoured Ganesh Rai.jpg

Ganesh Rai Blood Donation

Ganesh Rai Devi Statue

Ganesh Rai Family

Ganesh Rai Hon. at VKSS

Ganesh Rai Mayura award pic. 2009

Ganesh Rai UAE Tulu Koota Hon.

Ganesh Rai created Logos

Kannadigaru Duba Hon 2015.

Miniature Ganesh Rai.

Nama Tuluveru Hon

Police Sanmana

UAE Tulu Koota Hon Ganesh Rai

oil paintings

Artist’s Camp Participation

Participated in Karnataka Lalita Kala Academy Artist's Camp at Hotel Valley View Madikeri 1977, Hasta Shilpa Manipal in 1979, Karnataka Kala Yaatra by Motor Cycle in 1980 by Motor Cycle Sponsored by JAWA Mysore, Kodagu Kala yaatra in 1983 at Somawarpet ,Virajpet, Madikeri, Wild Life Nature Study Camp Nagarahole Games Sanctuary in Kodagu by Karnataka Forest Dept. Rotary Club Virajpet, Nature Study Camp at Cauvery Nisarga Dhama Kushal Nagar in 1990 by Bharath Scouts & Guides Association Kodagu Dist., Nature Study Camp Sharavathy Back water at Jog Falls in Shivamoga by Kodagu Kala Parishat, Kakana Kote Forest by Karnataka Forest Dept., Irpu Rameshwara Falls at Karnataka Air wing NCC, Thadiyandamol Peak at Karnataka Air Wing NCC

Participation in Bharat Scouts & Guides Camps / Jamborate
Participated in Bharath Scouts & Guides National Jamoborate – Kolar Gold Field (KGF)
Bharath Scouts & Guides President Award Training Camp
Kondaji Basappa Camp site – Bellary
Crystal palace Rally – Mysore Palace – Mysore
Karnataka Bharatah Scouts & Guides State Jamborate – Bidar
Karnataka Bharatah Scouts & Guides State Jamborate – Suratkal D.K.

Drama Scenery's Creations
Created Road Scene, Park Scene, Forest Scene, Water Falls, Home Scene, Palace Scene at Cauvery Kala Kshetra, Madikeri, Town Hall, Virajpet, St. Anne’s High School Virajpet, Parane High School, Sarvodhaya B.Ed / Law College Virajpet

Created Souvenir Cover Page Design

Created Souvenir pages for 54th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Madikeri, Madikeri Kodava Samaj Amruta Mahotsava (80 Years), Karnataka Police Centenary Celebration, St. Anne’s Church 200 years Celebration, Kodagu Dist Honey & Wax Co-op Society Virajpet.

Logo Creations
Created Logos for Kodagu Dist. Co-op Central Bank, Kodava Sahitya Academy, Kodagu Zilla Parishat, 54th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, Taranga Virajpet, St. Anne’s High School Virajpet, Many more commercial company

Framing Picture, Greeting Card, Brochure, Pictorial Books & Publications Was responsible for Multi Colour Created Picture, Offset Printing at Shivakasi which was 1st Time Multi Colour picture published in Kodagu (1980)
Birth Place of River Cauvery - Released by Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa.
Tala Cauvery - Poster Released by A. Ramaswamy – Deputy Commissioner – Kodagu
Tala Cauvery – Triveni Sangama, Theerta Kundike – Picture Cards Released by M. K. Poovaiah
Tala Cauvery – Raja Seat Madikeri, Abbi Falls Madikeri - Greetings Cards Released by Hon R..Gundu Rao – Chief Minister of Karnataka
Cauvery – Amara Chitra Katha (Pictorial Book) Kannada, English, Kodava Language released by Hon M.C.Nanaiah – Law Minister of Karnataka Govt.

Aishwaraiswara Kubera Lakshmi, Framing picture- Released by Shekar Shetty of Arab Udupi Group of Hotels UAE

Participated as Guest Speaker at:

Art and Hobby , Cauvery Women's College Virajpet
Hobby and Youth Talent at NSS Camp – Junior College Murnad
Chief Guest – Govt First Grade College - Madikeri Annual College Day Celebration
Chief Guest – Saraswaty Teachers Training & Law College Madikeri Annual Day Celebration
Chief Guest – Murnad Junior College - Murnad Annual College Day Celebration
Chief Guest – Independent Day Celebrations Karnataka Sangha Virajpet
Chief Guest – G.M.P.School – Murnad, Annual School Day Celebration
Inauguration – South India Art & Culture Exhibition, Karnataka Sangha Virajpet
Inauguration – Art & Sculpture Exhibition, Kalpavruksha Balaga - Virajpet

