BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, December 25, 2025: December 11, 2025, became a historic day for Non-Resident Indian Kannadigas as a global delegation of 42 representatives from over 30 countries gathered in Belagavi, Karnataka, to engage with the state’s top leadership on long-standing diaspora concerns. Among those invited were Atlanta-based physician Dr Anu Bhat and her husband, global Kannadiga leader Dr Subrahmanya Bhat, who represented the Atlanta Kannadiga community at this landmark political session.
The high-level meeting was held at Suvarna Vidhan Soudha, where the delegation met Honorable Karnataka Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, Honorable Deputy Chief Minister Shri D K Shivakumar, Honorable Home Minister, and other senior ministers. Honorable MLC Dr Arathi Krishna accompanied and supported the delegation, underscoring the importance of the dialogue between the Karnataka government and its global diaspora.
Dr Anu Bhat, a Physician of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine and incoming President of NAVIKA, was invited as part of the 42 member global delegation. Speaking about the experience, she said, “It was an immense honor and privilege to be invited as one of a 42 member global delegation from 34 countries to meet the Honorable Karnataka Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah and Honorable Deputy Chief Minister Shri D K Shivakumar, along with Honorable MLC Dr Arathi Krishna. There were meaningful discussions on important diaspora concerns, including the promise to establish an NRI Ministry. It was also a proud moment for me, as an incoming President, to represent the NAVIKA organization globally.”
Her husband, Dr Subrahmanya Bhat, a respected global Kannadiga leader, also participated in the delegation, highlighting Atlanta’s growing role in shaping conversations around diaspora engagement, cultural preservation, and policy advocacy.
The delegation, led by Dubai based NRI entrepreneur Dr Ronald Colaco, submitted a memorandum urging the Karnataka government to fulfill its election manifesto promise of establishing a dedicated Ministry for NRIs. Key demands included the formation of a separate NRI Ministry, creation of a Rs 1000 crore revolving fund to support NRI led industries, establishment of an NRI grievance redressal cell, and a single window mechanism to strengthen cultural, educational, and technological engagement between Karnataka and its global community.
Delegates also emphasized the need to address challenges faced by Kannadiga NRIs such as property fraud, document forgery, land disputes, visa related job losses, and lack of structured grievance resolution. A dedicated NRI Ministry, they noted, would serve as a vital bridge between the state and its overseas citizens.
In response, Honorable Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah assured the delegation that the demand for a separate NRI Ministry would be fulfilled early next year, a commitment that was welcomed by NRIs across the world.
