Beyond Disability, Through Music: Samarthanam Sisters Receive Standing Ovation at AKKA Silver Jubilee World Kannada Conference in Philadelphia

Visually impaired artists Anusha Manjunath and Vasundhara Raturi captivate audiences with their performance at the global Kannada diaspora gathering September 6, 2026: It was a moment of music, pride and inclusion as the Samarthanam Sisters – Anusha Manjunath and Vasundhara Raturi received a standing ovation for their performance at the AKKA Silver Jubilee World Kannada Conference in Philadelphia. The visually impaired musicians brought their powerful musical talent to the prestigious global Kannada gathering, being held from September 4–6, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Their performance resonated deeply with the audience, culminating in a standing ovation and an enthusiastic response from the gathering, making their appearance one of the memorable cultural moments of the conference.
Organised as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Association of Kannada Kootas of America (AKKA), the conference brings together the Kannada diaspora from across North America and celebrates Kannada language, literature, culture, arts and heritage.