ATA successfully celebrates silver Jubilee

American Telugu Association- ATA, celebrated its 14th convention in Rosemont, Chicago from July 1st-3rd. The convention, which is also a silver jubilee year for ATA, witnessed a grand gala of politicians, celebrities, literary icons, artists and dignitaries from India and USA.

The three-day event at the Rosemont Convention center saw multi hues of Telugus from both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. From food to decorations to discussions to performances, the center was packed with attendees and participants and organisers performing ones own role and taking a piece of cake home.

The event, which started on July 1st with registrations during morning and grand banquet during the evening, saw a plethora of guests. From Illinois State Governor Bruce Rauner to Spokesperson and BJP minister, Venkaiah Naidu, the banquet hosted the dignitaries. The attendees were welcomed with cultural programs and honors and achievement awards. The food during the banquet was well relished and the day ended on a high note setting a standard for the remainder of the event.

Day 2, started off with inauguration. The program was officially inaugurated and the organisers were seen in traditional silk attires. There was a festive environment in the convention center with attendees and participants enjoying the moments. The decorations that welcomed the event were well designed. They represented the Telugu state cultures and art forms. The themes were well thought and presented bringing a festive mood in the convention center.

Politicians Kadiyam Srihari, Ganta Srinivas Rao, Nayani Narasimha Reddy, Dr Venugopala Chari, Ambati Rambabu, Kalvakuntla Kavita, Roja, Jatinder babu et el were seen interacting with the attendees. They were also actively involved in political and business discussions giving their valuable insights towards the development of Telugu states. During the meeting on NRIs investments in Telugu states, Kadiyam Srihari emphasized on digitalization of schools in Telangana and requested the NRIs to play an active role in helping the process. 'We urge you all to help us in bringing a digital revolution', he added.

During the business seminars, entrepreneur and visionary, Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao (GMR), shared his life story and inspired the aspirants. Several attendees swamped the business seminar hall to get a glimpse of the discussion and interact with the dignitaries and networking.

Apart from the political and business sessions, ATA convention has provided a platform to the women forum to discuss the issues faced by the women in India and USA. Satyavathi, editor of Bhumika magazine, emphasized on bringing awareness on several issues to women residing in India and USA. 'Awareness of issues is the need of the hour. We should form a liaison to collaborate the issues and see how we can bring a middle ground', she said.

Forums like health, matrimonial, yoga also drew a large crowd. Literary events like ashtavadhanam, and interactions with literary icons quenched the thirst of many attendees. This year, ATA brought out the talent of youngsters through programs like SYE ATA and Mr and Ms Ata, ATA Got Talent- giving an opportunity to the youth. Special youth programs were also organized to entice the youngsters. Cruise party, youth mixers and other programs drew a large number of youngsters to the convention and kept them engaged and interactive.

The vendors were seen bustling with shoppers. From diamonds to saris, attendees enjoyed shopping in the convention. 'We have sold many dresses and we are happy that we are going home with some profit,' said a vendor who sold Indian ethnic wear.

The convention also provided great food to the attendees. From banquet to the dinner on day 3, a feast of delicacies was served. Though, there was shortage of food on Day 2 during lunch, it was quickly resolved by the organizers. 'We were told there was no food. We were hungry. But they called us back within few minutes and served us with food', said a hungry attendee who was happy about the organisers' quick decision. 'At least they acted on the crisis quickly. We understand the situation as there was an unexpected turnout', he added.

The cultural programs were well planned giving an opportunity to all the attendees. Artists from India and USA performed on the stage and enticed the audience. Tollywood Musician, Mani Sharma, performed with his troupe and the audience were seen grooving to the music. Celebrities from tollywood included Jagapathi Babu, Kajal Agarwal, Nani, Lavanya Tripathi, Rashi Khanna et al.

'This event is a combined effort of all. We are happy to see the huge and unexpected turnout', Said convention convener, Chandra Sekhar Palvai.

'It's been 25 years of journey and time and again, we are growing huge and catering to many. I am happy to see this beautiful growth of ATA', said Founder of ATA, Hanumanth Reddy.

'This is a silver Jubilee year for us. I am happy to be serving on board and this convention is something that I will cherish forever', quoted ATA President, Sudhakar Perkary. 'It is an effort of all the committees and the people behind the event. It is not just few or the board, but several people's effort that made it huge. I am thankful to each and every one of them. Without their support, this convention is not possible', he added.

'We have ups and downs in every organisation. But we are one and we pulled it off with great success', said Convention director, KK Reddy.