Kannada associations from around the United States and some from beyond attend the event.
By Venkatesh Raghavendra and Srinath Bhalle
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.: Over 3,000 non-resident Indians from the state of Karnataka came together in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to showcase the heritage of Karnataka and celebrate the successes of Kannadigas. The success and prosperity of this community was in stark contrast to the struggling nature of this once thriving seaside resort and entertainment city.
One of the main speakers of the inaugural evening, Chandra Arya, Canada’s Member of Parliament, attributed his success to the warmth and comfort he received from the Kannada community as he traversed across the world. “My first port of call be it Muscat, Doha or Ottawa was the local Kannada Association. They made me feel at home.” After 13 years of living in Ottawa, Arya now represents the Nepean Constituency in the Canadian Parliament. “More Kannadigas should get into public service and I have no doubt that they will be as successful in this arena as they have been in other spheres.”
Umashree, Minister of Kannada and Culture, Government of Karnataka, talked about the efforts being made by her government to make the learning of Kannada language easier to Kannadigas around the world. “Buoyed by technology we have provided all the curricula and instruction material on the internet for people to learn and improve their Kannada. Our department has also moved to become one of the few paperless departments in the country,” she said.
The Association of Kannada Kootas of America [AKKA] is the convening platform that promotes the bi-annual gathering welcoming Kannada Associations from around the United States and some from beyond US including Canada and the Middle-East to come together and soak in the rich heritage of the state of Karnataka. Donald Guardian, the Mayor of Atlantic City who spoke on the occasion said,” From being a casino destination, we are transforming the economy of Atlantic City to that of conferences and events. In that context, it is heartening that the AKKA Convention is taking place here.”
Raj Patil, the president 0f AKKA, lauded the efforts of the hundreds of volunteers in making the event happen. “Unlike the usual tradition of one association acting as the host and managing everything, we have invited a small cluster of organizations to divide up the organizing responsibilities and run the show. This seems to be working very effectively to reduce the work load on one group and to build ownership across the organizations.”
The 3-day cultural extravaganza was threatened by the looming hurricane in the Atlantic. “We are keeping a close eye on the path of Hermine and are also in constant touch with the local weather officials. Our delegates’ safety and well-being in utmost on my mind,” said Ravi Dankanikote, Trustee, AKKA.
Other dignitaries present on the inaugural night included Ramanath Rai, Forests Minister, Karnataka, Amarnath Gowda, AKKA Chairman, Chandru Aradhya, AKKA Treasurer, Ravi Boregowda, AKKA Vice-President among others. A host of Sandalwood [Kannada film industry] stars have descended on Atlantic City to regale the gathered delegates, rain, gale or shine!