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ನೃಪತುಂಗ ಕನ್ನಡ ಕೂಟ
Nrupathunga Kannada Koota
Kannada Community of Greater Atlanta Area, A non-profit organization under IRS 501 c(3)
NKK Trustees
Dr. Subra Bhat
Dr. Bhat is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Critical care Medicine and Integrative Pain Management. He is an active Rotarian and serves as board member at Clayton state university, Hindu temple of Atlanta and Good shepherd clinic. He served as chairman of Atlanta Kannada Koota and Current Trustee. He has established multiple student scholarships locally and in India. Mobilized and donated funds for multiple natural disaster.
Dr. Bhat has won multiple community service awards, top physician award, Patients choice award and Covid community award (2021)
Dr. Bhat is married to Dr. Annapurna Bhat who is a Rheumatologist and their son Kiran is a writer and world traveler.
Dr. Anu Bhat
Dr Anu Bhat is Physician who did her super specialty Rheumatology at Emory University in Atlanta who was awarded Top Georgia Rheumatologist in 2018. She is married to Dr Subrahmanya Bhat Pulmonologist, who served as Chairman NKK 2019, they have one son Kiran Bhat who is pursuing literary career.
Both of them are involved in various charity organizations sponsoring multiple cultural and charitable activities in GA, FL and India. Some examples of Organizations that they have contributed in Atlanta include Heaven house, A Friends house Inc, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Clayton state University, Kennesaw state University, The Raksha Foundation. Ekal Vidyalaya, Habitat for humanity
She is board member of numerous organizations through which she serves local communities.
Anu is also interested in encouraging music and dance activities and has promoted numerous cultural activities including hosting Yakshagana musical troupe. She has hosted several famous entertainers including singers, violinists, Sitar players, authors for various organizations.
NKK - BOD/EC Team for 2024
Board of Directors (BOD)
Executive Committee (EC)
"I have been an active NKK member since 2005. I live in Johns Creek with My wife Kumuda and two daughters Ananya and Amulya. During AKKA 2012, I was the Chair person for Cultural programs and got accolades for executing the backstage activities. Over the years, have been popular among NKK community for stage performances and as program director for various events. As the new BOD for 2019, I would like to support in reaching out to people and build a strong team for common cause."
Jayanth Palakshiah Chairman
Sudeep Hebbar along with wife Chaya and sons Sumith and Sanchit called Atlanta home since 2008 and are currently settled in Cumming. Sudeep is originally from Udupi district and Chaya is from North Canara. They have participated and volunteered in NKK ever since then.
Sudeep is a Software Architect by profession and is an outdoor and music enthusiast. Looking forward to serving Atlanta area Kanndigas thru NKK.
Sudeep Hebbar
Vice Chairman
Mangala Udupa
Director
Mangala Udupa aka Mangala Gopalakrishna is a Solution Architect by profession, but a passionate kannadiga at heart. She has been an IT professional and has experience of 20+ years She moved to Atlanta in 2005 and has made it home. She lives with her very supportive family, husband Madhusudhan and son Vishruth. She is proud to be part of NKK from past 16 years and has been an active member. She is a voracious reader and her hobbies include writing and experimenting with new recipes. Her articles have been published in newspapers of Karnataka and online magazines. She volunteers to teach kannada to kids during the weekend as part of the kannada kali program. She also has written and directed plays and performed in NKK and other events.
"I have been active in Atlanta Kannada community in various ways from last 17 years. Now I am very excited to be part of NKK team and serve in every possible way."
Srinivas Prasad
Director
"Having been a long time volunteer of NKK, I was an active member on the organizing committees of the successful Atlanta AKKA conference in 2012. Association with NKK and being part of the Executive Committee, gives me the opportunity to serve my community along with helping me stay strongly bonded to my roots (nadu-nudi-samskruthi).
My wife Anu and I have 2 blessings in Aayush and Arjun. I passionately engage in yoga, spirituality, music and movies as my pastime."
