Nandi Kannada Koota of South Florida

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The primary mission of Nandi Kannada Koota of South Florida (NKK) is to preserve, promote, and celebrate Kannada language, culture, and heritage in South Florida. A key focus of the organization is helping children born and raised in the United States stay connected to their cultural roots.

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NKK was founded in October 2006. Prior to that time, Kannada families who later became members of the NKK were actively involved in co‑building and operating the Srigandha Kannada Koota for many years. As the Kannada community in southeast Florida grew, the need for an independent organization dedicated to sustaining and supporting local Kannada cultural and educational activities became clear. NKK was formally inaugurated by Dr. Renuka Ramappa at a ceremony held at the Shiva Vishnu Temple of South Florida in Southwest Ranches.

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Each year, NKK celebrates major Kannada festivals—including Sankranti, Ugadi, Gowri–Ganesha, and Deepavali—in a traditional, community‑centered manner. The organization actively promotes Kannada literature, music, dance (contemporary, folk, and classical), theater, visual arts, and Indian sports, and regularly hosts noted artists and scholars from India. The Koota also collaborates with other local non‑profit and national Kannada organizations that share its mission.

Recently, the Koota launched two major literary initiatives: the Kannada Kali online school and Champaka magazine. Kannada Kali provides Kannada language instruction to children across Florida, while Champaka—a bilingual Kannada‑English magazine—serves as a platform for nurturing local literary talent.

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Nandi Kannada Koota continues to serve as a true “Home Away From Home” for all Kannadigas in South Florida. Sustaining and strengthening this organization for future generations remains a shared responsibility of our community.