Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Jun 18: More than 61 Kannada organisations from across the world have jointly congratulated Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for announcing the establishment of a separate ministry for Non-Resident Kannadigas (NRKs), fulfilling a long-pending demand of the global Kannada community.
The demand was originally placed before the chief minister and deputy chief minister in December 2025 by a delegation of representatives from 43 non-resident Kannada organisations spread across 30 countries, led by entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Ronald Colaco. Following the announcement by the newly appointed chief minister, Kannada organisations worldwide have expressed appreciation for the decision.
During an online meeting held on June 15 under the leadership of Dr Ronald Colaco, office-bearers and leaders of Kannada organisations from various countries welcomed the Karnataka government's decision. Participants said the announcement of a dedicated ministry for Non-Resident Kannadigas, a long-standing demand, had brought great satisfaction to the global Kannada community.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr Ronald Colaco said that after the chief minister announced the formation of the ministry, he personally met him and held discussions on the matter. He said the Chief Minister's positive response and approach were encouraging.
“I hope the ministry will be established soon and become a new platform through which Non-Resident Kannadigas can work closely with the government to promote industry, investments and the overall development of the global Kannada community,” Colaco said.
Representatives and organisations from Gulf countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Canada and African nations participated in the meeting. Speakers highlighted that Kannadigas living abroad make significant contributions to Karnataka’s economy through remittances, investments, entrepreneurship and technology transfer. They also noted the community’s active involvement in social service, charitable and philanthropic activities.
The meeting also featured discussions on the present challenges and future prospects of Non-Resident Kannadigas across the world. Participants resolved to work together on a common platform, in cooperation with the Karnataka government, to implement development-oriented initiatives for the benefit of NRKs. Organisers said further details regarding these plans would be shared in the coming days.
Demand for Dr Arathi Krishna to head the ministry
The meeting unanimously urged the Karnataka government to appoint Legislative Council member Dr Arathi Krishna as the minister for the proposed NRK ministry.
Participants noted that Dr Arathi Krishna has maintained close and continuous engagement with Non-Resident Kannadigas across the world and has a deep understanding of their concerns and aspirations. They highlighted her experience in international law and crisis management, as well as her 13 years of service at the Indian Consulate in the United States.
The organisations also pointed out her significant role in facilitating the safe return of thousands of Non-Resident Kannadigas during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia–Ukraine conflict and the Iran–US conflict. They further cited her experience as Chairperson of the Karnataka Non-Resident Indian Forum (KNRIF) and said her background makes her a suitable choice to lead the ministry.
Among those who participated in the meeting were Zakaria Jokatte, Praveen Shetty, Hidayath Addoor, Ajith Bhaskar (New York), Shashidhar Nagarajappa, Chandrashekhar (Paris), Ravi Shetty (Qatar), Prakruthi (Australia), Jayaprakash (Netherlands), Sachin Parth (Poland), Manjunath (Italy), Prabhakar Basavaraj, Abhinav (Hungary), Hemegowda (Italy), Haneef (UK), Parashiva Murthy (Germany), Srinivas (Nigeria), Raj Kumar (Bahrain), Ajith Bangera, Afroz Asadi, Daya Kirodian, Satish Bajal, Sarvothama Shetty, Ganesh Rai, Ashraf Khan, Arun Kumar, Mohammed Ali Uchil, Kamaruddin Goodinabali, Sheikh Muzaffar, Abdullah Monu (Qatar), Bhargava Sharma, Siddalingesh, K H Rafiq, Dr Rashmi Nandakishore, M E Moolur, Mustaq Kadri, Yatheesh Gowda, Saleem Moodbidri, Shakeel (Jeddah), Latheef Mulki, Samad Birali, Anwar Hussain, Vishwanath Shetty, Sugandharaj Bekal, Nagaraj Rao, Deepak Somashekhar, Sandesh, Farooq Angaragundi, Firoz Kalladka, Nawaz Kotekar, Asif Kannangar, Nazeer Vamanjoor, Ikram Moolur, Rifai, Ayaz (Saudi Arabia), Hakeem Turkalike and several others.