BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, March 20, 2026: More than one hundred women gathered in celebration, reflection, and joyful camaraderie at the International Women’s Day event hosted by Nrupathunga Kannada Koota on March 8, 2026, at Sankranti Restaurant in Johns Creek. The evening unfolded as a vibrant tribute to the achievements, resilience, and collective spirit of women in the community.
Organized under the leadership of President Ramesh Venkatesh and Chairman Ramesh Ugrappa, the event created a warm and welcoming space where stories of accomplishment, inspiration, and cultural pride blended beautifully with laughter and celebration.
The program was anchored by EC and BoD members Kavitha Lakshminarasaiah and Chaitra Nagaraj, whose engaging presence guided the audience through the evening’s activities. The expert panel discussion was moderated by fellow EC and BoD members Anjana Rao and Rupali Biradar, who led a meaningful exchange of ideas with panelists from diverse professional fields.
The evening began with a heartfelt welcome that set the tone for a gathering centered on appreciation and connection. Lively ice breaker activities soon followed, filling the room with energy and conversation as women from different walks of life found common ground in shared experiences.
A special moment of the evening was the felicitation of the Guests of Honor whose lives and contributions continue to inspire the community.
Among them was Mrs. Indira Ramaswamy, a woman whose quiet strength and graceful resilience reflect the very spirit of the organization she helped nurture. Her journey is closely woven into the history of Nrupathunga Kannada Koota itself. When Dr. H. N. Ramaswamy founded the organization in 1973 along with few other Kannada families, Mrs. Indira Ramaswamy played an important role in nurturing the early community spirit that helped the organization take root. Despite limited resources, the founder and its members, she recalled, always strived to give back, through Adopt a road, habitat for Humanity or annual scholarships (credited to Drs. Anu and Subra Bhat), Kannada education and more. Mrs. Ramaswamy fondly reminisced the time NKK successfully hosted the prestigious AKKA convention with the support of friends and the community.
Sharing memories from those early days, she spoke about the humble beginnings of NKK and its gradual transformation into a vibrant cultural organization. Her reflections highlighted the dedication of the founding families who worked tirelessly to create a space where Kannada language, traditions, and community bonds could flourish far from home.
The evening also honored Dr. Annapurna Bhat, fondly known as Dr. Anu Bhat, a rheumatologist, community leader, and trustee of Nrupathunga Kannada Koota who will serve as Navika President for 2026 to 2027. In her remarks, Dr. Bhat briefly highlighted the significance of International Women’s Day, noting that the global observance began in the early twentieth century as women across the world advocated for equal rights and opportunities. Over time it evolved into a worldwide celebration recognizing the achievements and contributions of women in every sphere of life.
One of the most enriching segments of the evening was the expert panel discussion, which brought together accomplished women who shared insights from their professional journeys and personal experiences.
Jyothsna Hegde, a journalist and cultural advocate, spoke about the role of journalism in shaping public dialogue and preserving cultural identity. She reflected on how storytelling and responsible media can amplify community voices and bring attention to social issues that often remain unheard. Her work in journalism and service has earned her numerous recognitions including the Narayan Seva Sansthan Shakti Award, the Presidential Award from IACA, the Iron Lady Award in 2024, and the Friends of USA India Business Summit Award in 2025.
Roopa Prakash, a senior fintech leader and enterprise transformation expert, offered insights into the rapidly evolving world of financial technology. Drawing from more than eighteen years of experience at Fiserv, she spoke about digital innovation, leadership in technology, and the importance of adaptability in an era defined by rapid technological change. Her reflections also emphasized the growing influence of women in leadership roles within the technology sector.
Dr. Ranjana Bhargava, a triple board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology with Georgia Cancer Specialists and the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, spoke about the evolving landscape of cancer care and the importance of compassionate patient-centered treatment. She highlighted how advances in medical research and early detection are transforming outcomes, while also emphasizing the critical role of empathy and communication in the doctor-patient relationship.
Dr. Neelima Dachuri, a board certified physician in Internal Medicine and a specialist in Obesity Medicine with nearly two decades of clinical experience, shared her perspective on preventive healthcare and long term wellness. She spoke about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, balanced nutrition, and awareness around metabolic health, reminding the audience that small sustainable habits can lead to lasting well being.
Completing the panel was Smitha Barki, a user experience leader whose story resonated deeply with the audience. She spoke about designing digital experiences that place people at the center of technology, emphasizing empathy and human connection in innovation. Beyond her professional journey, she also shared her passion for endurance sports, describing how running marathons, completing a 70.3 Half Ironman triathlon, and cycling across breathtaking landscapes have taught her discipline, resilience, and the power of perseverance.
The evening also celebrated the accomplishments of women within the Kannada community itself. Vanishree Rao, Mangala Udupa, Jyothsna Rao, and Sripriya Srinivas were honored with Achievers Awards in recognition of their valuable contributions to NKK and the broader Kannada community. Their dedication reflects the spirit of service that continues to strengthen the organization.
Musical performances by Sripriya Srinivas, Jyothsna Rao, and Deepa Chandrakumar further elevated the evening, adding a graceful cultural dimension that resonated warmly with the audience.
Adding color and excitement to the celebration was the much anticipated fashion walk. Participants took to the stage with confidence, grace, and radiant smiles. In that moment, the spotlight belonged to every woman present. The message was clear and uplifting. Every woman is a celebrity in her own story.
