Raleigh, North Carolina: ATA honors cultural titans Padma Shri D. Uma Maheswari & Dr. Kala Krishna

Raleigh, North Carolina, August 21, 2025: The American Telugu Association (ATA) Raleigh chapter hosted a vibrant and successful “Meet & Greet” on Sunday, August 17, celebrating two living legends of classical Indian arts: Harikatha exponent Padma Shri D. Uma Maheswari and Andhra Natyam Classical dance Guru Dr. Kala Krishna. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 65 attendees, including local art teachers, students, and community leaders, all gathered to honor the artists’ immense contributions.

The evening was dedicated to bridging generations and fostering a deeper appreciation for traditional Telugu art forms. In a touching gesture that symbolized the passing of cultural heritage, the esteemed guests were introduced by talented young artists Sahasra Kurapati and Snigda Chanduri. Attendees were treated to a rare and intimate experience with the celebrated artists. The audience was mesmerized by a brief but powerful Harikatha presentation from Padma Shri D. Uma Maheswari, a trailblazer renowned as the first woman to perform the art form in Sanskrit.

Dr. Kala Krishna, an “Abhinava Satya Bhama” and master of Andhra Natyam, Kuchipudi, and Bharatanatyam, captivated everyone with insights from his illustrious career. The simplicity and profound accomplishments of both artists left a lasting impression, with many attendees wishing they could have seen more. The felicitation of the artists was gracefully conducted by ATA Board of Trustees (BOT) member Sai Sudhini and Past ATA President Madhu Bommineni.

In her welcome address, ATA Language and Cultural Chair Kavitha Konda highlighted the importance of recognizing the artists who have dedicated their lives to preserving these arts. “Our goal is to connect our community with the roots of our culture,” said Konda. “Events like these are essential for ensuring that these invaluable traditions thrive for generations to come.” The event’s flawless execution was a testament to the dedication of the ATA Raleigh team.

Special recognition was given to BOT member Sai Sudhini, Regional Advisors Shiva Geereddy and Pavan Nomula, Regional Coordinator Shiva Kumar Thripurari, Regional Director Deepika Maale, and standing committee members Raju Kurapati, Ajay Maddi, Revanth Reddy, and Kavitha Konda for their exceptional support. The evening concluded with remarks from Madhu Bommineni, Sai Sudhini, and Kavitha Konda, who thanked the community for their enthusiastic participation and reaffirmed ATA’s commitment to hosting meaningful cultural events in the future.

About the Artists
Padma Shri D. Uma Maheswari: A world-renowned Harikatha exponent, she has earned numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, Central Sangeet Nataka Akademi Puraskar, and the Kala Ratna Puraskaram, for her unique blend of storytelling, music, and dance.

Guru Dr. Kala Krishna: A decorated artist and choreographer for the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Dr. Krishna is a celebrated master of multiple classical dance forms. He is a recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Nataka Akademi Award, the Kala Ratna Hamsa Award, and the Nandi Award.