Virginia: The Twelfth AKKA (Association of Kannada Kootas of America) World Kannada Conference (WKC) 2024 took place at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia, from August 30 to September 1, 2024. Hosted by the Kaveri Kannada Association of Washington, D.C. Metro, and the Richmond Kannada Sangha, with the support of AKKA Chairman Amarnath Gowda and other leaders, this was the first AKKA World Kannada Conference held after the COVID-19 pandemic. The event, which is organized biennially, had its last edition held virtually in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The grand gathering saw over 5,000 Kannadigas from across the U.S. and the world, including participants from the UK, Dubai, and Australia. A wide range of leaders, artists, and spiritual seers attended the conference, which served as a platform for cultural exchange, entertainment, and spiritual dialogue.
Highlights of the event included a variety of entertainment programs, such as the AKKA Idol competition, a painting and sketching exhibition, an alumni meet, and sports events. A spiritual gathering featuring seers from various mutts added to the richness of the event. In addition, the conference featured a health meet and a singles’ meet, catering to the diverse interests of attendees. A souvenir was released during the event, capturing the essence of the celebrations.
One of the main attractions was a stunning model of the Mysore Palace displayed in the hallway, along with intricate replicas of the Belur and Halebidu temples. A sculpture of Karnataka Mathe also drew considerable attention. The Gala dinner night included a special tribute program titled “Appu,” dedicated to the late Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar, with performances by hundreds of artists in his honor.
Throughout the event, vendors showcased various products, and authentic Karnataka cuisine was served, including a stall promoting millets. AKKA continues to play a vital role in promoting the Kannada language and culture in the U.S., and the 2024 conference was another milestone in its efforts to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of Karnataka.
