2004 AKKA World Kannada Conference

Despite a massive, ominous hurricane pounding its venue, the AKkA World Conference was a resounding success. The howling winds and the deluge were drowned by the sounds of music emanating from a classy resort , situated in the direct path of Hurricane Frances. A dream world was created, catering to every whims and fancy of a dreamer - classical dances, Yakshagana and modern fusion; melodious classical and light music ; discussions of medical advances, entrepreneurships in business or women's issues; literary discursions; elaborate costumes for dancers and a procession emulating Dassera celebrations; and above all sumptuous three authentic Indian meals a day - made this a convention an event to remember for years to come. The quality of the artists and the programs were of a standard reminiscent of some of the top programs of yesteryears seen only in India.

A convention of such magnitude will always have some glitches here and there and this was no exception. But overall, the standard set here by the organizers should make all Kannadigas proud. The AkkA WKC meeting held in Orlando in 2004 will no doubt set a new standard for conventions , which hence forward will be used as a yard stick to measure all future conventions. My heartfelt congratulations to the organizers of this mammoth gathering . They took their gargantuan task in stride and put on a great show. Otherwise, as a concerned Floridian I would have been glued to the television set, helplessly watching the progression of Frances battering my homeland . Thank you for making me forget the destruction and allowing me to live in a dreamland for three days!

I say Amen to Dr. Harish Hebbar's summation of the convention. With the massive hurricane looming around, the organisers put together a great convention. So, although normally I like to refrain from broadcast emails, I cannot help this time but to write a line saying "Thank You" to the organisers for providing us a nice weekend full of fun and entertainment as Karnataka and Kannada was celeberated. Hearty congratulations.

We can always improve on it by reflections and feedback down the lane, I am sure there is room for it, however, I truly enjoyed my time at the convention and want to mention that the organizers did a great job. Three Cheers!

Congratulations on the excellent show, despite nature's fury and other problems. The programmes were held on the dot, three was not too much fanfare and most people felt part of the meet. Thanks also to Mr Ramappa, who behind the scenes had everything oganised There are one or two small things which could have bene done better, but nothing can be perfect when so many Indians meet and a Hurricane is keeping them tempered ! Must also thank the AKKA office bearers Mr Amarnath Gowda and Mr Kudur Murali an thier teams. The Indian reps especially Mr Veeramare Gowda and Mr Jagadeesh Rangaswqamy with whom we interacted , were courteous, helpful an dwent out of their way to serve. I am happy that they got recognised, because gratitude is something is found wanting many times in organisations. Congratulations agian, Dr Renuka, Mr Ramappa and all others in Florida. personally , I must also thank Dr Muralidhar Acharya for the intercations in connection with the Business Forum.

We were glad we braved the weather to be at AKKa convention . We had a wonderful time. We would like to let you know that we enjoyed all the quality programs and great food and hospitality . We went home EVENTUALLY with rich memories. Thanking the entire commitee.

Thanks for the opportunity to conduct Vedagosha on Saturday and Power Point Presentation on Hinduism on Sunday afternoon during AKKA World Conference. Accept my congratulation to Dr. Renuka Ramappa, Dr. Ramappa and all the volunteers who worked hard to make this WKC, 2004 a grand Success. My personal thanks to Dr. and Mrs .. Sridhar Sastry for being so professional in dealing with me. Congratulation for a Job well done.

Name: Mahesh,Manjula & Mayank

I take this opportunity to thank you for making us part of WKC. I truly beleive that the convention was the best ...but more importantly being held in a constant threat of mother nature. It truly shows there is no boundary for ' sneha,sammilana & Sounjanya' for kannadiga's. Again we congratulate on a job well done and wish you all the best for the party. Looks like we are going to miss one heck of a party!!!. Thanks.

Congratulations to all the organizers for a fantastic job! The place was fabulous, and the food as well as the arrangements were outstanding ! Some of the programs, like the ' Yaksha Gaana' by the Karnataka group, the Vijayanagara ' Meravanige', the ' Haasya' talk by A. R. Mitra and Krishne Gowda, the village scene with folk songs by the NJ Kannada Koots , and the Yama Call Center skit were excellent. Wish we had more time for ' Yaksha Gaana'. This was our first and it was memorable. Thanks for the great atmosphere. We were oblivious to the hurricane outside. Best wishes.

It was only due to the selfless and wholehearted efforts of people like you that the convention was a great success. Please convey our appreciation and regards to Dr and Mrs. Shastry and all others who helped make the convention a big success.

Thanking each &every committee member on the grand show you provided us.It indeed was a memorable one.. inspite of the unforseen weather.HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS.

Name: Govindappa Puttaiah, Mallige Kannada Balaga

I am one of those who was forced to cancel our registration for this magnificient function. From what I hear from those who were able to attend, (several of my close friends from West Virginia were able to fly into Orlando before the Hurricane Frances hig Orlando), the attendees have nothing but exemplary praise for the function. Every program was, I understand, superbly organized. Under your leadership, the band of volunteers seem to have done an excellent job. You have set a new bench
mark for planning, organizing ,and executing such a large project so efficiently. The future organizers of AKKA Convetions now have you example/model to follow. I think you and your convention committee did the right thing in deciding not to cancel the convention. It could have been nothing short of disaster if it were cancelled so late in the game. I fully support what you and your convention committee did.

Once again thank for the superb job done by you and the members of the
Sriganda Kannada Koota of Orlando.

Name: Vijay Raj

I attended the WKC 2004 in Orlando and would like to first of all thank you, your organisation and your family for the tremendous show that you have all put on. I am sure that it was two full years of work.

I have been in the US since 1973. In 1973, hardly a kannadiga was around here. Then, in about 1983 more and more people started coming into the US. However, when I attended the Kannada Koota functions in Chicago, they were organized in a very ameturish way, though there were between 100 to 200 people at these functions.

Since then, the Kannada community here in the US has grown significantly and I suppose that it is in a significant way , a reflection of the growth of Bangalore as a high tech. center.

What is really interesting is that judging by the WKC meetings in 2000, 2002 and 2004, the community has really matured from being a so called (circa 1973) "sleepy people" to a group who can organize and host world class events such as the WKC functions.