Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 23: The Kannada Sangha Santacruz, a well-regarded cultural and community organisation in Mumbai, held its 68th Annual General Meeting on Saturday evening at the Mini Auditorium of Billava Bhavan, Santacruz East. Presiding over the meeting, Sangha president Sujata R Shetty delivered a powerful address urging community members and volunteers to embrace selfless service, emphasising that personal motives have no place in social work. “Just as we proudly say ‘Baarisu Kannada Dindimava’, our Sangha has echoed the voice of Kannada in Mumbai for decades. The growth of this Sangha is such that people eagerly await every initiative it launches,” Sujata Shetty stated in her presidential address.
“Those who wish to serve society must do so with inner motivation and complete selflessness. When we engage in service as an organisation, the public observes us closely—so selfish intent must never find a place in our actions,” she added.
Acknowledging the natural diversity within Kannada-speaking communities, she noted, “We, as Kannadigas, hail from different regions, religions, languages, and communities. Differences of opinion are natural in such a set-up. But only when we rise above these divisions and work in unity can our organisations achieve success and bring true upliftment to society.”
Honorary president L V Avin praised the Sangha’s founding members and the current leadership for keeping their vision alive. “For 68 years, this Sangha has been led forward by visionary elders. Today, all of you are continuing that legacy by conducting meaningful programmes. It’s not about individuals, but the ideals laid down by the founders. If we uphold those values, the youth will naturally come forward and strengthen our cause,” he said.
“Education must remain our focus—especially for Tulu-Kannadiga students who, due to financial hardship, cannot complete their studies. The Sangha’s mission is to provide the needed support and encouragement to these children,” he added.
The AGM was attended by key office-bearers including vice-president Bhajang R Shetty, general secretary Jay V Poojary, honorary treasurer Sudhakar Uchchil, joint secretary Chandrakas J Kotyan, and joint treasurer Bannanje Ravindra Avin, all of whom were present on the dais.
As part of its yearly initiative, the Sangha organised its 2025 student sponsorship and educational aid distribution ceremony during the meeting. Scholarships and financial assistance were distributed to selected students under the sponsorship of donors Sujata Sudhakar Shetty, Usha V Shetty, education committee chairperson Vijaykumar K Kotyan, secretary Shakila P Shetty, and social and cultural committee chairperson Vanita Yogesh Nonda, who also personally felicitated the students and offered their best wishes.
The Sangha paid homage to recently deceased committee members, offering prayers for their peace.
Several committee and advisory members, including Bhoj N Shetty, Suma M Poojary, Shalini G Shetty, Sujata S Uchchil, Sumitra G Devadiga, Vasudeva R Rao, Samp Lakshman Billava, Shashi Shetty, and other active members of the Sangha were present for the event.
The meeting began with a prayer led by Vanita Nonda. Jay V Poojary welcomed the gathering, presented the report of the previous year’s AGM, and delivered a vote of thanks.