Federal MP Cassandra Fernando joined members of the Melbourne Kannada community for Ugadi celebrations hosted by Melbourne Kannada Sangha, with the event bringing together community leaders, cultural figures and visiting dignitaries.
The gathering included the presence of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, whose visit drew strong interest from members of the Kannada community across Melbourne.
Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Member of Parliament for Mysore Kodagu and titular Maharaja of Mysore, also attended the event and took part in a formal meeting with Ms Cassandra Fernando MP, alongside Mahaswamiji and a delegation from the Kannada Sangha.
The meeting focused on issues of mutual interest between the Indian and Australian communities, with participants discussing matters linked to cultural ties, community engagement and the role of diaspora organisations in strengthening connections between both countries.
Fernando said it was a pleasure to celebrate Ugadi with Melbourne Kannada Sangha and meet members of the local community.
“It was wonderful to meet His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji and connect with members of the Kannada community,” she said.
Yaduveer Wadiyar thanked organisers for the welcome and acknowledged the efforts made to bring the community together.
“Thank you for the warm welcome and for bringing the community together,” he said.
Community organisations such as Melbourne Kannada Sangha continue to play an active role in preserving language, cultural traditions and festivals for Kannada families living in Australia. Ugadi, which marks the New Year for many communities in southern India, often serves as an occasion for families and community groups to reconnect and celebrate shared heritage.
The presence of political representatives from both Australia and India added another layer to the event, reflecting the growing visibility of Indian Australian communities in public life.
Events like these have become increasingly common across Melbourne, where cultural associations regularly host celebrations that bring together elected representatives, spiritual leaders and local families. Organisers said the Ugadi event was designed to strengthen community bonds while creating space for discussion around issues affecting Kannada Australians.
The formal meeting between Fernando, Wadiyar, Mahaswamiji and Kannada Sangha representatives offered a chance to exchange views in a community setting, with participants describing the discussion as constructive and focused on shared interests.
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