Our Roots
Founders & Past Presidents
Honoring those who built Vokkaligara Parishat of America from the ground up — from its founding in 1991 in Illinois to a national organization spanning 51 states.
Our Founding & Mission
FOUNDED
1991
State of Illinois, USA
PURPOSE
"To maintain, preserve, and perpetuate the heritage, culture, and values of the Vokkaliga community residing in the United States."
VPA was established in 1991 by a group of dedicated Vokkaliga families who recognized the need for a national organization to preserve their cultural heritage in America. The organization was incorporated in the State of Illinois and has grown steadily over three and a half decades.
Incorporated:1991, State of Illinois
Tax ID:31-1529941
First Convention:1st VPA Convention (est. ~1989–1991)
HQ Location:Auburn Hills, Michigan (per Constitution)
VPA Founders
The visionaries who established Vokkaligara Parishat of America in 1991 to preserve Vokkaliga heritage across the United States.
Dr. Ashwath Narayana Gowda
Co-Founder · MI
Dr. Raja P. Gowda
Co-Founder · IL
Past Presidents · 1991–2023
Sixteen leaders have served as National President over three and a half decades.
Dr. Raja P. Gowda
IL
Narayana Swamy Krisnappa
IL
Dr. Krishne N. Gowda *
NJ
Dr. Shashi Kumar
PA
Dr. K.L. Sathyanarayana
CA
Dr. Devangi Shreekanth
IL
Srinivasa Gowda
NJ
Dr. Amarnath Gowda
MI
B.J. Arun
CA
Dr. Halekote Viswamithra
TX
Dr. Anasuya Swamy
MD
Shiva Shankar
IL
Ravishankar Byrappagowda
CA
Dr. Balu Chandra
TX
Dr. Babu Keelara
NJ
Ramesh Gowda ***
MI
*Changed the VPA Convention from every year to every other year.
**Resulted in a 3-year term to prevent overlap with the AKKA Conference.
***Due to the Covid pandemic, the 17th VPA Convention was postponed from 2021 to 2023.