US Kannada org AKKA splits

Bangalore, Jan 14: AKKA, the premier organisation to represent Kannada groups settled in North America has split. Simmering discontent among a section of members in the American Association of Kannada Kootas (AKKA) has finally erupted resulting in several resignations to various posts in the body. The sheer discontent broke out when several members closely knit with AKKA gave up their resignations and decided to form a separate entity.

The aims and objectives of the new umbrella will be announced shortly said the forerunners of the breakaway group. In a press statement Mr Krishna Murthy in Bangalore and Suresh Ramachandra in WDC has said that the time has come for the NRI Kannadigas in America to form a new association to foster the Kannada language and culture in United States of America.

The summary of the press release issued by the dissident group is as follows.

*A new cultural organization of Kannada Kootas to foster the Kannada language and culture in America will be launched soon in North America

*In the past 10 years we have worked in various capacities in the American Association of Kannada Kootas (AKKA )and successfully conducted five International level conventions.

*Over the last few years AKKA has lost its focus as a cultural organization and has become a hostage of few individuals to further their personal goals.

*This has resulted in creation of vote bank type of situation with the sole aim to get into power.

*In the process all of the founding fathers of the organisation have been systematically sidelined.

*Several attempts to correct this situation within the organization has been unsuccessful.

*In the present circumstances , we have no other option but to quit AKKA and continue our work in the new organization for the cause of Kannadigas in North America. The sole aim of the new outfit shall remain only to promote Kannada language, culture art and networking of Kannadigas all over the world.

*The details of the new organization will be released soon.

The signatories:

*Sharanabasava Rajur, Boston, MA- former vice-president of AKKA

*Renuka Ramappa MD Tampa, FL- Founding member and secretary and former vice president of AKKA, chairperson, Orlando convention 2004

*Suresh Ramachandran Baltimore, MD- present Vice President of AKKA, Convenor , Washington DC Convention 2006

*Keshava Babu, MD Tampa, FL- Former Director and Bye-Law committee chairman of AKKA

*Ramakrishna , MD Present Director AKKA, Chairman of Kannada Sammelana, Phoenix AZ 1998 (Where AKKA was born)

*M Krishnamurthy Present Director AKKA, Former Treasurer AKKA

*Vallisha Shastry award winning Dramatist and active participant of AKKA sammelana

*Mrs Uma Jayaswamy- Chicago, wife of Jayaswamy founding President of AKKA

*Veera Mare Gowda- Former Karnataka Liason AKKA

Know more about Kannada Associations.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)