Rashtra Kavi Kuvempu
National Poet of India
Kuvempu stands as a great name is Indian literature through Kannada language. An extra-ordinary poet, novelist and scholar, he spent his days spreading the philosophy of Universal Manhood Vishwa Manava for nine fulfilling decades, wrote some of the greatest works of Indian literature. He lived the life of a true Human being, an Indian and a Kannadiga, forged a new poetic tradition, and reigned supreme in the world of modern Kannada literature like a colossus. Kuppalli Venkatappa Puttappa, better known as Kuvempu, is dear to every Kannadiga. Kuvempu hails from a small village nestling in the Western Ghats - Kuppalli in Theerthahalli taluk of Shimoga District. Kuppalli is like any other single-house village in Malnad, against the backdrop of thick evergreen forests. One understands why Kuvempu was so deeply inspired by nature when one visits the village and his typical Malnad house there. Famous works: Ramayana Darshanam (Received Jnanapeetha Award for this work), Kanooru Heggaditi, Beralge Koral
Guruji Prasanna Kasthuri
Dancer, Choreographer and Composer
Guruji Prasanna Kasthuri is a Bharathanatyam and Kathak dancer, learnt under great gurus such as Dr. Maya Rao, Dr. Lalitha Srinivasan, Guru Narmada, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj ji and Saswati Sen ji. He hails from Bengaluru, Karnataka. He established Soorya Performing Arts in 2003, which holds "American Natya Festival" and American Natya Idol". Guruji has produced performances on Social, Mythological, Historical and contemporary subjects. He was awarded many titles - recent ones are "Sambhrama Puraskar", and "Lifetime Achievement" from VIDIS. He received the "Living Traditions - 2024 Sustainer Fellow" from Missouri Folk & Traditional Arts, a governmental organization of state of Missouri, USA. More details on https://www.prasannakasthuri.com.
Pulikeshi Kasthuri
Actor, Dancer, Choreographer
Kalayogi Pulikeshi Kasthuri is well-respected personality of Bharathanatyama from Bengaluru, Karnakata. He holds a Masters Degree in Dance from Bengaluru University. He is the artistic director of Shantala Arts Trust, which provides dance and music education to hundreds of students through out the year. He has travelled the World performing. He has organizaed hundreds of dance events, festivals supporting other artists. More details on https://www.sooryaperformingarts.org/pulikeshi-kasthuri/
Samanvita Kasthuri
Dancer Par Excellence
Samanvita holds a bachelors degree in Psychology major and dance minor from St. Louis University. She has performed all across United States. She lead the key role of Jhansi Rani Lakshmi Bai in SAMARPAN - THE SAGA OF INDIAN INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT. She won the best dancer award in 2023 - DESI DANCE NETWORK. She is the only Indian American who won two - FOX TEEN TALENT AWARDS. Her performances are well appreciated. She has performed in India at main Sabhas in Chennai and Bengaluru.