Founding and Early Vision

Canara Union, established in 1919 by Dr. Badakere Venkata Rao, is a prominent cultural and social institution in Malleswaram serving the Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin community. The organization was founded by a number of enthusiastic Chittapur Saraswats who wanted to continue their religious, cultural, and social activities among the newly established Malleswaram neighborhoods.

Finding a Permanent Home

In its early years, the organization's activities were carried out in rented premises for nearly a quarter of a century, with initial meetings held in Dr. Rao's house. The union finally acquired its own location in August 1929 and started operating from its own building on 21 October 1931, thanks to funds from members and a significant donation from merchant and philanthropist Dattatreya N. Sirur.

The Kalyana Mantapa

Later, a 300-seat Kalyana Mantapa (wedding hall) was constructed at the site, with an overall capacity of 450, making it a sought-after location for weddings and events. The income generated from this Kalyana Mantapa has become the main source for continuing the organization's operations and activities.

Nurturing Sporting Talent

The venue is home to the iconic Prakash Courts, named after badminton legend Prakash Padukone, who trained here during his early years. The union has been a launching pad for several other sporting talents, including World Billiards and Snooker Player Arvind Savoor, and Table Tennis National Champions Badakere Saikumar and K. Jayant, all of whom started their sporting careers at this facility.

Cultural Activities and Community Support

As part of its cultural activities, Canara Union organizes Konkani dramas and collaborates with the prestigious SurSagar Institute of Bangalore to present Hindustani musical programs. The organization also benefits from the dedication of its women members, who donate proceeds from their garage sales to support the union's funds.

A Living Legacy

Over the decades, Canara Union has continually evolved to meet the community's needs, hosting a variety of cultural programs, exhibitions, and community gatherings that foster a rich tradition of music, dramatics, and social engagement. The institution has provided support during difficult times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to serving the Chitrapur Saraswat community in Malleswaram.