About Us

Kasturi Kannada Cultural Association is a non-profit, social, linguistic and cultural organization; incorporated under Non Profit Corporation act of the State of Ohio, to integrate, coordinate, network and unite the activities of all Kannadigas and for promotion and preservation of Kannada language and culture in North East Ohio. It is a voluntaryorganization  primarily run by donations and memberships from interested members of the  general public.We sincerely request and urge you to show your support  by becoming members and contributewhole heartedly. See membership page for details.
  
                                                                                 Tax ID # 676292

History

The idea of starting an organization comprising of  Kannada speaking people in Cleveland was suggested by Shri Vasudev Kamath. Shri  Nag Manohar and Shri Dattatreya joined in the leadership. A group of 25 kannadigas gathered at a metro park in 1984 and celebrated the birth of our new organization. The beloved name of 'Kasturi' was suggested by Shrimathi Sumithra Dattatreya which has been liked and accepted by all the kannadigas in Cleveland. The first committee decided to celebrate the three major festivals of Karnataka  namely Ugadi,to welcome the New Year, Ganesha Pooje,to pray the Lord of learning and Deepavali the festival of lights. The picnic was also introduced to enjoy  the rare sunshine in Cleveland with games, food and fun. 

The festivals are celebrated with several cultural  events in which adults and children exhibit their talents. Traditional and  exotic dinner is served at all the events which are thoroughly enjoyed by one and all.

First Committee (1984):

Mr Vasudev Kamath-President 
Dr Usha Shankaran-Secretary  
Mr Srinivas- Vice President 
Mr Sridhar Phadki-Treasurer 
Mrs Bharati Udayshankar
Mrs Janaki Patil
Mrs Vijaya Vishwanath

Past Presidents:

Mr Vasudev Kamath 
Mr R Srinivas 
Dr Usha Shankaran 
Mrs Leela Ramachandra 
Dr Sudha Kadambi 
Mrs Geeta Varadarajulu  
Mrs.Sandhya Phanindra
Mrs. Vidya Nadig 
Prof.Sree Srinath 
Prof.Ram Nagaraj
Mrs Ramya Rajashekar 
Mr Dwarakanath 
Mr Janardhan Kamath (2008-2009) 
Dr Suma Achar (2009-2010)
Mrs Hema Vartak (2011-2012)
Dr  Naveen Uli (2013-2014)
​Mr Suhas Sabade (2015-2016)
Mrs Meena Mahesh (2017-2018)
​Mrs.Pushpalatha Venkataram (2019-2021)