It was 95 degrees Fahrenheit, swelteringly hot and humid. But nothing could dampen the spirits of the people who had gathered for the annual event. About 150 Kannadigas from all parts of New England, and of course visitors from India, joined in the annual summer picnic organized at Pomps pond Recreation Park in Andover, MA on June 25, 2005 by Mandaara New England Kannada Koota (NEKK).

NEKK is a cultural organization consisting of people from Karnataka, India living in the New England Area. Started in 1973, NEKK has around 350 members and the membership is growing steadily. To inculcate a sense of Kannada culture into the kids and to provide a forum for Kannada language activities, NEKK has been organizing several functions as part of its activities for the year. Some of the activities include the Ugadi celebration during spring, the summer picinic, Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations, and Kannada Rajyothsava celebrations which also include Deepavali and Children’s Day in November. In addition, NEKK also organizes Purandara Dasa day, movie nights as well as musical programs performed by artists from India every year.
The summer picnic has always had special significance for NEKK.  Guruprasad Samaga, secretary of NEKK explained “There are three reasons for the importance of the annual picnic: members contribute delicious food to make it a big potluck event, it is considered the first big event of the year after Ugadi celebration and the picnic provides an opportunity to renew memberships and create new ones every year”.

This year’s picnic was very well attended. Arun Rajarao, member of the magazine committee described the activities as sheer fun. There were numerous events and activities for the young and the young at heart. Events included group fun games for kids and adults, sports activities for all and numerous activities and games. “Both children and adults enjoyed the water games. The canopy where most of the adults participated in Anthyakshari and Mokhabinaya was the hub of activity. The Kannada movie questions brought back fond memories of movies seen during childhood” added Rajarao.

On the sporting side, six cricket teams which included at least one kid and a woman participated in a six over game. Every run scored in the hot weather was cheered enthusiastically by all members. The tennis clinic run by Al Jagannath, a Newport, RI Hall of Fame 2003 nominee, was a hit with the kids. “It is a lot of fun to work with the kids and teach them forehand, backhand, serve and volley. Indian kids have an inclination toward racquet sports and so tennis is something they enjoy and play well” said Jagannath. Other games included volleyball, lemon and spoon race, running competition for kids of all ages, face painting, memory games and writing for kids.

While everyone enjoyed the events, the food committee set up food contributed by the members. Mamta Kudlugi, member of the food committee said “No event involving Indians is complete without food! Delicacies at the event included bhel puri, lemon rice, puliogare, curd rice, chapatti with chole, sweets and many other Karnataka specials along with pizza for the kids. To beat the heat, the popular item was Karnataka style butter milk (Neeru Maggige), along with water melon, cucumbers with chutney and ice cream.”

As the hottest day since 2002 started cooling around 6 PM, it was time to end the festivities. Rajendra Rao, president of NEKK handed over the prizes and trophies to the winners of the various events. Guruprasad Samaga, secretary, proposed the vote of thanks. It was a great day spent outdoors with family and friends.

NEKK is a cultural organization formed to preserve the culture, language and traditions of Karnataka. For more information about New England Kannada Koota (NEKK), please visit their website at http://www.nekk.org
 

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