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Orpington ಕನ್ನಡ ಪರಿವಾರ
ಒರ್ಪಿಂಗ್ಟನ್ ಕನ್ನಡ ಪರಿವಾರ ವೆಬ್ಸೈಟ್ಗೆ ಸ್ವಾಗತ
Orpington Kannada Parivaara, founded on June 14, 2016, unites Kannada-speaking families around Orpington to foster support, integration, and cultural ties. With no hierarchy, it empowers individuals to lead initiatives. Key events include the annual Yugadi (400+ attendees), language classes since 2016, and charity fundraising.
About OKP
Orpington Kannada Parivaara) was the idea of a few like-minded families who wanted to bring the Kannada Community in and around Orpington together to support each other in ways possible and to integrate into the local community smoothly. With that idea, a group was formed on 14th June 2016 and has been growing ever since. Parivaara, which means "Family" in the organisation name itself, is a reflection of the very basis of our group; every individual is part of the family and has responsibilities such as supporting and maintaining respect, integrity, peace and harmony to promote social, cultural and ecological balance in the community.
As we identify our group as a family, our organisation does not have a hierarchical structure. Still, we support anyone who wants to lead any activity for a social cause that benefits the wider community. However, key people involved in decision-making currently are Nagaraj Jaisimha Manchaldore, Veena Doranalli, Vivek Kodappa, Sowmya Somenahalli Krishnamurthy, Vijay Doranalli, and Chandana Gowda.
Orpington Kannada Parivaara has been regularly hosting the annual Hindu New Year event, "Yugadi", since 2018 in March or April month every year. Even during the COVID lockdown, an online Yugadi event was held with various online performances, bringing people together virtually to celebrate the Indian New Year. Nearly 400+ people attend this event every year with much enthusiasm and vibrant energy, creating an unforgettable atmosphere and leaving everyone inspired and motivated by the end of the event.
Members of Orpington Kannada Parivaara have also been running a Language Class since 2016. This class continued as an online class during the COVID lockdown and reverted to an in-person class after COVID. These classes are oversubscribed, and kids look forward to them week after week. Many kids have benefitted from this and can converse fluently with their grandparents back home.
Orpington Kannada Parivaara will also host, from 2024, a celebration of the unification of the Kannada people known as Kannada Rajyotsava, which is celebrated throughout the month of November. The tickets for this program are already sold out, and it is bringing the community together again to celebrate the native culture and tradition.
COVID Fund Raiser Events
It supported people in need during COVID times by raising funds through various activities like Singing competitions and Cooking competitions; funds were raised through Just Giving
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https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/covid19-ukkannadacommunity
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https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/covid-second-wave-save-lives-act-now
A total of £9,562 was raised as part of this and donated to worthy causes.
Other Charity Events
Orpington Kannada Parivaara has also donated to Belaku Academy or Ashwini Angadi Trust (https://ashwiniangaditrust.org/) run by Mrs. Ashwini Angadi who was recognised by Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth for her service to disabled children. Ashwini was awarded Queen's Young Leader Award in 2015.
(https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ashwiniangadiuk)
A sum of £820 was raised and donated to this worth cause.
Orpington Kannada Parivaara has also supported local community people when in need and as such pitches in when members of community need it the most like supporting people with life-threatening or life-changing conditions. Recently it contributed $666 towards fellow Orpington resident’s fight against cancer
Various wider Orpington Kannada Parivaara members are also involved in various charity activities such as Marathon runs, walks, triathlons, etc., helping raise funds for different charity organisations across the UK, including Cancer Research UK. The group celebrates and applauds any such participation from the members, hoping it motivates others to take up a cause closer to their hearts.
Orpington Kannada Parivaara has supported Ganesha Homa & Pooja, organised by another group, Orpington Friends and Families, since 2017. A couple of key members of Orpington Kannada Parivaara are also Key members of Orpington Friends and Families. This event takes place every year, and people in numbers greater than 1000+ attend and receive blessings from Lord Ganesha.
ಸಮುದಾಯ ಗುಂಪು
Orpington Kannada Parivaara also supports, participates in, and volunteers in various Sporting activities, namely yearly Badminton tournaments and cricket (not held for the last three years), organised by the Bromley Temple and Cultural Association (BTCA). It encourages other members to participate in these sporting activities as well.
Orpington Kannada Parivaara also organised a Kannada Sports day in 2021 and 2022, covering various sports for kids and cricket for women and men. Many participated and enjoyed this event. It hopes to organise a regular sports day in the future.
Orpington Kannada Parivaara members are involved in running various Badminton clubs for men and women that are open to all communities with the aim of motivating each other to keep active & healthy.
In summary, Orpington Kannada Parivaara is a community that extends beyond Kannada-speaking individuals, working quietly to unite people on shared values, integrate with broader communities, and foster mutual support. Together, they encourage one another to lead healthy, happy, socially responsible, and harmonious lives—a vital mission in these challenging times.