ATA Convention Recap, 2000+2012=2024; A testament for culture & heritage in Atlanta

Mathematically 2000 plus 2012 cannot be 2024, but if you look at the gist of three ATA Conventions in Atlanta, it seems to be true. With the first ATA Convention in Atlanta in 2000, the one in 2012 definitely surpassed it without a doubt. Now in 2024, in terms of effort, cost, time, planning and success metrics, it definitely beats the 2000 one and 2012 one combined together. In this case, may be the mathematical formula could be 12+12=24 as these three conventions happened for every 12 years exactly.

The American Telugu Association (ATA) continues to significantly impact society, often without publicizing its extensive efforts. The recently concluded 18th ATA Convention & Youth Conference, held from June 7 to 9 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, stands as a testament to this commitment. This three-day celebration was a grand success, exceeding all expectations with an attendance of over 18,000 people, including children, women, elders, and youth, who enjoyed a variety of programs and participated in various events.

Event Highlights and Arrangements

The Convention’s remarkable success is attributed to meticulous planning and execution led by the President Madhu Bommineni, Convener Kiran Pasham, Coordinator Sridhar Tirupati, Director Anil Boddireddy, National Coordinator Sai Sudini, Co-Convener Prashanthi Asireddy, Co-Coordinator Prasheel Gukanti, and Co-Director Srinivas Srirama. Despite the unexpectedly high turnout, the team efficiently managed all issues, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.

Banquet Dinner and Awards

The event kicked off on June 7 with a banquet dinner in the Thomas Murphy Ballroom, attended by donors, sponsors, and distinguished guests from various US cities in and India. Hosted by Banquet Chair Dr. Srini Gangasani and under the direction of Sridhar Tirupati, the evening featured traditional meals and lively networking. The ATA Awards Committee, chaired by Rinda Sama under the direction of Sai Sudhini, honored 17 eminent individuals across different fields, continuing ATA’s tradition of recognizing excellence.

ATA Service Awards were given to previous executive committee past president Bhuvanesh Boojala, Hari Prasad Reddy Lingala, Ramakrishna Reddy Ala, Sainath Boyapalli, Vijay Kundur, and Raghuveer Reddy, and the ATA Lifetime Service Award was given to Dr. Rajeshwar Rao Tekmal. Cultural programs, including a mesmerizing musical concert by the Anup Rubens group, captivated the audience. Concurrently, the Youth Conference commenced, highlighting ATA’s emphasis on youth engagement.

Sponsors and Distinguished Guests

The success of the convention was made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including Diamond Sponsors ASBL Realty, Prime Developer, and Sasha Realty; Platinum Sponsors Arete Hospitals, Shoora LP, Somireddy Law Group, TopSys IT, Bhavya Evora Aspire Spaces, DSR Builders & Developers, ONE Developers, and Moh Jewels; Gold Sponsors World First Courier & Cargo, Suvidha International Market, Spacion Business Centre, YUPP TV, VAJR Jewels, HARI HARA Living Redefined, Planet Green, and Satya R Rangaraju; and Silver Sponsors Wealth Hospitality, GHR INFRA, PATURI LAW, TECH INSURANCE AGENCY, GARUDA VEGA, EIPL, Infi Mobile, Guru Tax Pro, HC ROBOTICS, BLISSFUL Real Estate, and Telugu Foods.

Distinguished guests included Telangana ministers Komatireddy Venkatreddy and Sridhar Babu Duddilla, Consulate General Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Meditation guru Daji, film stars Vijay Devarakonda, Srikanth, Neha Shetty, and Mehreen, along with several notable film personalities like Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Tanikella Bharani, Tammareddy Bharadwaja, A N Aditya, Satya Master, Ankita Jadhav, Angana, Srimukhi, and Ravali.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s video message praised ATA’s efforts and the Telugu community’s contributions to Georgia. Local congressmen, senators, mayors, commissioners, and city council members also graced the occasion, expressing their admiration for the impressive arrangements. Several past presidents Hanmanth Reddy, Srinivas Pinnapureddy, Dr. Sandhya Gavva, AVN Reddy, Dr. Adishesha Reddy, Dr. Rajendar Jinna, Karunakar Madhavaram, Sudhakar Perkari, Karunakar Asireddy, Parmesh Bheemreddy, and Bhuvanesh Boojala were felicitated for their service.

Inaugural, Competitions, and Cultural Programs

President Madhu Bommineni, Convener Kiran Pasham, Padma Bhushan Daaji Shri Kamlesh Patel, along with the ATA Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, Advisors, and Core Conference team inaugurated the day with the lighting of the Holy Lamp, accompanied by Veda Mantras. Patriotic renditions of the United States and Indian national anthems by children set a spirited tone. In her inaugural remarks, President Madhu Bommineni welcomed all and emphasized ATA’s commitment to service, cultural and literary promotion, extensive youth involvement, and inclusivity, encapsulated in this year’s conference theme: Yuvatha, Bhavitha, and Navatha.

