BY
JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Kannada Rajyotasava which marks the formation of the state of Karnataka was celebrated by Nrupatunga Kannada Koota in Atlanta at the Hindu Temple, Riverdale on 7th November, 2009. In the state of Karnataka, India Kannada Rajyotasava is celebrated on the 1st of November each year.
With roughly 400 attendees, local kids and parents presented a range of cultural items such as classical and contemporary group dances, song performances, skits, plays, Bharatnatyam and a glimpse of Mysore Dasara festival.
Kannada Koota also collected clothes in an effort to help flood victims of North Karnataka. Cash donations were also raised to build houses in areas devastated by heavy rains. The money and clothes will be sent to Swami Ramakrishna – Vivekananda Ashram in Gadag, Karnataka for distribution and construction.
The festivities also included the Annual Scholarship of $4000 from the Shanakri and late Narasimhiya Mutteri scholarship fund, established by Drs. Annapurna & Subrahmnya Bhat. Ms. Akshata Shirahatti, a senior at North View High School, a truly well deserving candidate with innumerable accomplishments was the recipient of the award. NKK has been awarding qualified and competent graduating seniors for the past three years.
As always, the audience was treated to scrumptious dinner.
Nrupatunga Kannada Koota also runs three Kannada classes in different parts of metro Atlanta and maintains a library of Kannada books. It is involved in community activities such as “adopt a road” program in Alpharetta, Georgia. More information about NKK can be obtained at
www.atlantakannada.org.
Fulton County Senior Awarded NKK Annual Scholarship
Meet Akshata Shirahatti, a senior at North View High School with a 4.0 GPA. And that is just one of her various accomplishments. Although Akshata comes across as a simple girl next door, she is a highly determined, disciplined and diligent young woman. When she was awarded the Annual Scholarship Award at the Nrupatunga Kannada Koota Rajyotsava celebrations this year, Dr. Ramaswamy ran out time and words trying to list her achievements.
Akshata is the proud recipient of the National Merit Commended Award at National level. Her Honors and Awards also include: 2009 Young Epidemiologist Scholar semifinalist at the College Board Science Competition, Creative Communications National Poetry Contest Winner, recipient of National Spanish Exam Written/Achievement Superior award in Grade 11 all at National level.
Science Fair Special Awards from American Chemical Society, Frey Scientific & Agricultural Research Service Award in Grade 11 at State level. GA Science and Engineering Fair Finalist In Chemistry and Biochemistry research.(1st Place regional, 1st place state), Georgia Governor’s Honors Program Finalist in Science in Grade 11 at Regional & State levels. FBLA Business Communications Finalist Award in Grade 11 at State level, GADOE Technology Fair Finalist (1rd place regional, 1st place state) in Internet & Multimedia Applications in Grades 9, 10, 11 at School, Regional, State levels. Principal’s List (for displaying exemplary citizenship and leadership in school), VIP Award (for positive contribution to school, teacher nomination), Legion of Honor (awarded for receiving Principal’s list 5 semesters consecutively) in Grades 9, 10, 11 at School level.
Akshata has also obtained the AP Scholar with Distinction Award from College Board by taking 12 AP Classes throughout high school. Her SAT score is a shining 2350.
Along with her exemplary scholastic success, Akshata also finds time for extra curricular activities. She has been the President of Beta Club in Grade 12, while being part of the club through grades 9 through 11. She is also part of the National Spanish Honors Society in grades 10, 11, 12 and the President of the club in Grade 12. She is the team lead for Science Fair, Club Website Manager of Future Business Leaders of America, member of Robotics Club in roles of Programming Team Leader and President. She is also a member of National Honors Society. She is also into Indian classical dance.
Akshata has also clocked in 320 hours of Community Service at Atlanta Community Food Bank, Tutoring through Tutors in Action Network, Volunteering through Beta Club, FBLA, NHS, and NSHS and Mentoring at Wilson Creek Elementary through Science Force.
The proud daughter of Mrs. Parimala and Mr. Bharatish Shirahatti, Akshata’s dream designation is to be a Pediatrician. “It integrates both my passion for science as well as helping others” she tells us. Akshata finds her inspiration from her family who she says have always supported and encouraged her. Akshata’s family also includes her younger sister.
A bright young woman with glowing aspirations and credentials to match, Akshata sure has a brilliant future to look forward to. Here’s wishing her good luck and best wishes in all her endeavors.
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