Empowering the Next Generation: Telugu Samiti of Nebraska Hosts First-Ever Youth Conference in Omaha

Omaha, Nebraska: The Telugu Samiti of Nebraska (TSN) achieved a significant milestone this year by hosting its first-ever Youth Conference, a groundbreaking event that brought together Indian American students from across the region for a day of inspiration, mentorship, and cultural connection.

The conference, designed for students from 7th grade through college, received an overwhelming response from the community, with parents and students alike praising the initiative as both timely and impactful. Organized by young professionals within the Telugu community, the event marks a new chapter in TSN’s efforts to empower the next generation while keeping them connected to their cultural heritage.

Bridging Ambition and Identity

The conference was conceived with a dual mission: to provide students with clear guidance on academic and career pathways while ensuring they remain grounded in their Indian American identity. TSN emphasized that the event went beyond traditional career counseling, focusing equally on leadership development, cultural pride, and community values.

The Telugu Samiti of Nebraska (TSN) President Prasad Kolli stressed the importance of community connection throughout the event, encapsulating the organization’s philosophy with a powerful message: “Stay connected, stay rooted, and you will never stay alone.” This principle underscored every aspect of the conference, from the cultural programming to the networking opportunities designed to build lasting bonds among young Indian Americans in the region.

“This initiative represents our commitment to nurturing well-rounded young leaders who are confident in both their professional aspirations and their cultural roots,” organizers from the Telugu Samiti of Nebraska (TSN) noted.

Distinguished Voices Lead the Way

The conference featured an impressive roster of guest speakers who captivated attendees with their insights and experiences. Dr. Gurudutt Pendyala, Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, shared perspectives on navigating careers in medicine and research.

Rebecca Potter, Labor Relations Manager at Union Pacific and Founder & Chair of the Nebraska Japanese Animation Society, offered unique insights into leadership and cross-cultural community building. In place of Dr. Phani Tej Adidam, Professor of Business Administration and Chair of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Kranthi Adidam delivered the keynote address on entrepreneurship and business strategy.

Kranthi Adidam, who served as TSN’s founding president and remains a pillar of the Telugu community, brought both historical perspective and practical wisdom to the audience. Their messages on leadership, personal development, and community engagement resonated powerfully with the audience, sparking thoughtful discussions that continued long after their presentations concluded.

Real-World Wisdom from Young Professionals

A highlight of the conference was a dynamic panel discussion featuring accomplished professionals from diverse fields. Adi Sethupathy (Software Engineering), Apurva Kunte (Law), Kranthi Sudha (Business), Sukarn Chokkara (Medicine), and Saketh Maddipati (Entertainment Industry) shared candid accounts of their career journeys, including the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned along the way. Students found the panel particularly valuable, as it provided practical, relatable advice from professionals who had recently navigated similar crossroads in their own lives.

Community Embraces the Initiative

The response from Omaha’s Indian community has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents expressed deep appreciation for an event that addressed both their children’s academic needs and their desire to see them maintain strong cultural connections. Many noted that the conference filled a critical gap in resources available to Indian American youth in the region.

Big thanks to University Of Omaha for setting up the college Booth and sharing the knowledge & Opportunity at the University. The Telugu Samiti of Nebraska (TSN) extended heartfelt thanks to parents for their enthusiastic support and for encouraging their children to participate in this historic gathering.

A Team Effort

The success of the conference was made possible through the dedication of numerous volunteers who managed everything from registration and logistics to student coordination and technical support. Their meticulous attention to detail ensured a seamless experience for all attendees.

The event was spearheaded by the TSN Youth Committee, led by Chair Kranthi Sudha and Co-Chair Vivek Poshala, whose vision and leadership proved instrumental in bringing this ambitious project to fruition. The TSN Executive Committee provided crucial support throughout the planning and execution phases.

Special recognition was given to sponsor Mr. Krishna Chaitanya Ravipati, the Telugu Samiti of Nebraska (TSN) Executive Committee, the Youth Committee, and all the volunteers who contributed in making this landmark event a reality for everyone.

Setting a New Standard

The inaugural Youth Conference has established a powerful precedent for youth engagement within the Telugu community in Nebraska. It demonstrated the community’s commitment to investing in its young people, providing them with the tools, connections, and confidence they need to succeed.

As students left the conference, they carried with them not only practical career guidance but also a renewed sense of pride in their heritage and a stronger connection to their community. TSN has announced its intention to build on this success with additional youth-focused initiatives in the coming years.

For the Telugu community in and around Omaha, the first Youth Conference represents more than just a successful event — it clearly marks the beginning of a sustained effort to empower the next generation of Indian American leaders in the United States of America.

The Telugu Samiti of Nebraska (TSN) Youth Committee for 2025–2026 includes Chair Kranthi Sudha, Co-Chair Vivek Poshala, Secretary Veenamaduri Dronadula, Treasurer Keerthi Sudha, and volunteers Arya Yarlagadda, Arush Puntambekar, Samanvi Kantem, and Mansvi Padala.