Convener Kiran Pasham highlighted the convention’s benefits and ongoing events, inviting the audience cordially. A beautiful inaugural ballet, choreographed by Guru Neelima Gaddamanugu and featuring 200 performers, was presented for a song written by lyricist Kasarla Shyam. The winner of the ATA novel competition, “Chedirana Padamudralu” by Unudurthi Sudhakar, was announced, and the ATA Conference Souvenir, “SAMATHA,” was released. ATA Executive Committee President Elect Jayanth Challa, previous President Bhuvanesh Bhujala, Secretary Ramakrishna Reddy Ala, Treasurer Satish Reddy, Joint Secretary Tirupati Erramreddy, Joint Treasurer Ravinder Guduru have been doing immense work for the convention.

Cultural programs and competitions such as Jhummandi Nadam and Sayyandi Padam showcased talent, awarding winners in singing, dance, sports, Reels and photography. A continuous flow of talent was presented throughout the day, including a spectacular floral tribute titled Vanamala by renowned national award winner Archana Rao. Special show by Sandhya Gavva with ATA women leadership, including the present president is heart touching.

The beauty pageant, crowned by the Devarakonda brothers, added a posh touch to the event. Special cultural programs like Parampara, Sridevi Tribute, Pelli Sandadi, dances by Tollywood stars, and many other shows were outstanding, and the hard work of the cultural team was duly rewarded. Each day concluded with a musical night enjoyed by all. Threeory Band’s musical concert being particularly innovative and appealing to everyone, especially youth.

Spiritual, Matrimony and Breakout Sessions

On June 9, the Bhadradri Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam was performed with great devotion, replicating the traditional ceremony from Bhadrachalam. Spiritual Committee Chair Dr. Prasad Garimella, Endowments Secretary Hanumantha Rao, and scholars from Bhadradri Rama Swaroop, Vishnu, and Bhaskara Sharma conducted the event. The Continuing Medical Education session, with renowned Dr. Prem Reddy as the Chief Guest, was highly beneficial. District-level forums, political meets and alumni meetings added to the day’s enriching activities. ATA Matrimony was highly attended with parents and individuals seeking life partners. Few thousands of people attended Heartfulness Meditation classes and workshops.

Youth and Women Forums

The Youth Committee attended mediation sessions, organized seminars on AI, Q&A sessions with celebrities, debates, and games, emphasizing ATA’s mantra, “Youth is Future.” The Women’s Forum featured empowerment programs and meetings with celebrities like Mehreen and the Devarakonda brothers, showcasing the importance ATA places on women’s leadership and participation. The forum was well received, with over 800 people attending. Young Ritisha Lingampally was felicitated by Vijay Devarakonda for her outstanding service, and she spoke about mental health awareness from a young person’s perspective. The forum covered various topics like domestic violence and physical and financial health.

Business and Technology Sessions

State ministers, Consulate General Ramesh Babu, Telangana IT Advisor Ravi Tangirala, and others participated in the business forum, moderated by President Elect Jayant Challa. The business pitching sessions were a highlight. Discussions on cutting-edge topics like AI took place in the Technology and Trade Forum. The NRI Committee’s seminars on immigration, taxes, and other issues, along with talks in the Andhra, Telangana, and American political forums, attracted much interest. Real Estate Investment Opportunities, Film Directors Meet & Greet were Impressive.

Literary & Art Forums

The Suravaram Pratapa Reddy Literary Forum featured narrative literature, contemporary novels, and book launches. Ashtavadhanam, a traditional Telugu art form, impressed with its complexity and skill. The prophecies of Tanikella Bharani and Gangadhara Shastri were well-received. The Arts & Crafts exhibition showcased impressive works by various artists. Food, a major component of any such festival, was successfully managed with the cooperation of Biryani Pot Restaurant.

The busy registration desk was a testament to the event’s success. The Transportation Committee ensured that visiting guests were not inconvenienced. Byte Graph’s audio-visual efforts and the AV Committee’s animation and VFX works broke new ground. The media committee chairperson, Sairam Karumanchi, coordinated interviews and articles for various media organizations and magazines. More than 200 vendor stalls were set up, drawing crowds to the shopping experience. Congratulations to Srinivas N, who won the Tesla car in Shoora LP’s raffle draw.

Grand Finale and Acknowledgments

ATA was honored to have Daaji Shri Kamlesh Patel grace the main event and deliver a message to the audience. The ATA Lifetime Achievement award was conferred upon Daaji Shri Kamlesh Patel. The grand finale on June 9 featured Thaman’s musical concert, which was an electrifying experience, with attendees dancing enthusiastically. Despite the late hour, everyone left with high spirits, praising the meticulous arrangements.

The Advisory Committee, including Karunakar Asireddy, Gautham Goli, Mahender Musuku, KK Reddy, Narender Chemarala, and Venkat Veeraneni, provided direction and advice at every step. Kiran Pasham and Anil Boddireddy called on the leaders of various national organizations to the dias, it was gratifying to remember and honor their contributions. Chairs, co-chairs, advisors and members of around 70 committees were invited on the stage, their efforts and services were recognized.

In her closing remarks, President Madhu Bommineni praised the efforts of the core team, executive committee, board of trustees, sponsors, convention committees, members, performers, and audience for their participation, making it a grand success. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation for all volunteers for their hard work. Convener Kiran Pasham thanked all participants, emphasizing that the impossible had been achieved through their collective efforts.

Pictures credit goes to 3rdi and click here www.NRI2NRI.com/18th ATA Convention in Atlanta Pictures by 3rdi for more pictures. Videos credit goes to ManaTV and TV5 USA. For more details about the convention, please visit the ATA website and social media channels.