Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Oct 15: The third Non-Resident Kannadigas' (NRK) and Horanadu Kannadigas' conference, organised by the Hrudayavahini institution under the aegis of the late Krishnamurthy M Sanskarana Vedike, was held with grandeur at the Ravindra Kalakshetra here on October 9.
The event featured various cultural programmes and the presentation of the 'Golden Couple' and 'Nava Karnataka Ratna' awards. Several foreign dignitaries, entrepreneurs, and students participated in the convention.
Speaking as a special invitee, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha president Dr Sarvotham Shetty lauded the selfless service of Kannadigas abroad towards their motherland and language. He urged the Karnataka government to provide swift solutions to the issues faced by NRKs.
Bahrain Kannada Sangha president Ajith Bangera presented a short film showcasing the sangha's achievements. Former vice-president of the NRI Forum Karnataka Dr Arathi Krishna, Singapore Kannada Sangha former president V T Srinivas, Israel-based entrepreneur Dinakar Puthran, US-based NRI Lakshmi (wife of the late Krishnamurthy Muniyappa), Kannada and culture department secretary Kiran Singh, and singer Kikkeri Krishnamurthy were present.
Hrudayavahini Mangaluru founder president and editor K P Manjunath Sagar noted that the concept of the conference was born three years ago to honour NRIs visiting their hometowns, with the first successful edition held in 2024. He highlighted that 77 programmes and 17 Vishwa Kannada Sammelanas have been organised abroad so far. He proudly announced that renowned numerologist Dr Suma Mahesh Gowda from Qatar was chosen as the first female president of the conference.
In her address, conference president Suma Mahesh Gowda, who previously served as the secretary of the cultural centre under the Indian embassy in Qatar, recalled the successful Kannada conference held in Qatar in 2008. She urged the state government to organise more such events globally to promote trade, investment, art, and exports among Kannadigas. Noting that Kannada has been introduced in CBSE schools in Qatar, she stressed the need to further increase the use of the language globally.
MLC and former chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti commended NRIs for organising excellent programmes abroad, often better than those held in the state. Assuring complete government support for NRIs promoting Kannada on foreign soil, he promised to help sanction a grant of Rs 1 crore for building construction.
During the event, the 'Golden Couple Award' was presented to couples who have significantly contributed to the Kannada language and society, while various achievers were honoured with the 'Nava Karnataka Ratna' award. Dakshina Kannada origin Israel-based entrepreneur Dinakar Puthran, Girish Poojary, and their spouses were among the prominent awardees.