5th AKKA World Kannada Conference in Chicago

AKKA stands for ’Association of Kannada Kootas of America’

5th AKKA World Kannada Conference

August 29, 30, & 31st, 2008
(Labor Day Weekend)

Rosemont Convention Center (Minutes away from O’Hare International Airport, Chicago)

Venue Features

Main Stage – Parallel Sessions – Vendor Booths on Same Floor
Food Served in the Dining Hall inside the Convention Center
Four Hotels Across the Convention Center with Three Hotels Connected with Sky Bridge to the RCC

Program Features Confirmed and in Planning

Over 5000 Kannadigas from all over the world expected Renowned singer C. Ashwath with his eleven person orchestra will present the highly acclaimed program “Kannadave Satya”

Hon. Chief Minister of Karnataka Sri. B.S.Yediyurappa has accepted to attend the conference. He will be accompanied by delegations from Industries & Commerce, Transportation, Tourism, IT & BT and other departments.

A “Chitra Manjari” Film Nite is being planned with your favorite Stars, playback singers and a famous music director.

In the Literary field, we are happy to announce that Sri Jayanth Kaikini and Sri Chandrasekara Kambara have agreed to participate in the Conference. Rastra Kavi Shivarudrappa and Professor P.K. Rajashekar will also be invited.

Plans are underway to get a well known magician from Karnataka who does unbelievable illusions and entertaining magic. Adults and children alike will enjoy the show.

AKKA will be awarding “Lifetime Achievement Awards” for the first time in different fields such as Science & Technology, Literary, Business, Fine Arts, etc. This award is for individuals who have made significant contribution to Karnataka and beyond.

Karnataka History pavilion showcasing 1000 years of Karnataka’s glorious past, present and possibilities for the next decades.

Venue decoration which takes you back to the highways and bi-lanes of Karnataka

Yoga emonstration and Training by a well known Yoga exponent from Karnataka

Business Forum, Women’s Forum, Youth Forum, CME – All with a different flavor

Music, dance, drama, Yakshagana, Special Talents & Comedy (Surprise Items)

Innovative “Meravanige” theme; one of a kind fashion show depicting Karnataka’s heritage

Sumptuous, authentic Karnataka food on all days with unlimited coffee

AKKA is a non-profit, Educational, Linguistic and Cultural Organization; incorporated under Non Profit Corporation act of the State of Florida, to integrate, coordinate, network and unite the activities of all Kannadigas and Kannada Kootas for promotion and preservation of Kannada language and culture in North America. AKKA’s constituent units include; Board of Trustees and Board of Directors from all the regions of U.S.A. and Canada.

AKKA was born in February 1998, at the World Kannada Sammelana-98 held in USA at Phoenix, Arizona. A group of prominent Kannadigas who believed in the need for a central organization were selected from across the country and formed a steering committee. This committee elected the office bearers of AKKA and the constitution was drafted.
The 1st AKKA World Millennium Kannada Conference was held in Houston, Texas hosted by Kannada Vrinda of Houston in the year 2000. More than 2000 people attended this conference, one of the most talked about events.

AKKA became a household word both in USA, Canada & Karnataka and became a symbol of pride for Kannadigas everywhere. In recognition of AKKA’s successful efforts in promoting Kannada arts and culture in North America, the Government of Karnataka conferred the Rajyothsava Award to AKKA in December 2001. Currently, 30 Kannada Kootas (representing 60,000 Kannadigas) across North America are members of AKKA organization.
The 2nd AKKA World Kannada Conference was held in Detroit, Michigan in 2002 hosted by Pampa Kannada Koota which scaled AKKA to greater heights, with more than 4000 Kannadigas attending the conference.

The momentum generated by the gathering and networking of such large number of Kannadigas in Detroit carried onto Orlando, Florida. In 2004, Srigandha Kannada Koota hosted the 3rd AKKA World Kannada Conference. The 4th AKKA World Kannada Conference was held in Baltimore, Maryland in 2006 hosted by Kaveri Kannada Association.

AKKA has actively involved in various charitable work in Karnataka by organizing many fundraising programs throughout North America.

More details about conference and hotel details