Shri. K.Rajesh Rao
President
Shri.K.Rajesh Rao’s childhood were shaped by the experiences of the environment he grew up in. He studied at Vidya Mandir Sr. Secondary School, Mylapore and later graduated with a Bachelors of Commerce from Loyola College. He then went to Switzerland for a three year course in Hospitality Management at the IHTTI, Luzern.
Inspired by the newly acquired knowledge he spearheaded many changes at the New Woodlands Hotel in Chennai. Installing computer software’s and Solar Panels in the early 1990’s was quite a challenge as the employees were reluctant to change. But with much support from Family and Staff, many a change was embraced by the hotel much before its competitors in the industry. Parallelly he had always been involved with his family in their service to the Udupi Muttas and Swamijis since his childhood, till date. He has seen three generations of Swamijis from every mutt and feels fortunate to have been able to serve them.
Rajesh Rao has always thanked his teachers in life for the person he is today. His Mother, his first teacher has always been a guiding force of light in his life. He learnt much of his administrative skills from his father. His teachers at school taught him lessons of life that he puts to use every day. His greatest teacher still remains his beloved grandfather and founder of Woodlands group of Hotels, K Krishna Rao.
Being the only grandson to have gained experience and administrative lessons directly from his grandfather, Shri.K.Rajesh Rao owes most of his learning to him. His grandfather started training him at a very early age, right from managing guests at family functions to being hand trained to manage situations and people at the Hotels. His experiences with his grandfather remains his most treasured memories. His grandfather was a prominent figure in the co-founding of societal domains like that of SKDB and Karnataka Sangha. Shri.Krishna Rao’s service remains unmatched and Rajesh Rao feels extremely grateful and fortunate to be able to stand once where his grandfather stood as President.
Shri. Girish Neeraje
Vice President
Shri.Girish Neeraje Person with passion to build world class product with the aim of Make In India for the World. Vast experience in grooming people to build lasting products that makes an impact to global market.
After staying in US for 15 years, moved back to Chennai to setup and expand the centre for Volante in India. Focused on giving opportunity for the needy from the rural background and groom them to become successful professionals. Currently playing the role of Chief Quality Officer and Head Of India Operations after managing different groups such as Presales, Global Delivery and Product Engineering.
Active in CSR circles by joining hands with NGOs in the field of rural empowerment and digital enablement at schools. Part of Karnataka Sangha and SKDB Associations for last 5 years.
Shri. Srinivasa Rao
Vice President
Shri. Srinivasa Rao Kotekar hails from respectable Kotekar family near Mangalore. Successfully running an industry in Chennai for the past 30 years. Sri.Srinivasa Rao is a soft spoken, humble and pragmatic person. His fascination for Yakshagana had made him to study and practice all facets of this great art. He is more inclined towards music, Indian culture & all Cultural activities. He has been associated with Kalagangothri, Kotekar an organization devoted for promoting Yakshagana for the past 60 years. Karnataka Sangha has plans to promote and popularize Yakshagana in Chennai under the guidance of Sri. Srinivasa Rao.
Shri. Guruprasad Kundanthaya
General Secretary
Shri.Guruprasad Kundanthaya a self made, well grounded and ambitious person is the right pick for the post of Secretary of Karnataka Sangha. Hailing from a traditional Kundanthaya lineage, was born in Kunjoor, a remote village near temple town Udupi. After his graduation he migrated to Chennai in search of greener pastures. He chose marketing as his career. Due to his pursuasive and communication skills he proved to be an asset wherever he rendered his service. He had worked in large marketing companies with many records to his credit for the last nearly three decades.
Finally his fire in the belly, pushed him to venture on his own. Now he is an entrepreneur dealing with premium consumer durables. His clarity of thinking, self confidence and eagerness to face challenges stand by him in handling The affairs of Karnataka Sangha with tact and maturity.
Shri. Damodara Tantry
Joint Secretary
Shri.Damodara Tantry Born in a town Bagepalli of Border District- Chickaballapur in a well known Hotel Business family, son of Late Shri.Padmanabha Tantry who served as president/ secretary of many associations
Shri.Damodara Tantry is an Electronics Engineer working for a Bangalore based Private Limited Company since 28 years. He is with Karnataka Sangha since 18 years and also associated with many other Kannada Associations for more than 16 years and life member of SKDB, willing to do something for the Society.
Shri. S.Ramachandra Bhat
Treasurer
Shri.S.Ramachandra Bhat, Born in 21-05-1952 at Kumbla. He did his B.Com graduation from Sri Venkatramana College,Bantwal.After graduation he got Accountant job in Madras and landed in Madras on 05-12-1973. He worked with Tata Steels Southern Regional office as an accountant for 10 years. Then left the job and started his own traditional printing press Jayanthi Printers in 1983 in a small scale. Later expanded it to a offset printing in 1994. Now he is running his printing press in his own building. That is the only Kannada Printing press in Chennai now.
He is associated with all Kannada Association. He served in all capacity in Kannada Balaga. He is the Key person to start a Kannada monthly namely LAHARI published by Kannada Balaga. And also actively involved in Karnataka Sangha T. Nagar and held position like Joint Secretary, Secretary, Treasurer. Interested in Kannada Drama, music, culture and encouraging Kannada activities in Chennai.
