Kaveri Executive Committee 2026

2026 Events

President
Mohan Venkobdas

  • Manvi, Raichur dist. Karnataka
  • I have been an active member of the Kaveri Executive Committee for the last six years, serving as the vice president for 2025, secretary for the year 2024 and as a treasurer in both 2022 and 2023. Additionally, I have contributed to the Kaveri Golden Jubilee Celebrations as part of the Finance Committee. I was also a member of the Impana team, which successfully organized the Sri Vidyabhushana concert. Furthermore, I have dedicated five years to teaching as a Kannada Kaliyona instructor.
  • In my leisure time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, solving Kannada padabandha (crossword puzzles), and taking walks.My wife, Sandhya Das, has also been deeply involved as a Kannada Kaliyona teacher. We have two sons, Anikait and Akshay.

Vice President
Jyothi Mandya Satishbabu

  • Sakkare Nagara-Mandya, Karnataka
  • I have been KEC executive member in 2019 & 2022, and Joint Secretary in 2023 & 2024. Secretary for 2025.Part of stage management , volunteer for Decoration committee & Sammilana - the grand finale for Kaveri Golden Jubilee celebration in 2022.
  • My hobbies are: Hiking, walking, Yoga, dancing and gardening. I am a proud Mom of two boys - Prem and Preetham Minchu.

Secretary
Prathima Murthy

  • Bengaluru, Karnataka
  • I have participated actively in Kaveri events since 2012. I was coordinator for Aralumallige magazine and Kannada teacher since 2021. Joined KEC in 2022 as Kaveri Youth coordinator and served as executive member in 2023. Part of Golden Jubilee event, helping with Registration, Stage management and coordination of programs.

Joint Secretary
Sowmya Vinay

  • Mysuru, Karnataka
  • Actively coming to Kaveri since 2008, kids and I participated in many cultural activities including dances, dance dramas, emceeing etc. Volunteering in Kannada Kaliyona as a teacher for many years, currently serving as Director as well, volunteered actively in the Kaveri Golden Jubilee Registration Committee, My roles in KEC so far KYC coordinator in 2023, KEC member in 2024, Joint Treasurer in 2025. I had volunteered in Registration and as Emcee coordinator for AKKA 2024 as well.
  • I love dance, reading, writing, traveling. Currently reside in VA with my husband Vinay Nagaraj and kids Samhita( who was Junior KYC 2014-2019) and Siddanth( an active KYC member and KYC president 2024)

Treasurer
Kiran Chinivar

  • Bengaluru , Karnataka
  • I have been involved with Kaveri from 2007. From the past couple of years I have been involved with Kaveri 50th Committee for Stage Management, and also been part of 2022 KEC Committee and closely involved in organizing and executing Kaveri Cricket Tournament.

Joint Treasurer
Bindu Gururaj

  • Bengaluru, Karnataka
  • I have actively participated in Kaveri Kannada community since 2019. Over the last 5 years, I served in the extended committee, KYC and executive committee.I was in the decoration team that built the Hampi Ratha in 2022 and Chankeshava Temple in 2024. I also did stage management and performed in various cultural activities during Kaveri 50th Anniversary.
  • In 2024 I was the lead for AKKA Merivenge event and brought together more than 45 Kannada Sangas from across the US.In 2025 as an executive member I handle outdoor games, program management and everything else with the team.

Youth Coordinator
Mamatha Rao

Youth Coordinator
Divya Krupakar

  • My family and I have been Kaveri members since 2012. My daughter and I have participated in various cultural programs. I have been volunteering as Kannada teacher in Kannada Kaliyona since 2020. I enjoyed being part of the Decoration committee at Kaveri Golden Jubilee celebrations and was also part of the 2025 Sankranti program hit musical Seereya Sirinudi.
  • I enjoy gardening, hiking and photographing Nature. I love pets and have a corgi. I also like working with kids and look forward to working with them this year through KYC.

Executive Committee
Subbu Karanth, PHD

  • Sringeri, Chikkamagaluru District, Karnataka
  • I have been an active member of Kaveri since 2017 and have served as a KEC member since 2024. My involvement includes volunteering at a wide range of Kaveri activities, such as emceeing events, assisting with stage setup, and organizing Kaveri Idol over the past several years. I am also a former Kaveri Idol winner and currently participate as a member of the local Kannada karaoke group, ‘Gaanasudha’.
  • Originally from Sringeri, I now reside in Germantown, MD with my wife, Ashwini, and our two sons, Rishabh and Ritvik. I can't wait to catch up with my fellow Kannadigas—both familiar faces and new recruits—at the 2026 Kaveri events! Let's create lasting memories, enjoy plenty of laughter, and show everyone that we're truly the best Non-resident Kannadigas!

Executive Committee
Srinivas Anandarao

  • Bengaluru, Karnataka
  • I have been actively involved with Kaveri since 2021, participating in various activities and serving as the Youth Coordinator for the Kaveri 2024 Committee. Currently, I reside in Aldie, VA, with my wife and son. In addition to my personal commitments, I actively invest in the stock market, which has become a rewarding and enjoyable hobby.

Executive Committee
Deepak Potdar

  • I have been a Kaveri member since 2019 and have volunteered part-time for several Kaveri events over the years. This year, I’m excited to become more actively involved in Kaveri activities and event planning.I currently reside in Broadlands, Virginia, with my wife Srilatha and our two children, Ananya and Ayush.
  • Outside of community service, I enjoy playing cricket, soccer, tennis, and badminton. I also have a strong interest in theater and performance, and I had the privilege of portraying Nakula in Karunya Arts’ Mahabharata.

Executive Committee
Kota Gopalakrishna

  • Koppa, Karnataka
  • I have been an active Kaveri member since 2019. Actively volunteered in audio-video committee during Kaveri 50th year celebrations. Active participant in Kaveri events such as 5K run/walk, sports events and cultural programs. Active sports enthusiast, playing cricket, tennis, volleyball and badminton. Active theater performer, performed in several Rangavartula productions. Living in Ashburn, VA with wife Bhuvana Gopalakrishna and kids, Akash and Avani.

Executive Committee
Chandrika Puranik

Executive Committee
Harish Kulkarni

  • I have been associated with Kaveri Kannada Association since 2006, attending events in the pre-COVID days and officially getting more involved again this year. Though I was born and raised outside Karnataka, my connection to Kannada culture has always been strong. Through Kaveri, I see this as a great opportunity to learn more about our rich culture, literature, and roots while giving back to the community and making new friends along the way.
  • Outside of Kaveri activities, I have been practicing yoga and meditation for several years and am still working toward making it a daily habit. I enjoyed scouting adventures with my older son earlier and have happily started enjoying the same adventures again with my younger son, which keeps me active, curious, and happily humbled.

Auditor
Ramakrishna Bhatta