NATA raised 300k in Washington DC for 2012 Convention

Washington DC: The second board meeting of the North American Telugu Association (NATA) (www.nataus.org) was held at Hyatt Dulles Hotel on May 21, 2011 in Washington DC area. The main purpose of this board meeting, presided by president AVN Reddy, was to discuss the organizational matters and to begin the fund raising efforts for the NATA first convention, which will be held in Houston from June 29-July 2, 2012. NATA has raised $315,000 donations for the first convention mainly from advisory members, board members, regional vice-presidents, standing committee chairs, regional coordinators and other members. 'This was a record amount of generous donations in a single day', said a jubilant AVN Reddy.

The grand donors Drs. Malla Reddy and Prem Reddy, as always, have come forward and announced a donation of $50,000 each. Dr. M.S. Reddy, Shyama Reddy and Haranath Policharla have announced 25,000 followed by several generous donors who made donations in the amount ranging from $1500 to 25,000. The convention team led by convener Jithender Reddy and Dr. Janardhana Reddy Vinta (coordinator) has expressed happiness with such a good beginning. The entire NATA team gave a standing ovation to the grand donors and appreciated everyone who made a commitment for the convention. Over 5,000 people are expected to attend the NATA convention and the team is working hard to ensure everyone will go home with good memories.

The meeting started with a grand homage to the departed NATA leader Arjun Dyapa. Members observed a minute of silence and prayed for his family members. Dr. Samba Reddy presented a brief slide show on Arjun Dyapa and his many contributions leading to the foundation of NATA. Dharma Reddy Gummadi has been inducted to the spot left by Arjun Dyapa in the Advisory Council.

NATA has enlisted over 3500 members since its inauguration in early 2011, which is a true testament for its emerging popularity in Telugu community, NATA has became a Hose-Hold name here and back home said the president. Regional Vice Presidents, Regional Coordinators and others have made huge efforts for membership drives.

The board meeting was conducted with a glittering gathering of over 200 hundred of people from across the country. The minutes of first board meeting were approved by the board and the executive and standing committees have provided their reports to the board. In his presidential address, AVN Reddy has announced that NATA received a tax-exempt status and has exceeded expectations with a total over 3500 members in a span of 4 months. He is expecting the number to reach 5000 members by the end of this year. He provided a summary of activities undertaken by NATA during the past 4 months and also outlined his vision and events for the next 4 months. He thanked the grand donors and everyone for working for the NATA community.

Dr. Mohan Mallam presented a brief report on behalf of Advisory council and welcomed the new council member Dharma Reddy. Pradeep Samala (secretary) and Ramasurya Reddy (treasurer) have submitted their reports to the board. Abhita, a youth committee chair, presented an elegant plan for youth activities for second generation children.

Standing committee chairs Samba Reddy (media), Srinivas Ganagoni (community services), Mahesh Bigala (PR), Mohan Reddy & Venkat Vadadi (website), Srinivas Emani (membership), Phani Dhokka (journal), Amulya Reddy (byelaws) have presented their reports.

NATA has resolved to strengthen various community service activities focusing on students, visitors, cultural, educational and public health activities, as per Srinivas Ganagoni. Recently several charitable events, including immigration seminars, student assistance, and disaster help, have been successfully implemented by the NATA team.

NATA resolved to conduct 'Seva Days' in December in Hyderabad with charitable programs setting vaccination drives, health camps, water projects and literary-cultural programs.

Immediately following Executive Vice-president Rajeshwar Reddy's report, regional vice-presidents Bala Indurti, Rao Kalvala, Nageshwar Rao, Rachicharan Gaddam, Ramesh Chandra, Bharath Madadi, Suresh Bezawada and other have presented their reports to the board. Phani Dhokka's song on 'Jai Ho Nata' attracted the team's attention.

The board meeting was hosted by Srinivas Anugu (Jt Secretory) and Baburao Samala (RVP) who are instrumental in raising awareness about NATA in Washington DC area. Srinivas Anugu thanked many members who pledged over $18,000 towards Hindu Temple project in Virginia. Everyone was delighted with an excellent hospitality provided by the local board member Srinivas Anugu.