Every year, Telugu association events across the United States turn into grand celebrations—not only for the Telugu diaspora, but often even more for those travelling from India.
While these events are presented as cultural festivals aimed at preserving the Telugu language and traditions, many NRIs have begun questioning who actually benefits from them.
Popular Tollywood celebrities, anchors, singers, musicians and event hosts often travel to the US with their airfare paid by the associations. Once they arrive, the main event becomes only one part of their trip.
Many stay for two weeks or even a month, spending time with friends and relatives while enjoying an extended American holiday without bearing the cost of international travel.
Artists who enter the US on P-3 visas are legally permitted to perform and earn money. They often do not limit themselves to the main convention. Instead, they travel across the country to attend smaller community events, private gatherings and paid performances, returning to India after earning substantial amounts during a single trip.
The issue does not end there.
Several individuals from the film industry, media circles and political backgrounds, who have little or no role in the actual event, reportedly secure invitations through recommendations.
Their return tickets are funded, they make a brief appearance at the event and then spend the rest of their stay with relatives or friends.
This raises an uncomfortable question: should money collected by non-profit Telugu associations be used to finance lavish hospitality and sponsored holidays?
These organisations are expected to serve the welfare of Telugu people living in America, strengthen community initiatives, support young people and preserve Telugu culture.
Instead, a significant share of the funds appears to be spent on celebrity glamour and unnecessary guests.
Many NRIs feel that the original purpose of these associations has slowly been overshadowed by prestige, publicity and showmanship.
As one Telugu NRI bluntly put it, “America lo Telugu events ante India vaallaki pandaga, NRIs ki dandaga.”
In other words, Telugu events in America have become a festival for visitors from India and a burden for NRIs.
That single sentence perhaps captures the growing frustration within the community better than any lengthy explanation.
Raghava Bhattiprolu, San Jose, USA
