Dear Kutumba Family,

As social beings, we all hope and pray for better, peaceful and prosperous world around us always, and be supportive to each other. That is what positive communities like Kutumba do. However, 2025 so far has seen global unrest, uncertainty in policies, calamities, economic instability, and financial & employment challenges as well. In such times, we seek solace, show our support and inspire each other by staying together as one extended family – connecting, spreading joy through our associations and uplifting each other. Our ‘Kutumba’, one such ‘extended family’, becomes more significant in such challenging times.

I would like to congratulate and thank all our esteemed members for joining hands under one umbrella to learn from, inculcate, and imbibe our Dakshina Kannada Vipra culture and traditions throughout. Kutumba has seen 4 plus years of beautiful growth. Since the humble beginnings with a few members back in April 2021, we are now inching towards a strong 1000 members’ mark. The mutual support between Kutumba and its members has been the main catalyst in this noble achievement.

Thanks to all our members for providing me an opportunity to serve Kutumba for the term 25-27 as a lead. Volunteering for Kutumba since day one for the past 4+ years, in various responsibilities, has been nothing short of an enriching experience for me. I, along with many other volunteers in the working committee, would like to assure you of continuing our beloved programs. We also have many new ones being ideated, all of which enrich each member of your family of all ages. Our relentless volunteers under the various focus committees are excited for the time ahead to serve you all.

My sincere request to you all is to reap the benefits from all of Kutumba’s programs, by participating actively and at minimum attending all such. This would be the utmost motivation to our volunteers. On the same lines, we request all your patronage and support towards Kutumba in this journey together in terms of ‘Thanu-Mana-Dhana’. Should you have the urge to give back to the community that you belong to by volunteering, just like all current volunteers, be assured, Kutumba can always provide such opportunity.

Thus far, all of us, our extended family have ‘subscribed’ to Kutumba. Now that we all have seen and appreciated the value that Kutumba brings in to us, it is time to bring ‘Kutumba’ into our families as an integral part. This is a small but significant shift in our thought process that elevates a lot for us, the member families, and for our dear ‘Kutumba’.

Kutumba is from you, for you and by you. Together we connect – strengthening our bonds, nurturing and preserving our values, heritage and identity, and ensuring that we pass it on to our next generation.

Best regards,

Prakash Udupa

President,

Shivalli Kutumba of North America