Namaskara! Nanna preetiya Vokkaliga bandhugale,
(My dear Vokkaliga family,)
It is my joy and privilege to invite you — and everyone you love — to the 19th VPA – Vishwa Vokkaligara Sammelana, our National Convention, on July 2, 3 & 4, 2027 at the Embassy Suites Denton Convention Center in Denton, Texas. To every Vokkaliga family across the United States, and to our brothers and sisters travelling from our homeland Karnataka — banni, swagata (come, welcome). Our motto says it best: ಭೂಮಿ ತಾಯಿಯ ಮಕ್ಕಳು; ಜಗದ ತುಂಬ ಒಕ್ಕಲು — children of Mother Earth, farmers spread across the world. Wherever we live, we remain ondu kutumba — one family.
Bring your parents. Bring your elders. This is my most heartfelt request. For our amma–appa and ajja–ajji, these three days are a homecoming — to hear Kannada in every corner, to meet friends they have not seen in years, and to feel the warmth of Karnataka far from home. Make this their trip. Watching our elders light up is the sweetest part of any Sammelana.
And bring the little ones too. We have planned the 19th for every generation — supervised kids’ activities and daycare, youth leadership sessions, and a lively singles’ meet and networking for young adults. Grandparents, parents, children, friends — there is a place here for each of you.
What makes this one special? Everything happens under one roof. The Embassy Suites gives us 318 suites and a 2,500-seat Grand Ballroom, so the stage, the oota, the exhibitor booths and your own room are all a few steps apart — no driving, no rushing. And here is the secret every veteran of our conventions knows: the real magic begins after the programs end. Late into the evening, families gather in the lobbies and suites over filter kaapi, the children run from room to room, and the adda — our easy, unhurried conversation — turns acquaintances into lifelong friends and new partnerships. That is a VPA Sammelana.
Of course, we will feast. Our Naati Oota brings a hearty, non-vegetarian Karnataka spread to your plate — ragi mudde, naati koli saaru, donne biryani and coastal and military-hotel favourites, served fresh across all three days. Come hungry; this is the taste of home.
And we will celebrate in colour. Join our daily “Wear Your Colours” dress themes in traditional attire, cheer the Meravanige procession, and enjoy folk arts, dance and performances by celebrated artists. For those who wish to grow and give back, our business forum, women’s forum and health sessions bring our community’s finest minds together. Three days that feel like a Karnataka habba — right here in Texas.
Friends, a convention is never built by a committee alone — it is made by you, by the families who show up, break bread together and carry our culture forward. So I ask you personally: register early, pack your brightest clothes, and bring your parents, your children and your friends. Baruttira alla? — you will come, won’t you?
On behalf of our Executive Team and Board of Trustees, I warmly welcome you to Denton. Together, let us make the 19th the largest and most joyful gathering of our people outside Karnataka.
ಬನ್ನಿ, ಒಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಸೇರೋಣ.
