Tokyo Kannada Balaga Plans Silver Jubilee With NAVIKA

Tokyo Kannada Balaga will mark its 25th anniversary on November 22, 2026, with a celebration in Tokyo held in collaboration with NAVIKA (North America Vishwa Kannadigaru), according to a press statement from NAVIKA.

The event will bring together the organization’s Silver Jubilee celebration, NAVIKA’s Navikotsava, and Kannada Rajyotsava. More than 150 Kannadigas and guests from several countries are expected to attend, the statement said.

Over the past 25 years, Tokyo Kannada Balaga has worked to preserve and promote Kannada language, culture, and traditions in Japan. Its partnership with NAVIKA, which connects Kannadigas across the United States and beyond, will bring an international dimension to the anniversary celebration.

“It is a matter of immense joy and pride to celebrate Navikotsava alongside Tokyo Kannada Balaga in its 25th anniversary year. Bringing Kannadigas from across the world together in the spirit of ‘Kizuna’ makes this occasion especially meaningful. We warmly invite Kannada families everywhere to join us in Tokyo on November 22 to celebrate our language, culture, friendships, and the bonds that unite us across borders,” NAVIKA President Dr. Anu Bhat said.

The celebration’s theme, “Kizuna,” is a Japanese word referring to enduring bonds. According to the statement, the theme reflects the event’s emphasis on cultural connections and relationships across borders. Organizers described it as the first joint event of this scale presented by Tokyo Kannada Balaga and NAVIKA.

Arathi Krishna, deputy chairperson of the Karnataka government’s NRI Forum, has confirmed her attendance as the guest of honor, the statement said. Actor Dr. Srinath and his wife, Geeta Srinath, are also scheduled to attend.

Other invited dignitaries include D.K. Shivakumar, Shivaraj Tangadagi, U.T. Khadar, and K.A. Dayanand, along with additional ministers and guests, according to the statement.

The program will feature discussions on the arts, commerce, medicine, science, and technology, with Kannadigas sharing their professional experiences and engaging younger participants. Music, dance, theater, and other artistic performances will showcase Kannada cultural traditions.

Ganesha Megur, Tokyo Kannada Balaga’s media lead, said preparations are underway.

“Hosting this landmark celebration with NAVIKA during our Silver Jubilee year has energized our community. Our teams are working on every detail to welcome guests from around the world and make November 22 a memorable global celebration of Kannada culture and connection,” Megur said.

Organizers also cited poet Kuvempu’s message, “Wherever you are, whatever you may be, always remain Kannada at heart,” in inviting Kannadigas worldwide to participate in the Tokyo gathering.

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