Attended to following Media Interviews:
Interview – All India Radio - Bangalore - 1989
Interview – All India Radio - Madikeri - 1994
Udaya Television Bangalore Interview – Parichaya programme interview by Ms. Shylaja Santhosh telecasted 10th July 2003
Indian Express – Bangalore Interviewed Gowtham Machaiah
Deccan Herald – Bangalore Interviewed E. V. Satyanarayana
Udayavani - Manipal Interviewed Eshwar Daithota
Kannada Prabha – Bangalore Interviewed Balasubramanyam
Mungaru – Bangalore Interviewed Ventramana
Hosa Diganta - Interviewed Vadarse Raghurama shetty
Shakti Daily -Maidikeri Interviewed G Rajendra
Nava Shakti – Madikeri Interviewed Mudure Shetty
Rastra Bandu - Virajpet Interviewed Govinda Rao
Hitavaani – Virajpet Interviewed Narayana Shetty
Brama Giri – Kodava Weekly Madikeri Interviewed U. Poovaih
Andolana- Mysore, Gadinaada Sanchari- Madikeri, Parakrama, Ravi interviewed by Editors, Sub Editors,

Conducted Master of Ceremony at:
Bharath Scouts & Guides 50 years Rally Madikeri 1995
Bharath Scouts & Guides Jamborate Kolar Gold Field
Karnataka Dharshan Pageant Show
St. Anne’s Church & School 200 years Celebration
Independence Day, Republic Day Celebrations
Kannada Rajyotsava Day Celebration – Taluk Grounds Virajpet
Announcer – All India Radio Banglore / Madikeri
Children Programme – Chilipili - AIR Bangalore 1990
Children Programme –AIR Madikeri
Children Art Camp –AIR Madikeri 1990 / 1993
Tala Cauvery Festival –AIR Madikeri - 1995

AWARDS BESTOWED:

Award - Honoring - India at 1st Honor – Govt Junior College Madikeri 1974 at Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa Unveiling ceremony of Sculptured Art work Main Gate GJC Madikeri

Karnataka State Best Teacher Award - 1993 by Karnataka Teachers Benefit Fund Bangalore

Karnataka Rajyotsava District Award -1987 by Hon R. Gundu Rao – Chief Minister of Karnataka

Gold Medal -1987 at Lakshadeepotsava Dharmastala by Dr. Veerendra Hegade

State Level Honouring - 1993 - at Gokrananatheshwara Temple Mangalore, Sri Sri Sri Pejavara Matadipati, Dr. Shivaram Karanth

Shilpa Kala Rathna Award - 1983 at Karnataka Electricity Board – Madikeri, by K.A.Somanna – State Commissioner Bharat Scouts - Karnataka

Kala Praveena Award - 1984 Ganapathy Utasava Samiti Gandhi Nagara Virajpet by Sri Sri Sri Shanthamalla Swamiji – Arameri Mata

Kala Kirana Award - 1990 at Angala Parameshwari Temple Virajpet, by M. K. Poovaiah, President Town Muncipal Council Virajpet

Honouring - 100 years Kranataka Police Celebration-1984 by P.S. Ramanujam D.I.G Mysore

Honouring Lalitha Kala Academy, Bangalore -1991 by P. R. Thippeswamy, President Lalitha Kala Academy Bangalore

Honouring Madikeri Dasara – Navaratri Festival by M.C.Nanaiah - Hon Law Minister Karnataka

Honouring Sarva Dharma Sammelana – Arameri Matt, by Shiva Kumara Swamiji Siddaganga Matt Tumkur & Shantha Malla Swamiji Kalncheri Arameri Matt

Honouring Madikeri Dasara Utasav Temples by Kanchi Kaamkshi Temple, Kote Mariyamma Temple

Honouring Kodagu Bunts Association 1993 at Rotary Hall Madikeri

Honouring Vishwa Bunts Convention -1993 at Art Exhibition – Chitra Kala Parishat Bangalore by Dr. Shivarama Karanth and Hon Jeevaraj Alva Minister of Kannada & Culture Karnataka

Served following Organisation:-

President –Kodagu Kala Parishat / Kodagu Art Masters Association
Secretary –Bharat Scouts & Guides Taluk Association
Secretary –Kodagu District Bunts Association
Founder Member –‘TARANGA’ Cultural Association Virajpet
Technical Advisor – Field Marshal K.M.Carippa Statue Committee – Madikeri

Rai's activity In United Arab Emirates from 1996 onwards

Served as Creative Art Director at Mirrage Advertising, Winning Communivations, Modern Graphics and now currently serving as Creative Director in Gulf Public Relations Advertising - Signage Division nmc Group

Public Services
President - Karnataka Sangaha Sharjah 2004 - 2006
Entertainment Secretary - Karnataka Sangha Dubai 2000-2002
Art Director - UAE Tulu Koota Dubai, Sangama Kalavidaru UAE
Organising Committee Member - UAE Bunts -2000-2001
Blood Donation Camp -2006
Karnataka Sangha Sharjah & Gulf Medical College Hospital, Ajman & Ministry Of Health Sharjah

