Cultural Connections and Community Dialogue at the 47th VSNA Convention in Michigan

The 47th VSNA Convention in Michigan, held on July 4–5, 2025, at the Blue Water Convention Centre in Port Huron, brought together the global Veerashaiva-Lingayat community in a vibrant celebration of culture, spirituality, and shared purpose. The two-day event marked Basava Jayanti and featured discussions, performances, and public dialogues that reflected both tradition and contemporary relevance.

This year’s convention witnessed the presence of several esteemed dignitaries from India. Among those attending were:

• Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji (Suttur Math)

• Sri Jagadish Shettar (Former Chief Minister of Karnataka, MP)

• Sri Basavaraj Bommai (Former Chief Minister, MP)

• Sri M. B. Patil (Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Govt. of Karnataka)

• Sri B. Y. Vijayendra (MLA, BJP State President – Karnataka)

• Sri Murugesh Nirani (Former Minister)

• Dr. C. Somashekar (President, Sharana Sahitya Parishat)

• Sri Veeranna Charantimath, Sri Rajshekhar Bellary, and Sri J. S. Patil

Among the featured speakers was Dr. Prabhakar Kore, Chairman of KLE Society and Chancellor of KLE’s higher education institutions. In his address to the VSNA Youth Forum, Dr. Kore shared insights from his experience in the fields of education and healthcare. He encouraged young members of the diaspora to stay connected with their cultural roots while also actively contributing to India’s progress—particularly through educational exchange, research partnerships, and rural development initiatives.

The 47th VSNA Convention in Michigan also included cultural performances, devotional sessions, and philosophical discussions centered around Basavanna’s teachings. It served as a valuable platform for reflection, community engagement, and intergenerational dialogue.

The presence of influential thinkers, policymakers, and spiritual leaders—including Dr. Prabhakar Kore at the 47th VSNA Convention in Michigan—added depth and purpose to the gathering. It reinforced the importance of cross-border collaboration, cultural preservation, and service-driven leadership within the global Lingayat community.