NATA NY chapter emphasized the need for community services

New York (February 16, 2011). North American Telugu Association (NATA) New York Chapter meeting was held on Sunday and decided to further strengthen the membership and community service activities. The lunch meeting was hosted by Dr. Pailla Malla Reddy, a prominent Telugu leader who is donating tens of thousands of dollars for the service of Telugu community.

The meeting was attended by members and board of directors from Northwestern region, including Dr. Malla Reddy, Arjun Daypa, Dr. Stanley Reddy, Rajeshwar Reddy, Pradeep Samala, Chinnababu Reddy, Tadepalli Bhushan(Pahani), Mohan Reddy Patalolla, Raghava Reddy Ghosala, Harinadha Velkur, Venkat Vaddadi, Srinivas Ganagoni, Mahesh Bigala, Srinivas Emmani, Ramesh Chandra, Rami Alla Reddy , Mahender Reddy, Mohammed Mujahid Murtiza, Sridharreddy Kambala, Narasimha Reddy and Sridhar Chillara. The weather was good for this meeting given the harsh winter during the past few weeks.

We have to enroll a greater number of new members in NATA, said Dr. Malla Reddy, an advisory council member and generous supporter of Telugu organizations. He said that he will continue to support NATA to the maximum extent and provide full credit to each and every person who come forward and do more memberships. The goal is to make maximum enrollment of new members before May 2011, said Dr. Reddy.

The NATA advisory council member Arjun Reddy compared Dr. Malla Reddy and Dr. Prem Reddy with Bill Gates and Warren Buffet of our community, respectively. He stated that we have to do lot of community service to get recognition within our community. At this junction we have to focus on membership and related activities, said Dr. Stanley Reddy, a board of director.

Executive Vice-president, Rajeshwar Reddy described the efforts of the NATA team and said 'everyone is equal in NATA, those who work hard will be rewarded, and there will be no room for nepotism in the organization. He emphasized the need for consistent help in solving community issues and problems for greater recognition by our community. Hard work for the Telugu community is our mantra and motto, said Rajeshwar Reddy.

ChinnaBabu Reddy (Jt. Treasurer) reminded the group to concentrate on our goals and begin implementing them without much delay. Ramesh Chandra suggested to work as a noble soldier and said that everyone is a soldier in this organization. We have to do team work with unity and without much difference. Pradeep Samala (treasurer) said not to criticize any other organization and try to focus on our agenda and consider what is best for our community.

Hari Velkur (board of director) described steps necessary for developing a structured community service for an efficient use of resources. Venkat Vaddadi, a board of director with expertise in website communications, said that he is committed helping NATA website as one of the key platforms for sharing information within and outside of our community. Dr. Raghava Reddy (board of director) suggested doing some social services in India such as drinking water resources, pollution awareness, and helping Ekalavya Vidyalayas (single teacher schools).

Membership committee chair, Srinivas Reddy Emmani said that the current 50% discount on membership has been extended and suggested developing FAQs (frequently asked questions) for new members, such as why they need to join NATA. The board has approved extending the membership discount, said NATA president AVN Reddy in his e-mail update earlier today.

Regional Coordinator Mahender Reddy said that he is enthusiastic with membership drive and pledged to volunteer for NATA in this region. Santhosh Reddy Pathur (coordinator) said he will ensure at least 100 memberships as soon as possible. Phani Bhushan (board of director) said do not over commit yourself for NATA, just accept what you can do-- otherwise you would exhaust and do not enjoy with pending work.

Mahesh Bigala (PR chair) said not to misuse the opportunity working for NATA for any political purposes or personal benefits. Srinivas Ganagoni (community chair) described the need for an increased focus of NATA agenda on community service, which is being implemented despite limited lead time. For example, NATA continued assistance to Telugu students affected by Tri-Valley. Mohammed Mujahid Murtiza thanked for the opportunity in NATA and said that he will help with memberships.

Mohan Patalolla (board of director) suggested doing more community services here in the US and back home in India. He said that NATA is helping Tri-valley students to a maximum extent for their status. Sridhar Reddy Kambala also supported the focus on membership drive. Sridhar Chillara, a TV5 producer and director, said TV5 channel is glad to deliver the messages of NATA, sponsored events, and community service news to people in India.

Dr. Malla Reddy thanked all members and board of directors who attended the meeting despite a short notice.