Epaper
July 13th 2008 – Edison, NJ: An event aptly titled âMega Prabhanjanamâ was organized to stress the need and welcome Mega Star Chiranjeeviâs entry into politics at the Royal Albert’s Palace, Fords, NJ on July 13th 2008, between 11AM and 4PM. The event marked possibly the largest gathering in a city in United States of an ethnic Indian community to deliberate and endorse the Political debut of a Popular Film Personality back home. More than 2500 people have attended the event over the 5 hour duration of the event. It was a spectacular sight with Chiranjeevi fans.
Whatâs even more special is the participation of the New Jersey assembly Deputy Speaker and Congressman Mr.Upendra Chivukula, Mr. Charlie Rangel the Chairman of the Congress Ways & Means Committee & President of the New York Congressional Delegation besides several hundreds of Telugu software engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs and not the least scores of the Mega Fans from all across America and Canada, flown in especially for this event.
The event was organized by Vasudeva Reddy Chinna and Mega Fans from America and Canada â Arun Kumar Layam, Ravi Krishna Golagani, Bhanu Prakash K, Vijay Vegi, Harinath Kandulapati, Venkat Addanki. Besides the prominent Indian regional television channels, American media too covered the event.
The energy and enthusiasm were infectious as thousands of Mega fans started shouting “Mega Star slogans”, holding placards that said âPolitics with Human Face- Chiru our ONLY Solaceâ. Popular classical singer Gangadhar and Arun Kumar Layam from Toronto Canada anchored the event.
Ravi Krishna Golagani a hard core NRI Chiranjeevi fan, Anand Paluri (NJ Telugu Association – TFAS Secretary, NJ Democratic Party active member) Dr. Prem Nandiwada (Active member of all local Telugu organizations, TFAS Ex-Trustee) Ramana Murthy (Lawyer and a well wisher of the Telugu Community living in the overseas) were among the key people behind the event. Ms.Surekha lit the Lamp and rendered Prayer.
Vasu in his welcome speech thanked everyone for coming at such a short notice, and explained the reasons for conducting this event. Vasu cited the importance of the vote of every individual, lack of human touch to current politics, freedom of choice and other reasons why Chiru should enter politics.
He said the Pouring and Overwhelming response by tens of millions in AP requesting the Political entry of Sri Chiranjeevi is in a way similar to the Pre Independence days where again Millions of people found a common cause. The idea behind MEGA PRABHANJANAM is to Acknowledge, Endorse and declare Unequivocal support to the aspirations of these millions of Telugus at this time. The very thought of sharing their faith in Sri Chiranjeevi is truly exhilarating, he added.
He drew attention saying the Greatest Principle of Democracy is Freedom of Choice and without a blemish less leader committed for Social Justice and loved by all sections of people, the Choice was never available to the People of Andhra Pradesh. With the entry of Sri Chiranjeevi , he said that People will now truly exercise the Freedom of a better Choice Because here will be a leader who can lend a Human face to the Politics in an increasingly Globalized, modern and materialistic world where the electorate are seen as a commodity or a tool that can provide access to Power. He said we are all taught since childhood that the Right to Vote in a Democracy can do wonders to uplift the lives of the citizens. But in the Indian and AP context, the Vote NEVER really delivered, but this time People can be assured that each one of them can truly look forward to exercise their most important fundamental right to telling effect.
A specially made short film of 10 min duration on Chiranjeevi, chronicling his career, achievements, his magnetic charisma, his service through his Charitable Foundation and finally the aspirations of millions and millions of Telugus to see him serve the People of AP through politics. The short film received an electrifying response from the audience.
Arunkumar Layam another Senior Megafan flew into New Jersey, from Toronto- Canada just for this event expressed his ardent admiration for Sri Chiranjeevi and placed him as his greatest loves alongside his family and Cricket.
Mr. Murthy in his speech made some significant suggestions on the issues the Chiru Manifesto could address and include.
Dr.Mitra, political advisor of Shri Chiranjeevi in his message gave a call to all the NRI Telugus to examine the merit of the basic services they are receiving abroad in their day to day lives and question why the lives of a stunning majority in India havenât changed even after all these years of Independence. He emphasized that Sri Chiranjeeviâs party is not going to be a Party with any Negativity towards other parties. He said it wonât indulge in any blame game or knit picking. It will function with a very Positive agenda and it will have a Pro-Active, Progressive and Pro-People approach.
Upendra Chivukula the New Jersey assembly Deputy Speaker and Congressman said âI love to see an India where all the down trodden is taken care of, where the inequality in the society is eradicated. I wholeheartedly welcome the entry of people with social service background into politics, to create a society that’ll render social justice.ââ
Charlie Rangel the Chairman of the Congress Ways & Means Committee & President of the New York Congressional Delegation gave his message through his Executive Director Walter Swett. He talked about how much he loved India and he liked to see it as a developed country. He talked about the importance of clean politics for the development of any country and welcomed the entry of people who can deliver it.
Ravi Golagani in his speech mentioned that Megastar Chiranjeevi is andarivadu and has fans & well wishers from all religions, and they will be with Megastar in all aspects of politics.
Nagababu’ in his brief message said Every Telugu believes that Shri Chiranjeevi will bring about a Positive change in Politics through his entry. He said Sri Chiranjeevi will surely render true their expectations from him and shall announce the Party in August. He said Sri Chiranjeevi realized that serving people through his Charitable Foundation has its limitations and if he has to bring about a palpable change in the lives of the people of AP, Politics could be an apt platform.
Siva Reddy noted Mimicry and Comedy artist who couldnât make it to the event, sent a brief video recording of his skits and provided great entertainment through his topical humor
Other megafans Bhanu Prakash K, Vijay Vegi who flew in from far off places just for this occassion, gave very emotional speeches by remembering their life with Chiru movies. They emotionally pledged that they will do anything and every thing to make Chiranjeevi our next CM or their support for any other cause he may take up.
Anand Paluri and Prem Nandiwada spoke passionately about the problems of the society and welcomed the entry of Chiranjeevi into politics.
Towards the end, there was a very interesting interactive session with the audience. Many other Mega fans from all over the US and Canada have attended the event.
Entertainment was provided by some soulful singing by Ms.Anita Krishna and Gangadhar. Vote of thanks was given by Arun. Gangadhar kept recalling interesting anecdotes from Sri.Chiranjeeviâs and his experiences with him all along the event that further enhanced the appeal of the event.
