Before 1985, there were only a handful of Kannadiga families in St. Louis. A few like minded people got together and thought of forming an organization of Kannadigas in St. Louis area to meet of special occasions, celebrate special events, exchange ideas, and take special pride in exhibiting talents inherent to Karnataka. Thus SANGAMA was born. Its inauguration was by Naga Aithal during Ugadi festival of 1985. Father’s Day Picnic, Ganesha Festival and Kannada Rajyothsava were added to the yearly activity.

With the influx of many bright, talented people of all walks of life to this metropolitan area, this organization is growing year over year into a very vibrant group of people. Quality entertainment and good food adds attraction to this organization.

It is very gratifying and heartwarming to see our younger generation taking active role in our activities and embracing our arts and culture. They are the guardians of a fine legacy.

Sangama members have been fortunate to enjoy visits from innumerable number of well known poets and artists. A few to mention are Sri Ananthswamy, Smt. B.K. Sumithra, Sri. Vidhyabhooshana Theertha, Sri Kannan, Sri. C.R. Simha, Sri. G.S.Shivarudrappa, Sri. Nissar Ahmed, Sri. Lakshminarayana Bhatta, Sri. A.N. Moorthi Rao, and Sri Sudharshana Urala.

In 1990-91, under Smt. Tara Shadaksharappa’s leadership, Sangama organized a Midwest Kannada Conference in St. Louis. Kannada friends from many nearby states gathered and put together cultural programs and was a huge success.

The new executive committee is formed during Ugadi celebration and each committee brings its own ingenuity to the organization.