From Atlanta to Telangana: GATeS 2025 Reflects a Powerful Journey of Service and Achievement

Greater Atlanta Telangana Society (GATeS) was established with a noble vision—to preserve and promote Telangana culture while serving society with compassion, responsibility, and inclusivity. Over the years, the organization has grown into a strong and trusted pillar of the Telangana diaspora. The year 2025 marked a significant milestone in this journey, as GATeS successfully delivered 365 days of continuous community service and executed more than 100+ programs, events, services, cultural and community meetings across Atlanta and Telangana, strengthening its foundation like never before.

Service remained the heart and soul of GATeS throughout the year. In Atlanta, the organization conducted monthly food drives from January through December, ensuring consistent support for families in need and continued support for Hope Clinic stood as powerful expressions of compassion and social responsibility. GATeS further demonstrated civic commitment through a blood donation drive, Adopt-A-Road cleanups, and meaningful engagement with the Forsyth Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office.

The recognition of GATeS volunteers through Presidential Volunteer Service Award eligibility became a proud moment, encouraging sustained volunteerism and community involvement. Beyond local service, GATeS extended its mission to its beloved homeland of Telangana, reaffirming its responsibility toward the communities where its roots lie. In 2025, the organization supported Annadanam programs for orphans on January 1st and December 31st, symbolizing both a meaningful beginning and a compassionate conclusion to the year.

GATeS also installed an RO water plant in a government school and continued its long-term support for government school education, chess programs, tribal welfare education, children’s welfare, healthcare initiatives, medical assistance, old-age homes, and services for special-needs children. These initiatives strengthened the bridge between the diaspora and Telangana, translating gratitude into tangible impact.
Recognizing that true service extends beyond physical needs, GATeS placed strong emphasis on wellness and mindfulness throughout the year. Daily yoga sessions were conducted without interruption for all 365 days, reinforcing discipline and holistic health within the community.

Multiple 41-day virtual meditation programs, group meditation sessions, International Yoga Day celebrations, Guru Purnima observance, forgiveness meditation practices, and the Chandra Namaskar program on December 31st nurtured mental well-being and spiritual balance. Health seminars led by medical professionals further empowered community members with awareness, preventive care, and informed lifestyle choices.
Cultural preservation remained a cornerstone of the GATeS mission in 2025.

The organization proudly hosted Telangana Cultural Day, celebrated the GATeS 20th Anniversary, and organized the World’s Biggest and Tallest Bathukamma Celebrations—an iconic event that brought global recognition and immense pride to the Telangana community. Additional celebrations such as Southside Bathukamma, Vanabhojanalu, and several cultural gatherings provided platforms for families to reconnect with their traditions, language, and values. These events were more than festivities; they were affirmations of identity and commitments to passing Telangana heritage to future generations.

Youth empowerment and next-generation leadership development continued to receive focused attention. Youth Enrichment Programs conducted on MLK Day, along with the End-of-School Bash and Back-to-School Bash, created opportunities for young minds to engage, learn, and build leadership skills. The successful launch and continuation of the GATeS Telugu Summer Camp during July and August played a vital role in nurturing cultural pride, language skills, and community values among children and youth.

Sports, fitness, and community engagement initiatives further strengthened unity and inclusiveness within the GATeS family. Programs such as the One Million Step Challenge, GATeS Cricket Carnival, Volleyball and Tennis Tournaments, and the GATeS 5K Walk and Run encouraged healthy lifestyles while fostering teamwork and camaraderie. Educational and lifestyle webinars covering topics such as tax planning, estate planning, and indoor plant care supported the personal, financial, and family well-being of community members.

Throughout the year, strong organizational foundations were maintained through regular board meetings, leadership introductions, community meet-and-greet events, volunteer appreciation programs, and a continued commitment. These efforts ensured accountability, inclusivity, and active participation across all levels of the organization. As GATeS reflects on the achievements of 2025, the organization is deeply inspired by the unity, dedication, and selfless service demonstrated by every individual involved.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the 2025 Board and Advisory Team, Leadership Team, sponsors, volunteers, media partners, and the entire Atlanta community. The year truly embodied GATeS’ guiding principle—service to humanity, preservation of culture, commitment to Telangana, and care for future generations—laying a strong foundation for many impactful years to come.

GATeS Team 2025: President: Naveen Battini, Board Chairman: Naveen Vujjini, Vice President: Ramana Gandra, General Secretary: Kirthidhar Goud Chekilla, Treasurer: Raghuveer Reddy, Cultural Secretary: Jyothsna Palakurthy, Technology Secretary: Ramakrishna Gandra, Media Secretary: Anil Kushnapalli, Event Secretary: Geetha Narannagari, Sports Secretary: Sharath Gandra. Board of Directors: Vijay Vinjamara, Chandrashekar Althati, Madhukar Reddy, Hemanth Palla, Ranjith Kodati.

GATeS Advisor Team: Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, Dr. Satish Cheeti, Prabhakar Boyapalli, Goutham Goli, Karunakar Asireddy, Kiran Reddy Pasham, Dr. Venkat Veeraneni, Srijan Joginipally, Sreedhar Nelavelli, Ratnakar Elugunti, Nanda Chatla, Narender Reddy, Sridhar Julapelly, Anil Bodireddy, Thirumal Pitta.

GATeS Past Leadership: Late G.S. Reddy Garu (Founder), Ratnakar Elugunti, Srijan Joginipally, S.Prabhakar Reddy, Dr. Venkat Veeraneni, Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, Mahesh Nilagiri, Narender Reddy, Prashanthi Asireddy, Dr. Satish Cheeti, Nanda Chatla, Sreedhar Nelavelli, Thirumal Pitta, Anil Bodireddy, Rahull Chikyala, Anitha Nellutla, Kishan Tallapally, Chittari Pabba, Sunil Gotoor, Prabhakar Madhupathi, Janardhan Pannela, Srinivas Parsa, Sandeep Reddy Gundla, Chalapathi Vennamaneni.