Legislator and movie artist are guests at first Telangana State Formation Day
(Photos: Vakiti Creations)
Greater Atlanta Telangana Society (GATeS) (formerly Telangana Community, Inc – TCI) celebrated its first Telangana State Formation Day in a grand way on June 27, 2015 at Lanier Technical College in Cumming, GA with over 1,500 attendees. ATA, NATA, and TATA were cosponsors.
The event started at 5:10 pm and the hall was still full at 11:30 pm. Celebrations began with lighting of the lamp by Neelya Bhavani (Telugu movie artist), singer Adarshini, and GATeS women, followed by Janardhan Pannela singing “Jaya Jaya he Telangana” with the Executive Committee and Board. Organizers had a huge lineup of cultural activities, with 200+ excellent performers. The Inaugural Song was specially composed for the event.
Other highlights were Telugu film songs, Lambadi dance, group singing, fancy dress show, Telangana Ratnalu, dance medley, Vinayaka dance, Telangana folk music, Telugu medley dance, Bollywood dance, live Telugu music, live folk singing of famous Nalla Cheera Nalla Raika (Golla Mallamma Kodala) with dance, Urumulu Merupulu, classical Kuchipudi dance coordinated by Neelima Gaddmanugu, Telangana Amara Veerulu skit coordinated by Srinivas Durgam, Freedom Fighters skit coordinated by Geetha Aparna Turaga, and medley dance coordinated by Shiv’s Institute of Dance. Viju Chiluveru, Anitha Nellutla, Jyothsna Ravi, Madhurima Charugundla, Ram Garipalli, Srinivas Garlapati, and Swapna Aravind presented the event in a lively manner with wit and enthusiasm.
Sri Ramchander Rao Naraparaju, MLC and leading lawyer from Telangana, was guest of honor. He spoke in length about the Telangana movement and the tasks ahead in building up the new state. Sri T. Harish Rao, Minister of Irrigation, Government of Telangana, sent a recorded video message and reminded about the role of NRIs in the fight for Telangana and praised GATeS for its activities. Sri A. Indrakaran Reddy, Minister of Law, Housing, & Endowments, Telangana sent his wishes in a recorded video. Sri Talasani Srinivas Yadav, Minister of Telangana, addressed the gathering thru live video link. Consul Srinivasan of the Atlanta Consulate also spoke.
GATeS conducted a fund-raising Volleyball Tourney to help Autism Society, Fire Department, Police Departments and Ocee Park. Within a very short period, GATeS was able to raise about $8,000.
President Dr. Venkat Veeraneni thanked scores of volunteers who worked hundreds of hours over the past 3 months to make the day memorable. Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, Chairman of the Board, explained the mission of GATeS and thanked sponsors, including grand sponsor Dr. Prem Reddy.
Adarshini Katyala, singer (younger sister of music director, late Chakri) entertained the audience with her melodious voice along with local singers Janardhan Pannela, Srinivas Durgam, and Ram Durvasula. Goreti Venkanna, famous folk singer brought cheer and joy with his songs and dances till midnight.
Website Bonus Feature
Video:
By Vakiti Creations
https://vimeo.com/132200547
Thanks:
Organizers:
Dr. Venkat Veeraneni, Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, Rahul Chikyala, Janardhan Pannela, Viju Chiluveru, Sridhar Nelavelli, Suresh Kumar Volam, Anil Boddireddy, and scores of volunteers from all over Atlanta.
Cosponsors:
American Telugu Association (ATA),
North American Telugu Association (NATA),
Telangana American Telugu Association (TATA).
Swapna Indian Cuisine generously provided delicious Dinner at a very nominal price.
Photography and videography was done by Vakiti Creations.
DJ by Anil Boddireddy and Suresh Karothu.
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