The Kanara Saraswat Association, Mumbai, founded on November 26, 1911 by thirteen enlightened members of the Chitrapur Saraswat, is leading to its centenary year 2010-2011. This is a momentous year for the entire Chitrapur Saraswat Community and other social organizations and of course Kanara Saraswat Association members and their family.

It is the time to pause and look back to recall its achievements to fulfill the goal and social objective set forward before the community.

The Society is powerful instrument for change. The Chitrapur Saraswats have been traditionally seeking for new pasture for betterment by virtue of urge for knowledge and education and high level of culture. The Chitrapur Saraswats settled in small villages along the coastal belt of Karnatak in 19th Century and migrated to the capital of Mumbai Presidency (Mumbai) and Madras Presidency (Madras) for equality education and gainful employment which otherwise they were living on agricultural properties.

Late Shamrao Vithal Kaikini, practicing Lawyer at Karwar District Court was the early migrant to Bombay (now Mumbai) around year 1880 followed by other educated persons seeking jobs. Their weekend gossip at Shri Kaikini’s residence over a cup of coffee gave birth to brilliant idea of Saraswat Forum which fostered friendship and fellowship amongst the Chitrapur Saraswats, each one of them had burning desire for “well being” of their close relatives still living in the native place.

On the demise of Shri Kaikini, Late Shripad Subarao Talmaki, visionary, research scholar, doyan of co-operation and crusader, took the mantle to carry forward the goals and objectives firmly laid by mentor Mr. Kaikini. Thus, the Saraswat Forum was formalized into a legal entity named “Kanara Saraswat Association”. This forward looking social institution had many luminaries as their Presidents and Vice Presidents who had by right, carved niche in public life and were acclaimed by the entire community and others. The Hallmark has been always Humility, Honesty, Integrity and Betterment of one and all.

The Kanara Saraswat Association has achieved number of milestones, which are noteworthy, over the last 97 years under the leadership of Late Shripad Subarao Talmaki.