Our History

KKS-SA was formed in 1989 by a handful of Kannada speaking families. The Kannada families often met at each others homes to celebrate Deepavali, Ugadi, Dasara and other festivities.Size did not deter the Kannada enthusiasts. Their passion to preserve the Kannada language, culture, and heritage prompted them to perform to Kannada songs, dances, and dramas with the help of many non-Kannadigas. They proudly represented Kuvempu Kannada Sangha at various cultural events across Texas and neighboring states.Over the past several years the organization has grown bigger and stronger under the leadership of several selfless volunteers. Thanks to the vision and foresight of the founders, we have a resilient Kannada organization in San Antonio which provides a single platform for all Kannadigas to fulfill their dream of unity and cultural enrichment!

Our Mission

• To bring together people with Kannada background in a common forum.
• To represent the state of Karnataka, India, in North America.
• To promote, preserve and celebrate Kannada heritage, culture and festivals in North America.
• To promote the learning of Kannada language and literature.
• To represent Kannada heritage in community and charity events locally, regionally and nationally.

Our Founders

• Drs. Lalithamma and Halekote and N. Kumara
• Mrs. Kalpana and Mr. Rajagopal Hosur
• Drs. Kamala and Ramakrishna Rao
• Drs. Rajam and Somayaji Ramamurthy
• Mrs. Rukmini and Dr. K. P. Ganeshappa
• Sri. Halekote Ramesh (Although resident of India, was very instrumental in the starting of the association)

Our Name

On August 22, 1989, Halekote family visited Dr. K. V. Puttappa (Kuvempu) at his residence in Mysore, India and presented him a letter of honor (Bennavethale). With his blessings, San Antonio Kannada Sangha came to be known as Kuvempu Kannada Sangha of San Antonio!