•   Triad Kannada Koota (TKK), originally founded as the Triad Kannada Association in the late 1990s, is a community-driven, non-profit cultural organization serving the Kannada-speaking population in the Triad region of North Carolina. The association began with a few families coming together to celebrate Ugadi and preserve Karnataka’s cultural traditions in the United States. Early members played a vital role in nurturing the organization and keeping the spirit of Kannada culture alive far from their homeland.

•   In 2024, the organization achieved a major milestone by securing its official non-profit status under Section 501(c)(3) and was renamed as Triad Kannada Koota (TKK). This transition was guided by dedicated community leaders and supported by numerous volunteers who continue to contribute to the organization’s growth and success.

•   Today, TKK organizes cultural festivals such as Ugadi, Deepotsava, and Vanabhojana, along with sports activities, community gatherings, and fundraising initiatives that support local causes. The organization actively promotes the Kannada language among children of the diaspora and publishes a quarterly magazine, Nada Nudi, to encourage literary expression.

TKK also plays an important role in promoting Karnataka’s rich heritage, tourism, traditions, and cuisine through its cultural programs. Looking ahead, the organization aims to collaborate with other Kannada associations across the United States to collectively promote Karnataka’s and Indian culture on a global platform.

    Vision

•   To serve as a strong cultural bridge between Karnataka and the United States by fostering people-to-people connections, cultural exchange, and global understanding through community engagement.

    Mission

•   To preserve and promote the Kannada language, culture, traditions, and heritage among the diaspora, strengthen community bonds through cultural, educational, and social initiatives, and build meaningful connections between Karnataka and the United States.

    Purpose

•   Triad Kannada Koota exists to serve the Kannada-speaking community by promoting Karnataka’s language, arts, culture, traditions, tourism, and heritage in the United States. The organization also acts as a bridge between Karnataka and the U.S. by encouraging cultural exchange, youth engagement, literary activities, social service, and community collaboration.

    Core Values

•   Cultural Pride – Honoring and preserving the heritage of Karnataka
•   Community First – Fostering unity, trust, and shared responsibility
•   Inclusivity – Welcoming people across all generations and backgrounds
•   Service & Volunteerism – Giving back through collective community effort
•   Integrity & Transparency – Practicing ethical governance and accountability
•   Global Outlook – Promoting cultural understanding between Karnataka and the United States
•   Youth & Education – Empowering the next generation as ambassadors of Kannada culture

    Long-Term Objectives

•   To strengthen cultural and community ties between Karnataka and the United States
•   To develop youth leadership and Kannada language programs
•   To promote Karnataka tourism, cuisine, and cultural heritage
•   To collaborate with universities, and Kannada organizations across the U.S.
•   To support community service and cultural outreach initiatives