Western Australia Kannada Sangha

Western Australia Kannada Sangha, known as WAKS, was founded on August 22, 2009, as the only registered Kannada association in Western Australia. Established by a dedicated group of founding members including Girish Asundi, K Jayanth, H L Prasanna Kumara, S Girish, and B A Arunkumar, WAKS was born from a vision to create a unified platform for Kannadigas living in Perth and across Western Australia. Guided by the motto "Siri Kannadam Gelge - Siri Kannadam Balge" (Victory to the Kannada Language - Long Live the Kannada Language), the organisation has grown from a small gathering of community members into a thriving cultural institution that serves as the heart of Karnataka heritage in Western Australia. WAKS operates as a voluntary organisation sustained by memberships and donations, offering a comprehensive range of literary, cultural, educational, and community development activities. The Sangha organises festivals and cultural events throughout the year that celebrate Karnataka's rich traditions, providing opportunities for Kannada families to connect, network, and preserve their linguistic heritage. Members and their children can participate in cultural programmes that showcase classical arts, music, dance, and literature, ensuring that younger generations remain connected to their roots. The organisation serves as a forum for pursuing educational initiatives, language preservation efforts, and community gatherings that bring a sense of festivity to the routine lives of Indian expat families far from their homeland. For Kannadigas living in Perth and Western Australia, WAKS represents far more than a cultural association—it is a home away from home where the Kannada language thrives and Karnataka's traditions flourish. The organisation strengthens community bonds by creating spaces where families can celebrate their shared heritage, pass down cultural values to the next generation, and find belonging in a multicultural society. Through active involvement in WAKS activities, every member contributes to enriching the collective strength of the Kannada community, ensuring that the spirit of Karnataka continues to resonate across the Indian Ocean in the heart of Western Australia.