On behalf of the Vokkaligara Parishat of America (VPA), it is my pleasure to extend greetings for a happy, healthy new year. I look forward to working with you to continue our previous achievements, embark on new activities and initiatives, and ensure that the legacy of our first generation Vokkaligas inspires the youth of the next generation. I trust that through our common vision and with concerted collective effort, our VPA will move forward to accomplish its stated goals and objectives.

This organization has flourished and sustained well under the leadership of past presidents, Board of Trustees, officers of executive committees and committed members of the community at large. I would like to commend the VPA-South leadership for conducting a very successful national convention in 2009. Special recognition is due to President Viswamithra, Secretary Dinesh Gowda and Treasurer Malini Lakshman. Also, thanks to convention chair Venkatesh Gowda and co-chair Roopashree Gowda for planning and executing programs of high quality at the convention. In addition, congratulations are due to the VPA-South leadership for conducting a fair and successful national election.

I am delighted to welcome the new executive officers of the National VPA- Secretary Srinivas Gowda, Treasurer Shiva Shankar, Vice President Ramesh Gowda, Joint Secretary Govardhan Gowda, and Joint Treasurer Raghunandan Halur. I am very pleased to welcome the newly elected Board of Trustees. All of these professionals have served the VPA for many years in different capacities and I am looking forward to working with them to advance and achieve our stated VPA goals during my tenure as President.

Also, it is a pleasure to welcome our new chapter Presidents–Channe Gowda (East), Nag Boranna (West), Girish Ramamurthy (Mid West) and Roopashree Gowda (South) along with each chapter’s executive officers.

During our tenure, my desire is to achieve the following goals:

• Set up an Advisory Committee of National Presidents to address and clarify concerns in the existing constitution document and provide guidance for amendment
• Develop and implement strategies for youth led programs
• Improve communication through monthly bulletins, quarterly news and other services to address the welfare of the elderly members and VPA families
• Initiate and plan charitable/outreach efforts in the U.S. and in Karnataka that are meaningful, sustainable, and subject to periodic assessment
• Institute a system of checks and balances for accounting and auditing VPA records.

Together, we can sustain and celebrate our proud heritage, make our organization more viable and inclusive, and develop youth positive pathways to be proud of their ancestry.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Anasuya Swamy
National VPA President, 2010-2011