GTA Atlanta Chapter calls for solidarity and peace, honors Pahalgam victims with candlelight vigil

On Sunday, April 27, 2025, over 100 members of the Indian community and friends gathered at Celebrations Banquet Hall in Cumming, Georgia, for a moving tribute to the innocent lives lost in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Dressed in black as a sign of mourning and unity, everyone came together to remember the victims, condemn violence, and reaffirm a commitment to peace.

Distinguished Guests and Leadership

The gathering was graced by GTA National President-Elect KethiReddy Bapureddy; Board of Trustee member Swapna Kaswa; Atlanta Chapter President Aravind Katta; Atlanta Chapter President-Elect Santosh Gaddam; Vice President Chandra Subbagari; Chapter Advisors Aparna Pingle and Karan Kesireddy; and EC Core Committee members Ramya Kamarajugadda, Shilpa Sarapu, Madhuri Gaddam, Durgam Srinivas, Ananth Joshi, Karnati Rambabu, Srinivas Burra, Damodar Gajelli, Mallikarjun Katta, Shiva Ramadugu, and Prasad Kashinathuni.

GTA was also honored by the presence of State Representative Carter Barrett and Johns Creek Council Member Bob Erramilli—their attendance brought special meaning to our ceremony. Leaders from other organizations Niranjan Podduturi and Ganesh Thota also joined the event, adding further depth to our collective resolve.

A Call for Solidarity and Peace

Atlanta Chapter President Aravind Katta opened the program by condemning the Pahalgam attack as “an affront to our shared humanity,” and then led the audience in two minutes of silence—a powerful moment of collective reflection and respect. Following the silence, National President-Elect KethiReddy Bapureddy urged all communities to reject hatred and embrace compassion, calling the attack “a stark reminder of why we must stand together.”

Aravind Katta then emphasized, “Your presence here today sends a powerful message—that in moments of tragedy, we choose solidarity, hope, and peace.” Swapna Kaswa and fellow trustees highlighted that unity is our strongest defense against violence, and Santosh Gaddam reinforced these sentiments by underscoring our shared responsibility to cultivate peace.

Community Voices, Candlelight Vigil, and Calls for Hope

In a moving display of unity, all attendees stepped forward to share personal remembrances, prayers, and messages of resilience, and several people called for long-term solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future. Following these reflections, the assembly held a solemn candlelight vigil, each person lighting a candle in silent tribute—a glowing circle of hope and compassion.

Round Table Discussion and Q&A

After the vigil, GTA leadership and community members joined State Rep. Carter Barrett and Council Member Bob Erramilli for a round table discussion on actionable paths toward peace and security. They explored both community-level initiatives and policy measures needed to address root causes.

The session concluded with an open Q&A, during which attendees posed thoughtful questions—ranging from support for affected families to long-term peacebuilding strategies—and heard firsthand commitments from their elected representatives. GTA thanked all attendees for standing together today. Special thanks to Praveen Puram and Celebrations Banquet Hall for their generous support in hosting this gathering.

Looking Ahead

With turnout at Celebrations Banquet Hall with such a short notice, the GTA Atlanta chapter demonstrated the true strength of community. As we depart, let us carry forward today’s spirit of unity and compassion—honoring the fallen, supporting their families, and working together toward a more peaceful world.