BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta GA, September 5, 2025: At the recently concluded 8th Navika World Kannada Summit in Lakeland, Florida, Dr. Anu Bhat of Atlanta was formally announced as the President of NAVIKA for 2025 and 2026. Under her leadership, the Kannada diaspora will gather again for the landmark 10th Navika World Kannada Conference on Sep 3 – 5, 2027 at the Gas South Convention Center in Atlanta , a historic moment for the city’s thriving Kannada community.
“I am honored and privileged to be President of NAVIKA 2025 and 2026. The name NAVIKA means we are global Kannadigas. I would like to add more innovative global ideas to the existing organization and make it more inclusive.” Dr. Bhat told NRI Pulse about her new position.
Atlanta’s own Nrupathunga Kannada Koota (NKK) added distinction to this year’s summit. Their participation, including the staging of a comedy play directed by acclaimed writer-director Beesu Suresha, showcased the community’s vibrancy and commitment. For decades, NKK has been a cornerstone of Kannada culture since 1973 and with Atlanta set to host in 2027, its role on the world stage is poised to grow even stronger.
The Lakeland summit, held from August 29 to 31, 2025, was a resounding success, bringing together thousands of Kannadigas for a three-day festival of language, literature, music, cinema, and community.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by a distinguished lineup: Shri Shivaram Tangadagi, Hon’ble Minister of Kannada and Culture, Government of Karnataka, who served as chief guest; Hon. Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Consul General of India, Atlanta, celebrated actor Rakshit Shetty; MLAs Shri Ravi Kumar Ganiga and Shri Samruddi Manjunath; MLC Shri Basannagowda Badarli; and IAS officer Shri Madhusudan Reddy. Their presence highlighted the strong partnership between Karnataka and its global diaspora. Adding a touch of grandeur, actor Ramesh Aravind briefly led the colorful cultural procession, reminiscent of Mysuru’s famed Jumbo Savari, to the delight of the audience.
From literature to entertainment, the summit brimmed with highlights. The Literary Forum, inaugurated by the esteemed Dr. Gururaj Karajagi, gave voice to writers, poets, and thinkers who reminded everyone of Kannada’s timeless literary tradition. On the entertainment front, star power shone bright with the presence of Ramya (Divya Spandana), the beloved “Sandalwood Queen,” alongside Rakshit Shetty, Ramesh Aravind, veteran actor Dr. Srinath, rising star Megha Shetty, and Vinay Rajkumar, heir to the illustrious Rajkumar family legacy.
The evenings came alive with music, as renowned composer Mano Murthy, dynamic performer All OK, and singer Divya Ramachandra filled the air with melodies that bridged nostalgia and modernity.
Beyond film and music, the summit offered something for everyone: business and entrepreneurship forums, youth and women’s gatherings, storytelling and poetry recitals, short Kannada dramas, a spirited cricket tournament, a fashion show celebrating Karnataka’s textile heritage, and alumni reunions that reconnected old friends. Each activity reflected NAVIKA’s ability to celebrate Kannada culture while embracing the global experiences of its diaspora.
The blessings of spiritual leaders—swamijis from prominent mutts in both Karnataka and the U.S.—further elevated the event, reminding all that cultural celebrations are also spiritual journeys.
Though dignitaries, actors, and artists brought glamour and gravitas, the summit’s soul lay in its people—families who traveled across states, youth who found their voices, elders who shared their memories, and communities like NKK that carried Karnataka in their hearts.
The Lakeland summit will be remembered as a festival of pride and unity, but Atlanta is where the journey continues—with greater energy, broader vision, and the promise of Kannadigas coming home to celebrate their heritage on a global stage.