Art works Created in UAE

Digital Banners created with the concept of Karnataka Art & Culture & Indian Traditional Art for the following associations:-

* Karnataka Sangha Dubai
* UAE Tulu Koota
* Karnataka Sangha Sharjah
* UAE Bunts
* Mogaveers UAE
* Billawas Dubai & Northers Emirates
* Billawas Dubai
* Gulf Billawa Sangha
* Daaiji Rang Mandir
* Symphony Music Institute - Ajman/sharjah
* Sangama Kalavidaru UAE
* Nama Tuluveru UAE
* Vishwakarma Seva Samiti UAE
* Devaadiga Sangah UAE

Logo Created in UAE

* Karnataka Sangah Sharjah
* UAE Tulu Koota 10 years Logo
* UAE Bunts
* Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
* Al Ain Kannada Sangha
* Dhvani Pratistana UAE 25 Years Logo
* Mogaveers UAE
* Sangama Kalavidaru UAE
* Gulf Kannadiga Forum
* Devadiga Sangha UAE
* UAE Tamil Sangam
* Mangalore Konkans 20 Years Logo
* www.Daijiworld website
* www.kannadadhvani website

Stage settings & Gateways creations in UAE with the concept of Karnataka Art & Culture & Indian Traditional Art for:-

* Karnataka Sangah Dubai -
Vidhana Soudha Bangalore settings -2001
* Mysore Palace Settings -2002
(Karnatakotsava - Vishnuvardhan Kananda Cine star)
* UAE Tulukoota - Tulunad settings, Tablos, Gateways,

Souvenirs Designed & published in UAE
* UAE Bunts Souvenir Cover page designed - 1999
* Karnataka Sangha Dubai Souvenir - "Gaana Vaibhava"2001 , "Chandana" 2010
* Karnataka Sangha Sharjah - "Saadhane" - 2006
* Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha "Rajata Rashmi" - 2006
* Mangalore Konkans Dubai 2003 - 2010
* Billawas Dubai & Northers |Emirates "Suvarna Kedage"- 2007
* UAE Tulukoota - "Sangama" 2000
* St Mary's Church Dubai - 2005
* St. Francis Assisi Jebal Ali - 2007
* St. Michaels Church Sharjah.
* SMC Malayalee Catholics
* Tamil Sangam RasAl Kahima
* SMC Fr. Daniel's Hon. Souvenir
* Dhvani Pratistaana UAE - "Kannada Naadu Nudi Rakshane" Cover
* Karnataka Sangha Sharjah -" Suvarna Karnataka Picture Card"

* Written & Conceptualised a book titled 'Footprints - A fascinating journey' to Padmashri Dr.
B.R. Shetty

Various Honour Cerificates Created, Conceptualised Designed for:-

Dr. B. R. Shetty, Bannanje Govindaacarya, Shakuntala Devi, Dr. G. S. Shivarudrappa, Master Hiranayya, Sri Vidhyabhooshan, Shyamal G. Bave, Sadananada Suvarna, Dr. Deviprasada Shetty, H. D. Kumara Swamy, B.S. Yadiyoorappa, Dr.V.S. Acarya, Krishna Palemar, D. V. Sadananda Gowda, Dr. K. P.Putturaaya, Vijayakumar Shetty, Kumble Sunder Rao, Jaya Suvarna & many more dignitaries.

AWARDS IN UAE:-
Was honoured with 'Mayura Award' by Sharjah Karnataka Sangha in 2009
Received 'Prathiba Puraskar Award' at Vishwa Kannada Cultural Convention in 2009
Honoured at Nama Tuluveru 'Tuluvere Parba 2012'
Honoured at Kuvempu Utsava 2012 at Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha
Honoured at UAE Bunts Satyanarayana Pooja by Dr. B.R. Shetty in 2015
Honoured at UAE Tulukoota Silver Jubilee Celebration in 2015
Honoured at Devadigas Dubai Celebration in 2015
Honoured at Ramakshatriya Sangha in 2015
Honoured by Shri. Veerendra Hegde at Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sanga Rajyotsava Celebration 2015

Other than the above there are innumerable events Ganesh Rai has contributed selflessly in one or the other way which was noticed and appreciated by the concerns in various occasions.

Currently serving as Creative Art Director at Gulf Publications which is in one of the group company of Dr. B.R. Shetty's NMC Group.

In my view Ganesh Rai should be considered as a great asset to the Kannadigas in UAE and India as well for his overall contributions witnessed so far. This great man with his sheer enthusiasm and commitment towards Kannada & Tulu language is being promoting community spirit from so many years in this part of the world. He deserves all accolades and appreciation from the Government of Karnataka who should recognize his service towards Kannada/Tulu language, Art, Folk and literature packed with a unique blend of Artistry, Social Awareness, Commitment of service to humanity and honour him soon.

Wish him more success in his future endeavors.