BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, March 10, 2019: Sankrati Sambhrama, Nrupathunga Kannada Koota (NKK)’s annual celebration of first day of sun’s transit into the Makara (Capricorn), gathered the Kannada community at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Riverdale on Feb 2, 2019. Games, music, violin performances and introduction of the new office bearers were part of the festivities.
Makara Sankranti, one of the few ancient Indian festivals observed according to solar cycles, is known by various names and celebrated differently across India. For people of Karnataka the celebration involves preparing Ellu Bella, a mixture of peanuts, coconut and jaggery with sesame seeds and exchanging them between relatives and friends.
Kannadigas at the event enjoyed traditional and contemporary games of Chowkabaara, carrom and chess. Super minute games added to the thrill.
Founding member, Dr. H.N. Ramaswamy and his wife Indira Ramaswamy, who were chief guests of the evening, were honored. All past directors, chairpersons, presidents and office bearers were recognized.
Past President Ramesh Bakshi and his wife Vijaya Bakshi were also present. Having returned to NKK after a gap of few years, Dr. Ramaswamy commended the new NKK Chairman Dr. Subramanya Bhat and Dr. Anu Bhat for their efforts, adding that he felt like a parent bird returning to his nest after a long day of search for food.
New Board of Directors include Dr. Subramanya Bhat as Chairman, Bharatish Shirahatti as Vice Chairman, Dr. Ganapathy Bhat, Santosh Krishnamurthy, Satish Shivarudappa, Dr. N.S.Prasad, Jayanth Palakshiah and Aruna Gadekar. Executive Committee members include Vinay Venkatesh, President, Bharath Tejaswi, VP Public Relations, Avinash Geethananda, Treasurer, Krishnananda Achar, Jt. Treasurer, Varsha Krupananda, Secretary, Shruthi Anil, Jt. Secretary, Kavitha Hegde – VP Administration and Vinay Nataraj, Jt. Secretary PR.
“With well over 1200 Kannada speaking families under our wings, making NKK stronger financially and culturally, bringing in quality artists from India and gaining better visibility to NKK among other US and Indian Organizations are some of my visions for NKK,” said Dr. Bhat.
The Karaoke segment had adults and kids in singing spirit. Emcees Chinmayee Mahishi and Mehul Rao engaged the audience. Strings of Violin by Pranav Swaroop playing top hits of Sandalwood in the primetime slot captured hearts. A student of Georgia Tech, Swaroop has performed with renowned artistes. After a vote of thanks to volunteers and sponsors, a delicious dinner concluded the night.
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