Bharatish Shirahatti, wife Parimala, daughters Ankshata and Ankita have been residents of Metro Atlanta since 1994. Bharatish and his family have actively volunteered for NKK for more than 25 years. Bharatish previously served NKK as BOD for 6 Years (2012-2018) and as Vice Chairman for 2 years (2017-2018). Besides volunteering in the NKK activities, his current interests include improving NKK bylaws, policies and processes.
Bharatish Shirhatti
Director
Srikanth Honnaiah
Director
Hello Georgians! I’m from Bangalore, and moved to the US 20+ years ago. My childhood was filled with celebrations of Kannada culture and its rich history, thanks to my dad who was an active theater personality, and has won several awards including a national award for his movies. My family and I lived in New York, Philly and Minneapolis for the past 20 years prior to moving to Georgie in 2021.
I’ve been a part of several Kannada kootas and Indian associations in the US. I’m looking forward to knowing you all and serving our Kannada community here in Georgia.
Ramesh Ugrappa
Director
I have been in atlanta for 24years, hardcore supporter , lifetime member and volunteer of NKK since year 2000.
This is the first time I’m in the board but always supported from behind on any kannada events across metro Atlanta ,being in the board gives me an opportunity to serve better and improve any shortcomings with direct interaction with board.
I’m known to South Indian community around south Forsyth and north Fulton area.
I’m excited to be part of the NKK and passionate to serve Kannadigas around atlanta metro area.
Vasanth Halemani
President
I have been in the USA for more than 10year, I was a member of other Kannada groups in other states before moving to Atlanta, and been with NKK for a few years. Living in Marietta with his wife Nayana, daughter Anvi and son Anish. My kids go to “Marietta Kannada shale” to learn Kannada over weekends. "I am a CIVIL/structural engineer, interested in outdoor activity and messing with automobiles, electronics, computers. I am excited to be part of the executive committee & looking forward to serving our Kannada community."
Chetan Hegde
Secretary
Chetan Hegde with his wife Kavita and their son Nachiket have been Atlanta Resident and NKK member for more than 15 years and serving the EC since 2021. Chetan is originally from Sirsi, brought up in Bangalore; Kavita is from Siri-Yellapur area. They are currently settled in JohnsCreek andboth work in the IT industry. It is our pleasure to help the Kannada community through NKK and upholding our cultural virtues. Looking for great things to do.
Sreedhar Venkat is living in Alpharetta since 2015 with wife Thanuja Ramachandra. Before moving to Atlanta, lived in Boston and looking forward to serving kannadigas through NKK.
Sreedhar Venkat
VP of Public Relations
Sharathbabu Krishnarao Treasurer
Keshava is basically from Hassan and raised in Bangalore. I completed my school, college and degree in Bangalore having around 20yrs IT experience. I came to the US in 2018 and have been residing in Alpharetta for the past 5yrs. My wife is a Senior IT Architect and has a daughter studying in 4th grade.
Keshava Prasad
VP Administration/Ops
Ramesh Venkatesh, wife Poornima Venkatappa and Kids Ivanshi and Ishank.
Ramesh was basically born and brought up in Bangalore. Moved to US in 2012, to New York. Was active member of Kannada Sangha in NWA AND IOWA. Moved to Atlanta in 2018 October. And been part of NKK from 2019.
Looking forward to serving our Kannada community NKK.
Like to go for hikes and trials with friends over the weekends/free time.
Ramesh Venkatesh
Jt. Secretary
Uttam along with wife Vidya and son Tilak have been residents of Alpharetta since 2016. Born and brought up in Bengaluru, he is a technology lead by profession and immensely passionate in volunteering. This drove him to NKK to serve our Kannada community here.
Uttam Ramanjanappa
Jt. Secretary
Anoop Prabhakar
Jt. Treasurer
I am a member of NKK for the past 5 years and a proud resident of Marietta, Georgia since 2018. I am fortunate to share my life with my wife Ambika and my daughters Akshadha and Anushka who are my constant source of strength and inspiration.
Our roots trace back to Chikmagalur, located on the foothills of the Mullayanagiri, The rich heritage and values I inherited from my home have shaped me into the person I am today.
As a member of NKK Executive Committee, I look forward to this journey of giving back to my Kannada community.
I believe that this opportunity will allow me to strengthen the bond I share with my roots.