Golden Jubilee and Sankranti festival celebrated by Chicago-based Vidyaranya Kannada Kuta

February 14, 2022

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Vidyaranya Kannada Kuta, a not-for-profit organization catering to the needs of Kannada speaking community of the Chicago and nearby areas, held its first cultural event of the year , Sankranti festival, on Feb. 5, 2022.

Due to the prevailing Covid situation the cultural part of the program was conducted virtually and was live relayed via their YouTube channel, a press release from the organization said.

This year Vidyaranya Kannada Kuta is reaching a milestone in its history, celebrating its Golden Jubilee. Founded in 1972 by just a few families, VKK is now the only organization in the Chicago area which serves the cultural, educational, charitable and networking needs of the Kannada speaking population.

The cultural program included performances from adults and kids who are part of the organization.

India’s Chicago Consul for Press, Information and Culture Ranjit Singh, conveys congratulations to the Vidyaranya Kannada Kuta on its Golden Jubiliee and Sankranti celebrations Feb. 5, 2022. Photo: courtesy VKK

There was a special message from the Consulate General of India in Chicago conveyed by Consul for press, information & culture Ranjit Singh, congratulating the organization during the festival and for the Golden Jubilee celebration.

The highlight of the celebration was the release of a theme song and emblem to mark the Golden Jubilee occasion. This was produced by eminent Kannada actor, director, theater personality T.S. Nagabharana.

Eminent Kannada actor, director, theater personality T.S. Nagabharana joined the virtual celebrations of the Chicago-based Vidyaranya Kannada Kuta during its Golden Jubilee and Sankranti event Feb. 5, 2022. Photo: VKK

Nagabharana, who is also the president of the Kannada Development Authority of the Karnataka Government, praised the efforts of the Vidyaranya Kannada Kuta in nurturing the culture and literature for the Kannada speaking population abroad. He also spoke about the Kannada school for kids in the area.

Saxophone concert by Vidwan Sridhar Sagar and Party at the Feb. 5, 2022 celebrations of the Chicago-based Vidyaranya Kannada Kuta’s virtual Golden Jubilee and Sankranti event. Photo: VKK

The event also featured a live saxophone performance from India by Vidwan Sridhar Sagar and his party, engaging the viewers with his multi-genre musical concert.

A unique part of the celebration, much appreciated by members, was the distribution of a sumptuous lunch in the afternoon to the members at different locations of Chicago suburbs. The lunch included traditional dishes that are served during the Sankranti Festival in Karnataka, India, like Pongal and Holige (a traditional sweet made of peanuts).