About Us
ಮಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಕನ್ನಡ ಬಳಗ, ಮಾರಿಷಸ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ವಾಸಿಸುವ ಕನ್ನಡ ಮಾತನಾಡುವ, ಕನ್ನಡ ಮೂಲ ಸಹ್ರದಯಿಗಳ ಒಂದು ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ-ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಬಳಗ.
Mallige Kannada Balaga, Mauritius is the Socio-cultural organization of the Kannada speaking people living in Mauritius
The main objectives are
[a] to come together, unite, promote, exchange friendship and understanding among Kannada speaking people in Mauritius.
[b] To develop the artistic, cultural, economic and social perspectives between the Indian state of Karnataka and Mauritius
Mauritius is our Karmabhoomi. We respect the local ethos, peace loving and accommodative nature of the Mauritians and always pray for the well being of the country. We, however, cannot forget our Janmabhoomi, India and Karnataka.
In December 2005, a few like minded members of Karnataka origin, Sri Thiurmala, Sri Srinivas, Rajshekhar Gowribidanur, Dr.Mrs.Shashi Sewsurn, Prof. Santhakumar Mahadevaiah were able to bring together local Kannadigas and people from Karnataka origin, staying in Mauritius for residential, employment or business purposes.
The purpose was to make all Kannadigas meet at regular intervals at different places, unite, promote, exchange friendship and understanding among Kannada speaking people in Mauritius. The idea was also to be in touch with each other, celebrate Kannada festivals, spread the essence of Kannada language and culture like the unmatchable fragrance of our native flower like Jasmine (ಮಲ್ಲಿಗೆ) in the beautiful island of Mauritius.
Mauritius Mallige Kannada Balaga was formally registered on 18th October 2010 in the Republic of Mauriitus with the blessings of Sri Sri Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji, President of JSS Mahavidyapeetha. During the auspicious occasion of foundation laying ceremony, the group conveyed their desire of having a permanent meeting place for the members of the Balaga to His Highness. The Mauriitus Mallige Kannada Balaga was fortunate that his Holy Highness agreed to provide J.S.S. Academy of Technical Education (JSSATE) Mauritius Campus as a permanent meeting place for the Balaga and showered his blessings on the Balaga for taking the intiative for retaining Kannada tradition and culture in a foreign land.
Since then, the sprawling 8 acres campus of J.S.S.Academy of Technical Education at Vacoos-Pheonix is the hub and fulcrum of Balaga’s activities, with the College Staff providing excellent logistics support for all the activies.
Management Committee is elected every year at the Annual General Body Meeting held generally in the month of February-March.
There are estimated to be 80-100 Kannadiga families across the island. Professors from Anna Medical College, Doctors, Software Engineers, Professionals from varied sectors like Banking, ICT, Consultancy, Fund Houses, Textiles, Teachers, etc form the nucleus of our Balaga.
Around 60-70 members actively participate in Group activities like Singing, games, Picnics to Beaches, temples, scenic spots across the country.
The Balaga Collects one time Membership entry fees of Rs.250 at the time of joining the Balaga, and thereafter Rs.100 every year. Most of the events, prizes, food expenses for meetings are sponsored by some gracious volunteer members.
Our Women folks also display their culinary talents contributing rich and wide variety of nutritious and mouthwatering items like Jolada Rotti, Pulav, Vangi Baat, Mosaranna, Kosambari, Kheer, Shorbet, Home made sweets etc during our meeting sessions.
On the technology front, a google group created as long back in 2010, today serves as a ready and rich material for contents to be hosted on our website. Today, the Whatsapp group is another popular social media space for sharing and exchanging important and instant information on achievements of and rewards to our members, on activities of everybody’s interest , sharing healthy, light hearted and decent jokes, wishing on important occasions like birthday, Marriage anniversaries etc. Of course, personal views, blogs, forwarding controversial, provocative and unverified messages which may hurt any religious, belief, faith or sentiments or promote violence is strictly avoided.
This website endeavor is basically an attempt to consolidate all the archive materials/photos on one platform for easy access and appreciation of the measured and thoughtful steps taken by pioneers of this Balaga which today has taken a long journey and laid down a strong foundation for further scaling up of activities.
While saluting all our elders in the group, we wish that our Great Kannada Chariot rolls forward majestically with the help of tech savvy new generation and wisdom and blessings of elders.