Celebration of Language; Telugu Maatlaata Regional Competitions in Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida:  Silicon Andhra ManaBadi – Land O’Lakes/Lutz Branch successfully organized the Telugu Maatlaata Regional Prelims Competitions on February 21, 2026, at Christ Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Lutz.

The event was led by Karuna Mannemela, Coordinator of the Land O’Lakes/Lutz center, with tremendous support from branch teachers, dedicated volunteers, and enthusiastic parents. Teachers and volunteers served as judges and ensured the competitions were conducted in a fair, encouraging, and well-organized manner.

The Manabadi, Land O’Lakes/Lutz branch proudly shared that this was the first center to introduce Telugu Maatlaata competitions in the Tampa Bay area last year. This year witnessed a threefold increase in student participation, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for Telugu language learning among young learners.

Competition Categories

Three types of competitions were conducted:

• Padarangam
• Thirakaatam
• ONiMa

All winners have qualified to participate in the International Telugu Maatlaata Competitions, scheduled to be held in North Carolina on August 15 & 16, 2026.

Special Acknowledgements: Silicon Andhra sincerely thanks Ms. Laura Reed of Christ Cumberland Presbyterian Church Educational facility, for their continuous support, in allowing us, to utilize their premises, for Maatlaata Competitions. Special thanks were extended to, Mrs. Pratyusha Talluri and Mr. Kiran Parapudi for their unwavering support and foundational guidance.

They meticulously coordinated the packing and shipment of trophies and certificates to the Manabadi, Lutz center. The excitement and joy on the students’ faces when the trophies were displayed was truly heartwarming. Teachers presented trophies and certificates to the top two winners in each category and congratulated all participating students for their dedication and efforts.

Maatlaata Regional Competitions – Tampa, Florida

Location: Land O’Lakes / Lutz Branch

Winner Details

Budathalu (5–9 Years)

ONiMa

1. Vaishnavi Vangalapudi – Winner
2. Vasishta Achanta – Runner-up
   

Thirakaatam

1. Manvi Penugonda – Winner
2. Krithi Tumaati – Runner-up

Sisindreelu (10–14 Years)

ONiMa

1. Shanvi Penugonda – Winner
2. Shaanvi Pokala – Runner-up
   

Thirakaatam

1. Shanvi Penugonda – Winner
2. Dhanyatha Nellori – Runner-up
   

Padarangam

1. Eshaanvi Poreddy – Winner
2. Agastya Yerramsetty – Runner-up

Chiruthalu (12–16 Years)

ONiMa

1. Lakshmi Mannemela – Winner
2. Niharika Narahari – Runner-up
   

Thirakaatam

1. Lakshmi Mannemela – Winner
2. Aadhya Guduru – Runner-up
   

Padarangam

1. Lakshmi Mannemela – Winner
2. Manas Mannepalli – Runner-up

Volunteers Who Supported the Event: Giri Mannepalli, Kavya Indukuru, Kanthi Swaroop Anna, Kartheek Sakinala, Narmada Penugonda, Praveen Gajjala, Pradeepti Chillarigey, Spandana Nagireddy, Satish Mannem, Shivaranjani Siddula, Srinivasu Vangalapudi, and Sudha Rani Durgam.

The event was a celebration of language, culture, and community spirit. With growing participation and enthusiastic involvement, the Land O’Lakes/Lutz branch continues to play a vital role in promoting Telugu language and heritage among the younger generation in the Tampa Bay area.