ATA showcases Telugu Culture and Unity

Nagam Janardhan Reddy, a BJP leader from Telangana; Chintala Ramchandra Reddy, a BJP legislator from Hyderabad, Professor P. Kodandaram, who played a major role in organizing political and non-political bodies for achieving Telangana, Revanth Reddy, TDP MLA, Gongidi Sunitha, TRS MLA, Rasamai Balakishan, TRS MLA , Vinod Reddy, TPCC official spokes person and other visiting dignitaries that attended the event joined in praising the NRI participants and their offspring for their contributions to their motherland and adopted nation.

Hyderabad-based Swami Chidatmananda, President Karunakar Madhavaram, Convener Parmesh Bheemreddy, who lighted the traditional lamp for marking the inauguration of the event on Friday, July 4, stressed on the selfless service to society. Swami Chidatmananda called upon organizations like ATA to do more for the underprivileged sections of society back home. He blessed the gathering at the event, which was held here in Philadelphia during the US Independence Day (July 4) long weekend. Philadelphia was considered the first capital of US as it was the seat of government during the initial years of American freedom.

ATA President, Karunakar Madhavaram said the organization has helped Telugus who are in distress such as students who are in financial and other needs. Aside from this, ATA has done a lot of charitable work in both Telangana and Andhra states. 'I take pride in saying that I have been leading all that effort for two years now,' he noted.

ATA lifetime achievement award was given to Sri C. Narayan Reddy garu in recognition for his contribution to the Telugu Literary and Art.

A group from Detroit, Michigan sang Raam Katha in a ballet, which drew wide applause. Haleem Khan, the Hyderabad-based artiste meticulously danced to the tunes of an Annamacharya Kirtan was crowd-pleasing.

Two senior journalists from Hyderabad K. Ramachandra Murthy, hitherto chief editor of the English daily Hans India, and K. Srinivas, editor of Andhra Jyothy newspaper, led panel discussions on the two states that came into existence officially last month.

Mr. Madhavaram said that the objective of the association is to make sure that the community is represented in all respects. He highlighted ATA's efforts on various fronts, including women's issues both in the US and India.

In both Andhra and Telangana, ATA participated in anti-pollution efforts and anti-dowry programs. 'Our association focuses on both states. We have no caste or regional issues,' he said, adding that the organization is prepared to discuss the matter with anybody.