Association of Kannada Kootas of America
Encyclopedia
Association of Kannada Kootas of America is a non-profit organization primarily aimed at networking of Kannadigas in the United States
and Canada
. It is incorporated in Florida
. AKKA was founded in February 1998, after the World Kannada Sammelana in Phoenix, Arizona
, where officebearers were elected. The organization organizes Kannada sammelanas (conferences) in the continent, the most recent one being held in Edison, New Jersey
.
Sugunendrateertha Swamiji has praised AKKA for its efforts in maintaining the Kannada language in the American continent. However, at the same conference, some Kannada artistes and litterateurs were unhappy with basic facilities provided. and criticized the organizers. Following this reaction, the Government of Karnataka
, which financially aids AKKA contemplated withdrawing aid.
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. It is incorporated in Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
. AKKA was founded in February 1998, after the World Kannada Sammelana in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
, where officebearers were elected. The organization organizes Kannada sammelanas (conferences) in the continent, the most recent one being held in Edison, New Jersey
Edison, New Jersey
Edison Township is a township in Middlesex County, New Jersey. What is now Edison Township was originally incorporated as Raritan Township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 17, 1870, from portions of both Piscataway Township and Woodbridge Township...
.
Advocacy and opinion
In the recent conference in Edison, the Putthige matha seerPuttige Matha Guru Parampara
Puttige Matha Guru Parampara is the lineage of Swamijis or pontiffs who have headed the Puttige matha, one of the Ashta Mathas of Udupi. The first pontiff of Puttige matha was Sri Upendra Tirtha, who was a direct disciple of Sri Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita school of philosophy...
Sugunendrateertha Swamiji has praised AKKA for its efforts in maintaining the Kannada language in the American continent. However, at the same conference, some Kannada artistes and litterateurs were unhappy with basic facilities provided. and criticized the organizers. Following this reaction, the Government of Karnataka
Government of Karnataka
The Government of Karnataka is a democratically elected body with the Governor as the constitutional head. The Governor who is appointed for a period of five years appoints the Chief Minister and his council of ministers...
, which financially aids AKKA contemplated withdrawing aid.
Split
In 2009, 7 founder members of AKKA and others decided to break away from the organization and formed the North America Vishwa Kannada AssociationNorth America Vishwa Kannada Association
North America Vishwa Kannada Association is an association of Kannadigas located in North America. It is a not for profit organization registered in Florida...
.