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The Association of Kannada Kootas of America (AKKA) Silver Jubilee World Kannada Conference, held from September 4 to 6, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, celebrated the organization’s 25th anniversary alongside the 250th anniversary of American independence.
“We celebrated both the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and the 25th anniversary of AKKA. The silver jubilee celebrations were successful in every respect,” AKKA Chairman Amarnath Gowda told South Asian Herald.
Gowda emphasized that every aspect of the convention, from concept to execution, was designed and delivered by AKKA’s dedicated volunteers. The conference brought together Kannada community members from across the United States, along with distinguished guests, artists, business leaders and dignitaries from India.
According to Gowda, AKKA is a national organization representing Kannadigas and hosts the Kannada festival every two years in different cities across the United States. The organization aims to unite Kannadigas under one umbrella to celebrate the Kannada language and culture while showcasing the community’s achievements in public service, politics, business, health care and other fields.
Gowda thanked the government of Karnataka, local government officials in Pennsylvania and leaders from India for providing the support needed to organize the convention.
He also expressed gratitude to India’s Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy; Karnataka Minister for Kannada and Culture Shivaraj Tangadagi; several former Karnataka ministers and current and former legislators; and artists, including AKKA Brand Ambassador Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar.
Gowda also acknowledged India’s Deputy Consul General in New York Vishal Harsh; former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy; Pennsylvania state Sen. Nikhil Saval; Sri Sri Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji of Sri Adichunchanagiri Math; Sri Sri Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji of Taralabalu Mutt, Sirigere; and others who participated in the inaugural ceremony and other events.
Global spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living Foundation delivered a virtual message during the conference.
Gurudev said AKKA celebrates and enriches Karnataka’s culture, heritage, literature and traditions while helping them flourish in the United States for future generations.
“If we lose touch with the roots of our culture, it becomes difficult to find true stability, joy, and contentment, much like a tree that has been uprooted from its soil,” he said. “It is our collective responsibility to nurture and preserve our heritage in this land and carry it forward with pride, rather than abandoning it in the name of modernity.
Gurudev said wherever Kannadigas go, they are admired for their warmth, refinement, humility, and friendliness. Through their dedication, they are upholding the timeless values and rich legacy of Mysuru, Bijapur, Mangaluru, and every corner of Karnataka.
According to Gurudev, there is a greater need than ever for people to come together, support one another and prosper as a united community.
“As you celebrate the 25th anniversary of AKKA, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and blessings to all of you. May this milestone inspire even greater service, cultural pride, and unity in the years ahead,” Gurudev added.
AKKA President Madhu Rangaiah said approximately 4,000 Kannadigas from across the United States and around the world attended the conference.
“Everything went well. It was one of the most successful conferences we have had over the years,” Rangaiah told South Asian Herald.
He said more than 300 volunteers and their families worked around the clock for the previous three to four months to make the conference successful. He thanked volunteers from across the United States and supporters around the world for their contributions.
Rangaiah said AKKA was fortunate to receive support from the Karnataka government and D.K. Shivakumar. Puravankara Limited CEO Mallanna Sasalu, Dayananda Sagar University Vice Chairman Premchandra Sagar and a former Karnataka minister of state for youth affairs attended the Business Forum, along with accomplished entrepreneurs from around the world.
During the conference, members of the Kannadiga Doctors Group also shared their knowledge and experience with physicians from various specialties, Rangaiah said.
He said the primary mission of the AKKA conference is to encourage the Kannada community to demonstrate its strength and unity while working together for the benefit of all. The Kannada diaspora participates in charitable initiatives across the United States and around the world, including supporting soup kitchens and other nonprofit organizations.
AKKA has also provided funding, clothing, food and other emergency supplies during severe flooding in northern Karnataka, the Kodagu region and northern India, he said.
Virginia residents Keerthi Swamy and Ben Chikkaswamy, longtime members of the Kannada community, also participated in the conference. The couple have volunteered with Kannada associations across Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., as well as nationally, for nearly three decades.
Continuing their longstanding commitment to the community, they were among the major sponsors of AKKA’s 25th anniversary celebration.
Swamy also played an active volunteer role in supporting the convention’s Business Forum. She helped raise funds for the forum and bring together members of the business and professional communities.
“Our family’s participation in the AKKA 25th anniversary celebration reflects our continued dedication to promoting Kannada culture, community service, and stronger ties among Kannadigas in the United States and India,” Swamy told South Asian Herald.
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