TAGC celebrated Deepawali in Chicago

Chicago, November 15: Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (TAGC) celebrated Diwali at Lemont Temple of Chicago on Saturday. The auditorium was fully packed with about one thousand people. The attendees were served by scrumptious feast from Cool Mirchi beginning 5pm before the cultural programs started at 7pm. Delicious Andhra food, home made laddus for all and pizza for the kids were part of the menu.

The celebrations kicked off with a warm welcome from the president of TAGC, Amarendra Nettem. Cultural chair Ramesh Garapaty introduced the masters of ceremony for the evening Srilakshmi Yarrabhothula and Sai Ravi Suribotla. Fantastic stage decorations designed and implemented by Lakkoju and Ponnusamy families presented a festive like atmosphere.

Poet, Lyricist and Film Director Sri Jonnavithula Ramalineswara Rao and Singer VijayLakshmi were guests of the evening. Sri Jonnavithula entertained the audience with his versatility of Telugu language and prowess of Telugu poetry. Singer VijayaLakshmi with her melodious voice ensured that the audience had a melodious feast.

With about 150 participants it has been a very enthralling performance throughout the evening. The performers have worked tirelessly for over a month to give astounding performances.

Aananda Deepavali Anuraga Deepavali Dance directed by Prasuna Vootkur of Omkaara dance studio in Naperville, Mukunda Mukunda dance presented by Shree Guruswamy group, Pellaina Kottalo a play coordinated by Sairavi Suribotla were some of the highlights of the evening. Also, a few four year olds gave their first performance on stage with the song Jai Ho from the movie Slum Dog Millionaire.

The youth members organized a raffle at each table during the program to raise money for Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots is an organization which uses the money to buy gifts for less fortunate kids during the holiday time. The raffle ticket prize winners were announced throughout the ceremony. Fifteen prizes each worth about $50 each were given away during the raffle.

Several of the youth volunteers who have participated in a number of programs through out the year were given a special recognition for their hard work over the year. President Amarendra Nettem and Youth Committee Coordinator, Ramesh Garapaty have conveyed their appreciation for all the outstanding work done by the youth committee in 2010. The new committee for 2011 was introduced to the audience.

The program concluded with a fun musical night. Singer VijayLakshmi was the highlight of this segment and was ably assisted by local singer Mani Tellapragada, Praveen Jaligama, Lakshmi and others.

Secretary KSN Reddy closed the ceremony around midnight extending his thanks to all the committee members and volunteers who have helped make this program a huge success. President Amarendra Nettem has thanked all the sponsors include TeluguOne, TV9, Liberty Mutual, AT & T, State Farm, Computer Associates, Technosoft, Ratna Venigandla , all the BODs, Executive Committee and volunteers.

Additional function photos are at
http://picasaweb.google.com/tagc2010/TAGCDeepwaliCelebrations#