Third Non-Resident Kannadigas’ Conference Brings Global Kannada Community Together in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: The third Non-Resident Kannadigas’ Conference was held at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru, bringing together Kannadigas living abroad and in other parts of India on a common platform to celebrate and promote Kannada language, culture and heritage.
Presiding over the conference, Suma Mahesh Gowda praised the efforts of Kannadigas living overseas who have maintained their connection with their mother tongue and cultural roots. She emphasised the responsibility of every Kannadiga to preserve the language and pass its rich heritage on to future generations.
The conference was conceptualised three years ago by K.P. Manjunath Sagar, founder-president and editor of the Mangaluru-based Hrudayavahini organisation, with the aim of welcoming and honouring Kannadigas living outside their homeland. The first edition was held in 2024, followed by subsequent editions to recognise the contributions of the global Kannada community.
Manjunath Sagar said Kannadigas living abroad were bringing recognition to the language and culture through their achievements, community service and cultural activities. A key objective of the conference, he said, was to acknowledge their contributions and strengthen their connection with Karnataka.
Several prominent personalities attended the event, including Dr Sarvottama Shetty, president of the first Non-Resident Kannadigas’ Conference and Abu Dhabi Kannada Sangha; Dr Arathi Krishna, former vice-chairperson of the Karnataka Non-Resident Indian Forum; and Basavaraj Horatti, MLC and former chairman.
Ajith Bangera, president of Bahrain Kannada Sangha; V.T. Srinivas, former president of a Kannada Sangha; entrepreneur Dinakar Putran from Israel; Lakshmi; Kiran Singh, secretary of the Department of Kannada and Culture; and singer Kikkeri Krishnamurthy were also present. Actor Mukhyamantri Chandru added to the occasion’s prominence.
Suma Mahesh Gowda’s contribution to Kannada culture
Suma Mahesh Gowda has been actively involved in promoting Kannada language and Indian culture abroad, including in Qatar. Her contributions to cultural programmes, women’s and children’s empowerment initiatives, and Kannada-related activities have been noteworthy.
A significant achievement has been her role in establishing and training the first women’s Dollu Kunitha troupe in the Gulf countries, helping take Karnataka’s traditional folk art to an international audience.
The conference also featured the felicitation of achievers from various fields, cultural performances and discussions aimed at strengthening ties among Kannadigas living across the world.
The event concluded with a call for non-resident Kannadigas to remain united in their efforts to preserve and promote Kannada language, culture and heritage and ensure that these traditions are passed on to the next generation.
