Telugu people advised to develop their rich heritage

A three day extravaganza of music, dance, business, and cultural celebrations begins in New Jersey.
 
The sprawling indoor sports arena of Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey bathed in an extraordinary glory of dazzling lights and colorful displays when the Tenth Convention of American Telugu Association was inaugurated with the blessings of saffron clad spiritual Guru His Highness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji here today. 

Swamiji led a procession of business, cultural, social and political leaders belonging to the Telugu Diaspora through the arena. Congratulating the members of the community on their spectacular successes in the fields of business, art and culture, Swamiji reminded the gathering that it was their noble deeds that were immortal, while wealth and life itself were temporary. He advised the people to be wise in accumulating wealth and spend it in righteous manner. 

Speaking on a dais overlooked by giant portraits of Lord Venkateshwara and his wife Padmavati with a huge idol of Lord Ganesha to his left, Swami Chinna Jeeyar spoke about the wisdom that was recorded in Holy Scriptures, such as, Mahabharata. “The ancient literatures tell us about the good and bad things of life that were the universal truth. It was our duty to follow those advises as it was available to us in the forms of varied literature in both Sanskrit and Telugu”, he explained.

Earlier, during the banquet evening on July 3, the president of the association, Dr. Chandra Reddy Gavva said that the main objective of the conference was to expose the younger generation to spirituality and heritage. He hoped that efforts made during the convention would bear fruits in time to come.

Jon Corzine, Governor of New Jersey, who was the chief guest at the Banquet Night, looked visibly impressed by the presence of many thousands attendees. Corzine said New Jersey was open to all for business. He said that his state was able to provide equal opportunities for everyone to progress in business and their career. Recognizing the achievements of individuals of Telugu origin, the Governor reminded the audience that one of his cabinet colleagues, Kris Kasuri, an Indian American of Telugu origin, had officiated as the Governor of New Jersey for a few days in his absence. “Another high public official of New Jersey who hailed from Andhra Pradesh, Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula has served the state as a Deputy Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly. Chivukula, who was present on the occasion, along with well known cultural leaders, such as, Filmmaker K. Viswanath, Entrepreneur Dr. Varaprasad Reddy, and Gollapudi Marthi Rao, presented the 2008 ATA Awards to individuals for their achievements in respective fields during the Banquet.

According to Dr. Sambi Reddy Avutu, Chairman of Awards Committee, a nine member team selected the awardees in ten different categories that included Legendary, Lifetime Achievement, Excellence, and Meritorious Awards.

“It is our humble duty to recognize  and honor the outstanding individuals of Telugu origin residing in United States of America who have excelled and achieved significant successes in their professional, literary, arts, and performance fields”, said ATA president Chandra Reddy Gavva. 

A great deal of prestige and recognition were attached to these high profile awards that are expected to attract nominations and recognitions by other organizations in future. Each one of ATA awardees was presented with a plaque, a shawl, and a bouquet of flowers. The Founder-Chairman of more than 30 million Dollar Apollo Group of Hospitals in India was presented with ATA Legendary Award while Padma Shri Dr. S. V. Rama Rao and Laureate Dr. Bhadriraju Krishnamurti received Lifetime Achievement Awards. Dr. Rao, a well known artiste and author, had received numerous awards and academic recognitions for his unique style of paintings that combined ‘Indian lyricism’ and a sense of color with Western forms. Dr. Krishnamurty had devoted his entire life for the promotion of Telugu literature and other Dravidian languages.

Among the recipients of Excellence Awards were: Dr. Pavan Reddy (medicine), Dr. Tata Prakasam and Dr. Siva Prasad Kumpatla (science), Dr. Appajosula Srinivasa Rao and Dr. D. H. R. Sharma (engineering), Dr. S. S. Rama Rao Pappu (Telugu literature), Mr. Usha Munukutla (performing arts), Ramakrishna Reddy Sudireddy (business), Dr. Hanimireddy Lakireddy and Dr. Jagan Ailinani (community service), and Ms. Rachna Mamidi (academic excellence).

The 2008 ATA Meritorious Awards were presented to Dr. Meenakshi Chinthapalli (medicine & community service), Dr. Sanku S. Rao (medicine & leadership), Sri Goteti Rama Rao (journalism & literature), Pandit Sri Janardan Mitta (performing arts-Sitar), Dr. Appajosyula Satyanarayana (computer science), Dr. Ramesh Babu Rayapu (social service & medicine), R. Surendra Reddy (leadership), Mrs. Vandita yerraballi (community service), Sri G. Anand (music), and Sri Yarlagadda Prasada Rao (business & community service). 

The highlight of the Banquet Night was the performance of Sivamani who played enchanting music on his drum and other instruments. Mano and his group performed musical programs that were well received by the audience. The performances were telecast live through satellite television channels in USA and simultaneously in India.

According to Mahendrea Masuku, Regional Coordinator of the event, the conference received an overwhelming support and interest from the members of the community who traveled long distances to attend the three day event. 

A group of members of Indian Parliament and Union as well as State Ministers also attended the conference. Rajya Sabha member Penumalli Madhu praised the organizers for making such an event possible. He said that conference like ATA would be helpful in reviving companies and individuals who were affected by the downturn in US economy. Madhu said that the crisis in housing sector along with price rise of gasoline in America was affecting Software and other export-import companies. “ATA conference would provide opportunities for businesses looking for new deals and partnership.”

Lok Sabha Member, Madhu Goud Yakshi was of the view that the success of conferences, such as, ATA was crucial for strengthening India-U. S. relationship. “It was high time that our community members got involved in political activities of this country that would help bring both nations together”, he commented.

Union Minister of State for Human Resources, D. Purandeshwari said that she could see great enthusiasm among the attendees of the conference. She was scheduled to speak on women’s issues in a seminar on women related topics. Purandeshwari commented that Govt. of India was aware of instances of domestic violence reported in the Indian American communities that were being looked into by the ministry of overseas Indians.

A series of programs were organized to involve the youth. It included career mentoring sessions, Telugu language classes and single meets. The younger delegates also discussed political and cultural issues concerning their generation whose members were born and raised in a culture different than their parents’.

ATA partnered with TiE-NJ for conducting a full length session on Venture Capital Meet addressed by Dr. Raj Lakhanpal, president of TiE-NJ. The business seminars extended to next day with sessions on Information Technology and Real Estate. 

A galaxy of celebrities and prominent leaders in the field of arts, science, politics and entertainment industry were attending the conference. Devi Sriprasad and his troupe of singers and dancers will perform on the concluding day of the event on July 5.