NK is attempting to highlight KNRIs fete and fate known to the people of Karnataka

Newskarnataka.com (NK), the favoured news portal of Kannadigas the world over, has been highlighting the concerns of Non-Resident Kannadigas across the world through a series of live conversations with the Country representatives of the International Kannadigas’ Federation (IKF) on its YouTube Channel. With nine episodes aired, (see an analysis of the episode, here ) the issues and concerns they have raised on the show have already gained traction with the state government and the pressure is building to address their concerns, quickly.

More than 120 pro-Kannada organizations across 34 countries have been appealing to the state government for assistance on various fronts through these conversations. But is the state government listening?

NK and IKF on behalf of millions of KNRIs world over have been persistently knocking at the doors of the State Government and appealing with folded hands to appoint a deputy chairman to the KNRI forum at the earliest. The conversations will continue till the appointment of the deputy chairman and also beyond as there are many other .

The 10h edition of the much-admired talk show with representatives of the International Kannadigas’ Federation (IKF) was held on March 13, 2021, with Mohamed Ebrahim Muloor, President, Karnataka Sangha, Sharjah, Archana Sridhar Coordinator, International Kannadigas Federation, South Africa, Milan Arun Past President, Indian Cultural Center and Advisor Karnataka Sanga Qatar as guests on the show. C A Valerian Dalmaida, Mentor, Spearhead Media Group, hosted the talk show with Kiran Nirkan as co-host.

“Elladaru Iru, Enthadaru iru endendigu nee Kannadavagiru” – “Wherever you are, be a Kannadiga” Mohamed Ebrahim Muloor, President, Karnataka Sangha, Sharjah proudly quotes Kuvempu.

Karnataka Sangha, Sharjah took birth 19 years back with the efforts of Late Umesh Nanthoor and others to promote the Kannada language and culture. To keep the Kannada flame burning, the Sangha has been conducting regular programmes to spread the richness of Kannada, heritage among the children of KNRI’s, and also the people of Gulf Countries.

Muloor said, “if, IKF has given different dimensions to the Unity of Kannadigas the credit goes to Hidayath and his other associates. Kannadigas are very calm people and they do not come out unless their problem has become serious. Media is the third pillar of society.”

“Support the media in different ways then only the quality media can sustain”, he averred

The Sangha, to encourage the achievers of Karnataka in different sectors, has instituted the world renowned Mayura award every year. As part of its Social service activities, they conduct regular medical, blood donation camps and also extend financial help to needy people. “It is worth mentioning that the Beary Cultural Federation [BCF] has so far given a scholarship to more than 10000 students from PUC to Medical and Engineering irrespective of religion, caste, and creed. Similarly, DKSC has provided free education to more than 2000 orphans”, said Muloor.

“The relationship between Kannadigas and their mother state should be like Sandalwood. Even if Sandalwood is in pieces the fragrance should not be broken”, says Archana Sridhar Coordinator, International Kannadigas Federation, Durban, South Africa,

Apparently, there are very few Kannadigas living in Durban, South Africa. “As fas as my knowledge goes there maybe around 1,000 Kannadigas living in nine States of South Africa. However, we lack information about the Kannadigas living in different provinces. The formation of the IKF has given us more strength. We are all thankful to Mr. Hidayath and his associates for the initiation of the Federation”.

Kannadigas are working in different sectors, like Doctors, Nurses, Engineers, etc. In the absence of a well-founded organization for Kannadigas, we lack information on the problems being faced by them. Through IKF we have started networking with each other.

A Radio jockey by profession, Archana. while thanking IKF and NK for their efforts to bring them together and highlight their issues , said “Ubuntu”, which in Zulu language means “I am who I am because of who we all are. We are all inter-dependent”.

Milan Arun Past President, Indian Cultural Center Advisor Karnataka Sangha. Qatar conferred with “Jwala lifetime Achievement Award 2021”

Welcoming Milan to the show, Kiran congratulated her on behalf of the entire Kannada fraternity, and NK, for receiving the prestigious “Jwala lifetime Achievement Award 2021 from Qatar stories.

Responding, Milan said, “around 40,000 Kannadigas are living in Qatar. Many Karnataka-based Associations, like Karnataka Sangha Qatar, Tulukoota Qatar, Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association, MCA, MCC, Bunts Qatar, Billavas, Uttara Kannada Balaga are very active. I have been actively taking part in all the Associations’ activities”.

“The position of Dy chairman of KNRI should not be a political appointment”, and added, “the Karnataka Government could take a leaf out of the formation of NORKA, Non-resident Keralite affairs. The KNRIS’s are facing problems while settling back in India. There are so many legal issues involved, for which the support of the Govt. is very essential”.

Kiran informed the panel that pursuant to the Twitter campaign by the IKF and repeated appeal of NK, the Chief Minister, at a press conference held on 9^th March assured that the appointment of Dy. Chairman to the KNRI forum will be made soon. Nalin Kumar Kateel, State BJP President was also present when the announcement was made.

NK is making an attempt to highlight the work being done by the Kannadiga Associations overseas and also to present the plight of NRI Kannadigas through this series.

Watch the full conversation here..