Epaper
As a part of enhancing awareness about its activities, APNA Foundation recently arranged a series of cultural programs featuring music by the reputed playback singer Mano. He was accompanied by Usha, the popular artist and three-time winner of Best Singer Nandi award.
Andhra Pradesh Physicians of North America (APNA) Foundation, which aims to promote charitable activities in the US and in India, has been attracting many members for its google email group. After celebrating the First APNA Day on Dec 1st, 2007, with Dr. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam as Chief Guest, it has been receiving the active support of several dedicated and philanthropic individuals and organizations. The present objectives of APNA include the awarding of scholarships to merit students from Intermediate Course studying in Govt. Junior Colleges in AP and holding a Health Fair. These events will be held in India in last week of July 2008.
In a gala evening on the 4th April 2008 held at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Riverdale, Mano and Usha regaled an appreciative audience with several popular numbers from Telugu films, old and new. Mano endeared himself to one and all with his musical prowess as well as with his modest and pleasant demeanor.
On this grand occasion, APNA awarded Mano with a swarna kankanam and the title of Gana samrat. As a popular and successful playback singer and dubbing artist, Mano has rendered over 21,000 songs in a span of two decades and that speaks volumes about his talent. This gesture by APNA reflected the collective wishes of Mano’s fans and music lovers. Short video presentations about the Sri Sairam Group were made during the music recitals. Mano and Usha performed on the 5th and 6th April in Detroit and Chicago respectively. APNA team and volunteers put up a good show and made these events very successful.
The three hour performance in Atlanta had some uncomfortable moments due to the frequent failure of the audio system. The organizers were able to correct this lapse in the subsequent programs held at Detroit and Chicago on the following two days.
Spread over three cities, these three concerts helped in increasing the general awareness about APNA across the USA. Several people have shown interest in the objectives and activities of APNA and the good response has been very heartening.
