‘ಒಟ್ಟಾವ ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಂಘ’ದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಹುಮುಖಿ ಯುಗಾದಿ

The Association Of Kannada Kootas Of America are pleased to announce the results of the office bearers for 2003 to 2005 based upon elections held on April 28, 2003.

These elections culminate an extensive input from Kannada Kootas of North America (USA and Canada) to foster an inclusive and fresh approach to revitalizing Kannadigas in their pursuit of their heritage, language and love of their culture.
The following individuals were elected to the various offices as shown.

Mr V.M. Kumaraswamy of Los Angeles, CA a veteran community activist and a founding member of AKKA was elected as the President, Dr Subbanna Jayaprakash of Milwaukee , WI was elected as the Chairman of the Board of
Directors and Mr Narasimha Murthy ( Sim Murthy ) of Toronto was elected as the Vice - Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Most of the Executive Committee members are all prominent members of the Kannada Community who have held various positions including being Presidents of various Asian Indian Organizations and Kannada Kootas. The other members are-

Mr N.S. Vatsa Kumar Exe Vice President
Dr Chandrakant Bilgi VP - Cultural Affairs
Mr Pappur Shankar VP - Community Affairs
Mr Manju Kuppa VP - Youth Affairs
Prof Dr. Vamana Rao VP - Financial Affairs
Dr Jayanthi Ravikumar VP - Communications
Mr Ravi Casuba VP - Endowment Funds
Dr S. Narasinga Rao Treasurer
Dr Rama Bhat Joint Treasurer
Mr Satyan R. Kalyandurg General Secretary
Mr Laxminarayana Ganapathi Joint Secretary

The idea of the apex body was conceived originally during the 1998 Phoenix convention. The present ad-hoc committee has attempted to evolve with mixed results due to inadequate input, lack of constitution, and improper representation of the Kannada Koota charter members. A determined effort by the Presidents has helped to culminate their work at large to correct deficiencies that will no longer shackle their growth.

On Oct 27th 2002 they came together for the first time in the history of AKKA and formed a Constitution Committee headed by Mr H.S. Aswathnarayana, President of Triveni, a Kannada organization of Tristate area of PA -NJ-DE.
The other members were Dr H.N. Ramaswamy of Atlanta, President of Nrupathunga Kannada Koota, Mr B.N. Nagaraj of Los Angeles, President of Southern California Kannada Koota, Mr Ravi Casuba of New York, President of
New York Kannada Koota, Mr Sanjay Rao of Washington DC, President of Kaveri Kannada Koota.

On March 2nd 2003 The Presidents of the member organizations of AKKA by resolution approved and adopted a constitution. They directed the present adhoc committee to conduct the elections according to the approved
Constitution before April 30th 2003 failure of which the Presidents would step in and resolve the deficiencies. As there were no signs of any elections, on April 20th once again they met, passed a resolution to hold the election. They set the agenda to conclude the elections by May 6th 2003.

Mr Narasimha Shenoy a veteran community activist, was the chief election commissioner assisted by Smt. Vani Kumar and Mr H.S.Aswathanarayana.

For any details please contact Mr V.M. Kumaraswamy at 714-542-9762 (O) or
949-857-8578 (H) and Dr Subbanna Jayaprakash at 262-598-1001 (O) or
262-886-6252 (H).

Aswath
609-268-7414