Bhoomi Puja Pictures

Work in Progress Pictures

As your goodself is aware our Karnataka Sangha is entering into its 86th year of 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 have contributed enormously to make the Sangha a model Cultural Institution. Keeping pace with changing times a multifarious full-fledged building was constructed, in 1977-78 at the present site. From a single objective of promoting Kannada language and literature, it has developed into a multi dimensional cultural organization of Mumbai Kannadigas over the years. It has a full –fledged central library with over 40 Thousand books on various topics and themes along with an information centre which is used by post –graduate and research students. It also brings out literary publications of young upcoming writers. The Sangha's library is recognized by Maharastra Government and has been getting grant – in – aid. Our House magazine "Sneha Sambandha" is being published every month. The Sangha has been suitably honoured by the Maharashtra Government by naming the flyover near Matunga Road station (W.R.) as "Dr. M. Vishveshwarayya Memorial Flyover" at our request. Various programmes are being arranged in association with many Academies of Karnataka on continuous basis. Kannada Film icon Dr. Rajkumar was felicitated. Programmes like Janapada Utsava (Folk art), Karnataka Ustava, Shri C. Ashwath Musical event, were arranged. Activities of the Sangha are being conducted through various sections like Mahila Vibhag, Vidya Vikas Vibhag, Granthalaya Vibhag, Information centre, Sahitya Bharati, Kalabharati's Music, Dance and Drama wings. Karnataka Government has honoured the Sangha with the prestigious "Suvarna Karnataka Rajyostava Award" in the year 2006. Since past 86 years the Sangha is serving the cause of Cultural, literary, Social and Educational aspirations of all sections of Kannadigas in Mumbai along with maintaining the linguistic and cultural harmony between Maharashtrians and Kannadigas of Metropolis. It is a matter of pride that "Kalabharati" the performing arts circle of Karnataka Sangha has gained all around recognition as a cultural window of the nation.

Considering the increased activities due to the growing aspirations of its members it is inevitable that we redevelop our existing building. Under the leadership of Late Varadaraja Adya the existing building was built. 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 with 74020 sq. ft. of built up area. It will have a full fledged Auditorium, a Mini Auditorium, a Community Hall, Guest Rooms, a spacious library and various other amenities.

It gives us immense pleasure to inform you that the Foundation –stone laying function for the proposed new building successfully conducted at the present site on Sunday the 3rd March 2019.