Auckland came alive with the colours and rhythm of Karnataka as the New Zealand Kannada Koota (NZKK) hosted a vibrant Kannada Rajyotsava celebration at the Panmure Community Hall. The event, supported by the Consulate General of India in Auckland, brought together families, leaders, performers, and guests for a day filled with culture, community connection, and heartfelt pride.
A Community With a Strong Purpose
The New Zealand Kannada Koota began in 1994 when Prof. Vaman Murthy and Dr. Lingappa Kalburgi invited local Kannadigas for a gathering at Cornwall Park. Since then, the Koota has steadily grown into a respected cultural association. Its purpose is to promote and preserve Karnataka’s language, traditions, and values while contributing positively to New Zealand’s multicultural identity.
Because of this long journey, every part of the celebration carried a sense of history and belonging. The hall displayed artwork, Kannada teaching material,s and symbols of Karnataka’s heritage, reminding everyone of the Koota’s continuous efforts.
Guests and Community Leaders in Attendance
The organisers extended a warm welcome to several dignitaries whose presence strengthened the occasion. Among them were:
- His Excellency Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India
- Mrs. Swagatika Sethi
- Mr. Nikhil Ravishankar, CEO of Air New Zealand
- Mr. Veer Khar, President of NZICA
- Mr. Sunil Das, President, Hindu Foundation
- Mr. Sanjay Pandey, General Secretary, Hindu Foundation
- Mr. Bhrigu Bhaskar, President, Bihar Jharkhand Sabha NZ
- Mr. Ravi Gupta, General Secretary, Bihar Jharkhand Sabha NZ
- Mr. Rajesh Kumar, Cultural Head, Bihar Jharkhand Sabha NZ
In addition, leaders noted that cooperation between these groups helps strengthen unity across the wider Indian community in Aotearoa.
Inspiring Words from Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi
Dr. Sethi delivered a powerful address that touched many hearts. He began by expressing sincere gratitude:
“I am truly grateful to be here with the Kannada community. Your warmth always makes us feel at home. This celebration is special for me because my parents are here as well. They have supported every step of my journey and it is wonderful to share this moment with them.”
He then shared a meaningful cultural connection:
“Many years ago, my ancestors had to leave Kashmir and move across India. One of the places they found comfort in was the region around Bengaluru. Even today some families from those times start their morning prayers remembering Sharada Devi of Kashmir. It shows how beautifully our cultures blend and support each other.”
Later, he spoke about India’s unity:
“Karnataka represents the face of modern India. You can raise the Karnataka flag with pride, sing the Indian national anthem with devotion, join the Maori anthem with respect and finally stand united for the New Zealand anthem. This is the strength of Indians. We are the champions of diversity and pluralism.”
He also encouraged participation in the upcoming milestone:
“Next year, on 28 February 2026, we begin celebrating 100 years of the Indian community in New Zealand. I invite all of you to join this celebration in your own meaningful way.”
His words were met with warm applause from the audience.
Remarks by NZICA President Mr. Veerkar
Mr. Veerkar added a personal and emotional touch to the event. He shared:
“It is always a pleasure to join the Kannada community. I was born in the mountains of Kashmir, yet when I attend an Utsava like this, I feel completely at home. Karnataka’s culture is beautiful, rich and full of warmth.”
He continued by saying:
“We all live very busy lives in New Zealand. However, gatherings like this remind us of who we are. They help us stay connected to our language, our heritage and the values we grew up with.”
He also highlighted India’s diverse spirit:
“India is a land of many stories and many regions, but our heart beats as one. Kashmir, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi… every region has a bond with the other. This unity across diversity is our biggest strength.”
Finally, he thanked the organisers:
“The Kannada community here is doing remarkable work. You keep your culture alive, you involve your children, you volunteer with love and you celebrate with pride. My sincere respect to the entire NZKK team for organising this wonderful Utsava.”
Participation of the Air New Zealand CEO
Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar also attended the event as a chief guest. He briefly spoke about his childhood and cultural journey. Although he kept his comments short, the community appreciated his presence and heartfelt connection.
Children Lead the Cultural Showcase
One of the strongest highlights of the day was the participation of children. NZKK runs weekly Kannada classes every Sunday, taught fully by volunteer teachers. Their dedication was clearly visible in the children’s performances.
The program included classical dances, folk songs, regional pieces, and cultural skits. Many parents expressed joy at seeing their children confidently present the culture they are learning.
As a result, the younger generation displayed pride in their heritage and a growing bond with their linguistic roots.
Kannada Shaale Performance: Hacchevu Kannadada Deepa
The New Zealand Kannada Koota’s Kannada Shaale presented a beautiful dance musical titled “Hacchevu Kannadada Deepa”, celebrating Karnataka’s rich musical heritage. The performance stood out as one of the most heartfelt segments of the programme. A total of 22 children took part, showcasing confidence, grace, and their growing connection to the Kannada language and culture.
The teaching group behind the performance included:
Komala Hiremath, Poornima Chandrashekar, Jyothi Mahesh, Vyjayanthi Gurudutt, and Trupti Dev.
Their dedication and voluntary effort made this presentation possible.
Children who participated:
Nishi
Stuthi
Shashini
Pranav
Sankarshan
Adithya
Skanda
Pragna
Srishti
Ishanvi
Atiksh
Purahan
Surya
Nikith
Archie
Vihaan
Hrishikesh
Dhruv
Samhitha
Dhaatri
Ashvi
Misheeta
The Kannada Shaale team expressed pride in their students and gratitude for the support from parents and the wider community.
Festive Atmosphere and Traditional Food
Throughout the event, the hall was filled with music, colours, and warm hospitality. The celebration included:
- Flag hoisting
- Cultural and classical performances
- A video displaying Karnataka’s beauty
- Authentic Kannadiga dishes prepared by volunteers
- Community interaction and celebrations
Furthermore, many guests mentioned that the flavours and performances reminded them of celebrations back home in Karnataka.
The Team Behind the Celebration
The event was organised by the executive team of the New Zealand Kannada Koota:
Executive Committee
- President: Suhas Shanbhoge
- Secretary: Asha Malur
- Treasurer: Pramod Kumar
Executive Members
Kumuda Setty
Priya Reddy
Dr. Vinay Karanam
Athresh Acharya
Rashmi Kotin Kulkarni
Ramesh Kodla
Surendra Kamalapur
Praveen Shankarappa
Rahul Kadam
The organisers thanked every volunteer, performer, and supporter for helping create a memorable celebration.
A Strong Message of Unity
Overall, Kannada Rajyotsava 2025 in Auckland was more than a cultural event. It was a reminder of identity, unity, and shared heritage. The community celebrated Karnataka with pride while strengthening bonds that bring people together in Aotearoa.
Webfit News congratulates the New Zealand Kannada Koota for hosting a meaningful and inspiring celebration.
