Building or rebuilding an institution is like activating or reactivating our physical power to re-create a cultural environment with renewed progressive spirit. One need not have to totally rely on Government alone. This impetus has come from within us, speaking common language, having imbibed socio-cultural inheritance from this great cosmopolitans city, Mumbai.

Our Karnataka Sangha has entered into 83rd year of its existence. It was perceived as a representative body of Kannadigas in Mumbai. The Karnataka Sangha was founded in Sanzgiri Sadan in Girgaum in 1933 since then and now, the Sangha has been conducting activities in the field of Kannada language, culture, literature and education. Our past presidents, namely; Late Shri B.D. Belvi, Late. Shri N.M. Hungund, Late Smt. Seethabai Annigeri, Late Shri K.H. Kabbur, Late Shri S. B. Jathar, Late Shri G.R. Madabhavi, Late Shri S.R. Joshi, Late Justice Shri N.S. Lokur, Late Justice Shri R.A. Jahagirdar, Late Shri V.S. Swadi, Late Justice Shri B.M. Kalagate, Late Shri R.S. Hukerikar, Late Shri A.K. Hafizka, Late Shri Varadaraja Adya, Late Shri Sadanand A. Shetty, Late Shri K. Jayaram Alva, Shri Ravi R. Anchan, Shri Manohar M. Kori, Dr. G.D. Joshi have contributed enormously to make Sangha as a model Cultural Institution. This is a story of change. And as response to change, while wide ranging winds of change were sweeping the country, our Sangha too stirred up a gale. In 1968-69 a multifarious full-fledged building was constructed, which was dedicated to Kannadigas of Mumbai City in 1977. From a single objective of activities of fostering Kannada language and of Kannadigas to multi dimensional cultural organization.

The Sangha regularly felicitates with "Sadhana Shikhar Prashasti" to those who excel in Literature and Culture fields. It has a full-fledged central library with over 40 thousand books and an information centre with books on various topics and themes which is used for higher training including PhD studies, and also has book publishing division. The Sangha's library is recognized by Maharashtra Government and been getting grant-in-aid. House magazine "Sneha Sambandha" is being published every month. The Sangha has been suitably honoured by Maharashtra Government by naming road over the bridge of Matunga Road Station, Mumbai, after Dr. M. Vishveshwarayya Memorial Bridge" at our insistence. Various programmes are being arranged in association with various Academies of Karnataka on continuous basis. Kannada Film icon Dr. Rajkumar was felicitated. Programmes like Janapada Ustava (folk art), Karnataka Ustsav, Shri C. Ashwath Musical programmes were arranged. Activities of the Sangha are being conducted through various wings like, Mahila Vibhag, Vidya Vikas Vibhag, Granthalaya Vibhag, Information Centre, Sahitya Bharati, Kalabhaarati, Kalabharati Dramatic Wing etc., Karnataka Government has honoured the Sangha with "prestigious "Suvarna Karnataka Rajyostava Award" in the year 2006.

Since past 82 years it is serving the cause of Cultural, Literary, Social, Educational activities of unity in diversity among Kannadigas in Mumbai, and also successfully maintained the responsibility of cultural harmony among Maharashtra & Karnataka States. For its diverse activities the Sangha is recognized and is familiar in the all over the Country and also Abroad. It is a matter of pride that the "Kalabharati" a performing art circle of Karnataka Sangha has gained an International fame as a cultural window of the nation.

When the times change values change. Considering the increased activities it is inevitable that we redevelop our existing building. Under the leadership of Late Varadaraj Adya the existing building was built. At this juncture the Sangha remembers all those office bearers, members and well wishers who toiled during those days. Subsequently, Late Sadanand A Shetty had ventured to expand this building. After considering all the facts the present Managing Committee has prepared a blue print to redevelop the existing building. Shri Ravi Kapadia of M/s. Kapadia Consultants, designer and Architects have prepared a plan of the new building project.

The planned building will have 74020 sq ft. of built up area. It will have full fledged Auditorium, a Mini Auditorium, a Community Hall, Guest Rooms, a spacious library and various other amenities.

Friends, it is estimated to cost Rs.28.00 crores on the minimum side for this massive project. We have to seek financial help and support from Government of Karnataka, Government of Maharashtra, Corporates, Our members and well wishers. We request and hope that you all will donate generously in this mega project. We earnestly hope that all our well wishers will to take part in this GREAT SWEEP TOWARDS A BETTER FUTURE.

& Managing Committee Members