BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Nrupatunga Kannada Koota celebrated Sankranti festival on February 21, 2009 at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Riverdale. The event attended by nearly 400 people featured cultural programs, dramas and a fitting tribute to the heroes who lost their lives fighting against terror during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. “Ellu-bella” (Sesame seeds and jaggery) symbolic of the harvest season and the Sankranti festival was distributed to everyone at the entrance.
Kids ranging all ages actively participated in the programs choreographed by talented individuals in Atlanta. The kids were awarded a trophy at the end of their presentation and a 2-year old warmed hearts as she bent over adorably again and again in an Olympic acceptance kind of way each time the name of kids were read out. The kids at Kannada Koota paid homage to the brave 26/11 personalities who were killed in the Mumbai attack.
The New President of Nrupatunga Kannada Koota, Dr.Jayanthi Srinivasiah was introduced to the crowd by the outgoing President Dr. Ramaswamy. Other office bearers for the year are: Mrs. Prathima Kumar(Secretary), Mr. Anand Rajeurs(treasurer), Mrs. Jayashree Singh and Mr. Nagendra Veedaluri(members at large) were installed. Also Mr. Raya Gonchikar, Mr. Balaji Kithaganahalli, Mr.Anatha SreeRama, Dr. H.N.Ramaswamy, Mrs. Janaki Patil and Mrs. Veena Kalale were chosen as board of directors.
Dr.Jayanthi Srinivasiah in her acceptance speech thanked everyone and added that Dr. Ramaswamy and Mrs. Indira Ramaswamy will always be their guiding force.
The activities ended with a video of the Indian national anthem sung by veteran artists of India inducing patriotic fervor and as always concluded with delicious food and drinks for everyone.
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