Dr. Akkineni Smarka Sabha in New Jersey

Edison, NJ: North East NRIs who are admirers of Natasamrat Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao organized an event in Coriander Restaurant, Edison, NJ on Friday, Feb 7, 2014 to pay homage to the departed soul and shared their memories of him during his visit to NJ in Aug, 2012.

Damu Gedala, Telugu Community Leader organized this event by inviting all the national and local Telugu organizations leaders to participate and pay homage to the departed soul of Dr. Akkieni Nageswara Rao. He thanked Vidyadhar Garapati of Movers.com and Dr. Mohan Patalolla (Jt. Treasurer, NATA), and others who came forward and sponsored the event.

Srinivas Ganagoni (NATA, BOD) started with an introductory speech and invited all the key supporters and community leaders such as Ravi Kondabolu, Vice Chairman of Dr.Akkineni Foundation USA, Damu Gedala, Vidyadhar Garapati, Dr. Mohan Patalolla (Jt. Treasure, NATA), Hari Eppanapally (President, Lead India 2020 Foundation), Nandu Balija (Vice-Chairman, HATCC), Rohini Kumar (TFAS, Advisor), Manju Bhargava(President, TFAS), Krishnasri (Past President, TLCA), Ravi Potluru (President, TAGDV), Swarna Gedala to start the meeting officially by lighting the lamp and pay homage to the Dr. Akkieni's photo by offering flowers and observing a moment of silence.

Mr.Ganagoni, recalled his memories with Dr. ANR and mentioned that he was fortunate to introduce Dr. Akkineni and shared a Dias with him and executed his 89th birth day celebrations in Royal Albert's Palace in Aug 2012 which was organized in a GRAND scale, and that event was truly a memorable experience to all the Telugus in Tri-state area who attended the event. There are nearly 1500 people participated and listened and interacted with him more than 4 hours during his visit to NJ in 2012.

Mr. Gedala recalled Dr. Akkineni's visit to Coriander Restaurant and his 89th birth day celebrations in NJ in 2012. He also received an outstanding Community Service award from Dr.Akkieneni Foundation during his visit to USA. He could not believe that he is no more. He thanked all the attendees and all the community leaders for their support towards the event.There are over 150 people attended the event in Coriander restaurant and pay homage to the departed soul.

Ravi Kondabolu, who is a close friend of Dr. Akkineni and Coordinator of Dr. Akkineni's 89th birth day celebrations shared his memories in length and his association with ANR's family members and how was in touch him 48 hours before his death. He was instrumental in organizing ANR's 89th birth day celebrations across USA with the help of Telugu Community leaders. He was shocked and did not realized that he will leave this land this soon and he mentioned that he was supposed to celebrate his 60th birth day celebrations in presence of Dr. Akkineni but he said he is not going to celebrate it without him.

Many admirers of Dr. Akkineni and supporters of the event: Dr. Mohan Patalolla, Vidyadhar Garapati,Hari Eppanapally, Rohini Kumar, Manju Bharghava, Divya Yeluri, Gopal, Arun Ayyagru shared their memories with Dr. Akkineni who spent quality time during his visit to NJ. They all pay rich homage to departed soul and said his film career was commendable and send deepest condolences to their family members.

During the event, many singers such as Anitha Krishna, Rajeev, Sreekanth, Prasad, Mr.& Mrs.Krishna Rani who all have personal touch with ANR sang many his film songs during the event & pay tribute to his journey in the Telugu movie industry and kept his memories alive entire the event. Satya Nemana ( TFAS, EC member) prepared a presentation of Dr. ANR's visit to NJ and presented to the audience.

Many Telugu organizations and dance school representatives and other community leaders such as Sudhakar Uppala(TFAS, EC member), Vasanth Naidu(TFAS, EC member),Kanaka. T (TFAS,EC member),Suresh Makam(TFAS, EC Member) Sambaiah Kotapati ( TAGDV, EC Member),Divya & Venu Yeluri(Nrithya Madhavi School of Dance), Swathi Gundapuneedi( Siddhendra Kuchipudi Art Academy) Bhaskar Bhupati Ramu Gedala,Ravi Dhannapuneni, Arun Ayyagaru,Suresh Chatakondu, Ramesh Maganti Srinivas Ranabothu. Vamsi Koppuravuru, Krishna Siddhada, Guru Alampally, Madhu Anna,Uma Makam,Madhu Rachakulla, NRC Naidu, Srinivas Oruganti, Gopal, and Deepak Ravella attended the event and pay homage to the departed soul.