Our Story

France Kannada Balaga (FKB) is a registered non-profit cultural association under French law (Association Loi 1901). France Kannada Balaga was founded on 1 December 2013 as a Facebook group to connect Kannadigas across France (see group). The association was officially registered on 1 January 2018 in Paris, France. Our registration number is RNA W751250983.

The Facebook group began as a small initiative to help Kannadigas in France connect and support each other. Inspired by the helpful guidance available through Kannada associations in other European countries, the group was created to provide a similar space for information-sharing and community support in France, particularly for students and newcomers.

FKB eventually grew into a community of passionate Kannadigas living in France who wanted to preserve and promote Kannada language, literature, arts, and cultural traditions within the diaspora community. What started as a small initiative has grown into a vibrant community of over 1000s of members across France.

We organize a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including major festive celebrations like Ugadi, Rajyotsava, Deepavali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Sankranti. We also conduct Kannada language workshops, literary discussions, community picnics, and participate in Indo-French cultural exchange programs.

Our motto is to be a bridge between Karnataka and France — helping families stay connected to their roots while embracing their life in France. We particularly focus on engaging children and the next generation with their cultural heritage through interactive programs.