Tejaswini Igoor - President
Tejaswini, along with her ever-supportive husband Devprasad and their energetic daughter Swara, have been part of the NEKK family for a whopping 15 years—basically long enough to earn honorary lifetime parking spots at every event.
Most recently, Tejaswini brought her flair to the Cultural and Entertainment subcommittee, proving that spreadsheets and stage lights can, in fact, coexist. Her nonprofit résumé reads like a greatest hits album: from managing registrations at Navika (yes, she knows how to spell your last name correctly the first time) to helping launch VSNE as one of its founding members. If there’s a community event happening, chances are the family has already RSVP’d, volunteered, and brought snacks.
Now, as the proud leader of an all-women committee, Tejaswini says, “It’s a privilege to lead this powerhouse team, and we’re here to deliver top-tier service, support, and unforgettable events—plus maybe a few surprise singing!.”
Suma Yadav, Secretary
Suma, along with her husband Sandeep and their two children, Amogh and Anagha, has called Massachusetts home since 2007. Over the years, her family has become a familiar and enthusiastic presence in the NEKK community—if there’s an event, chances are they’ve helped make it happen or at least made it more fun.
Suma previously led the Decoration Team in the EC Subcommittee, where her creativity and organizational finesse turned community gatherings into memorable celebrations. Whether it was streamers, centerpieces, or last-minute fixes, she brought both flair and calm to the chaos—skills that every successful committee quietly depends on.
Her vision for NEKK is rooted in building a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally rich community that honors tradition while embracing innovation. She’s passionate about nurturing leadership, encouraging creativity, and fostering a strong sense of belonging among members.
Now serving as Secretary of NEKK, Suma is honored to play a key role in promoting Kannada heritage, strengthening community engagement, and creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation—ideally with fewer spreadsheets and more smiles.
Suma Vijayashankar - Treasurer
Suma Vijayashankar is a proud lifetime member of the New England Kannada Koota (NEKK), a title she wears with quiet pride and just a hint of sparkle. Over the years, she has actively participated in numerous NEKK activities, always bringing warmth, creativity, and a dependable sense of calm to the mix.
One of her most memorable contributions was serving as co-chair of the decoration committee for the 2013 NAVIKA convention. Thanks to her eye for detail and knack for transforming spaces, the event looked so good it nearly upstaged the performances.
For Suma, preserving and promoting Kannada culture is more than a hobby—it’s a joyful calling. Being part of this vibrant community continues to inspire her, and her presence is a gentle reminder that dedication and grace never go out of style.
Nanda Patil - Cultural and Entertainment
Nanda has been a long-time resident of New England, living with her family, including her husband and two beautiful daughters. She has been an active member of NEKK for over five years, enjoying volunteering and participating in all events.
In addition to her involvement with NEKK, Nanda has contributed to other organizations such as VSNE, always bringing enthusiasm and a collaborative spirit to every initiative.
Nanda feels truly honored to be part of the EC team, leading culture and entertainment. She is thrilled and looks forward to dedicating her services to enriching the language and promoting the culture.
Chethana Someshwara - Stage & Facility
Chethana, originally from Tumkur, is a proud mother, passionate Kannadathi, and long-time resident of New England. An IT professional by trade, she lives with her husband and son, and has been an active member of NEKK for several years—contributing wholeheartedly to initiatives that celebrate and preserve Kannada culture.
Over the past year, Chethana brought energy, elegance, and charm to the stage as an emcee for NEKK events, earning admiration for her vibrant presence and heartfelt delivery. Inspired by community leaders like Tejaswini, Suma, and Satish Sudi, she continues to champion cultural heritage in her adopted homeland.
Now serving on the NEKK Executive Committee as Facilities Lead, Chethana envisions Mandara NEKK as a dynamic and inclusive space—one that uplifts the community through education, cultural programming, and family-centered engagement. She is honored to serve with passion, purpose, and a deep love for the Kannada language and its rich traditions.
Yashaswini Raghunath- Food Committee
Yashaswini, originally from the royal city of Mysore, is a long-time New England resident and a valued member of the NEKK community. Her passion for food runs deep, and over the past few years, she’s brought that energy to the Food Committee, where her culinary instincts and love for traditional flavors have made a lasting impression.
Known for her ability to craft menus that balance authenticity with crowd-pleasing appeal, Yashaswini brings thoughtful planning and a refined palate to every NEKK event. Her approach to food is rooted in culture, care, and a genuine desire to create memorable experiences through taste.
She envisions Mandara NEKK as a vibrant, inclusive space where families connect, traditions are honored, and culture is celebrated—often around a shared meal. With a strong interest in education and family-centered programming, Yashaswini believes that food is not just nourishment, but a powerful way to pass on heritage with pride.
Soumya Anand Sharma - Audio/Video
Soumya, along with her husband Deepak and their daughters Diya and Ananya, has been a vibrant part of the NEKK community for over a decade. Whether attending, volunteering, or quietly ensuring the microphones behave, she’s a familiar and dependable presence at nearly every event.
Her enthusiasm for NEKK activities is matched by her dedication to contributing wherever she’s needed—often behind the scenes, clipboard in hand, making sure things run smoothly. Beyond NEKK, Soumya has been deeply involved with Chinmaya Mission Metrowest and GKVV, where her love for language and learning truly shines.
As a Kannada teacher and former Bala Vihar Teacher Coordinator, she has helped countless children connect with their roots—always with patience, humor, and the occasional impromptu storytelling session. Now serving on the NEKK Executive Committee as Audio Lead, Soumya is excited to fine-tune the sound of NEKK—both literally and figuratively.
Her commitment to enriching Kannada culture and creating meaningful experiences for the next generation continues to resonate—one perfectly adjusted volume level at a time.
Pramila Govindagowda, Seva Mandaara
Pramila, along with her husband Satish, has called Massachusetts home since 2007. Her family has been an active part of the NEKK community for many years, and she has contributed to numerous cultural and community events with quiet dedication and a generous spirit.
Now stepping into a leadership role with Seva Mandaara, Pramila feels deeply honored to serve a platform that reflects the heart of NEKK’s commitment to service and giving. Inspired by the tireless efforts of the senior Seva Mandaara team, she brings both gratitude and purpose to her new role.
With the continued support of the Seva Mandaara team, the NEKK family, and generous donors, Pramila hopes to contribute in a meaningful way—helping carry forward the legacy of service that defines this initiative. Her goal is simple yet profound: to ensure that every effort, however small or subtle, makes a lasting difference in the lives of those we strive to support.
