Dear Kannadigas, The AKKA World Kannada Conference(WKC 2006) to be held during September 1-3 is less than three months away, and preparations are underway at a feverish pace to make it the most pleasurable event of the year for all of us. At Kaveri Kannada Association, the host of WKC 2006, we have mobilized over 150 volunteers who are working ceaselessly as members of various action committees to bring to our estimated 5000+ guests a program they will be proud to witness and remember for life. This update is intended to give you some flavor of what to expect when you come to Baltimore in September. What you will witness is a blend of the enormous and varied talent which we are aiming to bring from our land of Karnataka and the local talent from all over the US. We have lined up an incredibly gifted group of artists from Karnataka, some with the support of the Karnataka Government, and are hoping to have them on board for the grand event, barring any unexpected problems with visas in these turbulent times. We do not have a final list of assured participants yet, but will advise you as soon as we do. WKC 2006 symbolizes the love which Kannadigas have for their land of Karnataka and its language. Members from 37 Kannada associations spread all over the US will gather to celebrate this grand event. To those of you who will be visiting your sister organization Kaveri, and AKKA, our collective family, we extend our heartfelt welcome. During your visit, it will be our pleasure and privilege to extend our hospitality to you all. Your comfort and satisfaction will be our singular aim. Every detail pertaining to WKC 2006 has been meticulously planned with a view to bring joy to your visit. WKC 2006 also coincides with Karnataka's golden anniversary. Hence it is a time for all Kannadigas to light the lamp of Karnataka and spread its luster over our small world.