Bengaluru News: Call for Dedicated NRK Ministry
On June 20, representatives from Non-Resident Kannada (NRK) groups from across the globe met in Bengaluru to call on the Karnataka government to set up a special ministry for overseas Kannadigas. They proposed appointing Legislative Council member Dr. Arathi Krishna to lead this new initiative.
The request was announced during a press conference attended by leaders from 43 Kannada organizations representing 30 countries. The group expressed their appreciation for the government’s recent decision to create a secretariat aimed at supporting Non-Resident Kannadigas.
Notable attendees included community figures such as Dr. Ronald Colaco, Zakaria Jokatte, and Hidayath Addoor, among others. Speaking for the group, Dr. Colaco emphasized the importance of the proposed ministry as a vital link between Karnataka and the millions of Kannadigas living abroad. He highlighted Dr. Arathi Krishna’s background in non-resident Indian welfare, suggesting she is well-equipped for this role.
Dr. Krishna has experience working with various Indian diplomatic and governmental institutions, focusing on the needs of the Indian diaspora. The delegation believes her insights into the concerns of expatriates can lead to policies that effectively serve Kannadigas living outside India.
They pointed out that the global Kannada community is widespread, with significant populations in North America, Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Gulf region. Many overseas Kannadigas hold important positions in fields such as business, technology, healthcare, and education.
The representatives argued that establishing a dedicated ministry would enhance connections between Karnataka and its diaspora, support welfare initiatives, improve response mechanisms for grievances, and encourage overseas professionals to contribute to the state’s progress.
They also noted the economic advantages of stronger ties with the diaspora, such as encouraging investments, fostering education partnerships, and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
The delegation expressed optimism that a specialized ministry for Non-Resident Kannadigas would allow the government to better utilize the skills, resources, and global networks of overseas Kannadigas while ensuring their issues receive proper attention.
The press conference saw participation from community leaders worldwide, particularly from the Gulf, North America, and Europe. Earlier that day, a memorandum with their requests was presented to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
