Tallahassee, Florida, USA: Atlanta’s Dr. Anu Bhat to Lead NAVIKA as Lakeland Summit Highlights Kannada Heritage
Atlanta, GA – September 5, 2025: The recently concluded 8th Navika World Kannada Summit, hosted in Lakeland, Florida, marked an important announcement for the global Kannada community. Dr. Anu Bhat of Atlanta has been officially named as the President of NAVIKA for 2025–2026. Under her leadership, the community will reunite for a milestone celebration—the 10th Navika World Kannada Conference, set to take place from September 3–5, 2027, at the Gas South Convention Center in Atlanta, a landmark event for the city’s growing Kannada population.
Speaking to NRI Pulse, Dr. Bhat shared her vision: “It is an honor to serve as President of NAVIKA for 2025 and 2026. NAVIKA represents global Kannadigas, and my goal is to bring in fresh, inclusive, and innovative ideas to strengthen the organization.”
The event also saw remarkable participation from Atlanta’s Nrupathunga Kannada Koota (NKK), which added cultural depth with a well-received comedy play directed by noted writer-filmmaker Beesu Suresha. Founded in 1973, NKK has long been a cultural pillar for Kannadigas in Atlanta, and with the 2027 conference scheduled for the city, its influence is set to shine even brighter.
Held between August 29 and 31, 2025, the Lakeland summit brought together thousands of Kannadigas for a three-day celebration of language, literature, music, cinema, and cultural pride.
The opening ceremony featured an esteemed lineup: Shri Shivaram Tangadagi, Minister for Kannada and Culture, Government of Karnataka, as chief guest; Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Consul General of India in Atlanta; acclaimed actor Rakshit Shetty; legislators Shri Ravi Kumar Ganiga and Shri Samruddi Manjunath; MLC Shri Basannagowda Badarli; and IAS officer Shri Madhusudan Reddy. Their presence underscored the close ties between Karnataka and its worldwide diaspora. Adding grandeur, actor Ramesh Aravind led a vibrant cultural procession reminiscent of Mysuru’s famous Jumbo Savari, winning the hearts of attendees.
The literary segment, inaugurated by scholar Dr. Gururaj Karajagi, gave space to poets, authors, and thinkers, celebrating Kannada’s literary richness. Meanwhile, the entertainment stage glittered with stars—Ramya (Divya Spandana), the “Sandalwood Queen,” joined Rakshit Shetty, Ramesh Aravind, veteran Dr. Srinath, actress Megha Shetty, and Vinay Rajkumar, representing the iconic Rajkumar family legacy.
Evenings were filled with music, courtesy of composer Mano Murthy, rapper-performer All OK, and singer Divya Ramachandra, who blended nostalgia with modern rhythms.
Beyond cinema and music, the summit catered to diverse interests with business and entrepreneurship forums, youth and women’s meets, poetry recitals, short Kannada plays, a cricket tournament, fashion shows highlighting Karnataka’s textile traditions, and alumni reunions. Each activity captured NAVIKA’s mission of honoring Kannada culture while embracing the global perspective of its diaspora.
The spiritual aspect was also profound, as swamijis from renowned mutts in Karnataka and the U.S. offered their blessings, emphasizing that cultural festivities are equally spiritual journeys.
While the presence of dignitaries and celebrities added charm, the true heartbeat of the summit was its people—families traveling from afar, youth discovering their identity, elders sharing cherished memories, and organizations like NKK that kept Karnataka alive in their hearts.
The Lakeland summit will be remembered as a vibrant festival of unity and pride. But the journey continues in Atlanta, where Kannadigas will gather again in 2027 with greater enthusiasm, broader vision, and renewed celebration of their shared heritage.
