Telugu Association of Scotland UK Ugadi Sambaralu: A memorable Telugu new year celebration

The Telugu Association of Scotland-UK (TAS-UK) on 27th April 2024 hosted its annual Ugadi Sambaralu event, marking a memorable celebration of Telugu culture and tradition. Amidst the vibrant festivities, the event also served as a significant milestone for the organisation, as the newly elected Executive Committee for the term 2024-26 was announced.

The event, held at the Edinburgh College – Granton campus, welcomed approximately 400 Telugu attendees, reflecting the strong bond and unity within the Telugu community. The venue’s central location in the heart of the city was instrumental in attracting a large turnout, allowing Telugu individuals and families to immerse themselves in the festivities.

Dignitaries and esteemed guests graced the occasion, including Chief Guests Consul General of India Bijay Selvaraj, MSPs for Lothian region Sarah Boyack and Foysol Choudhury, and Colinton Councillor Scott Arthur. Their presence added to the grandeur of the event and underscored the significance of celebrating Ugadi within a city with such a rich cultural diversity at its heart.

The TAS-UK Ugadi Sambaralu 2024 featured a rich tapestry of cultural performances, showcasing the talents and traditions of the Telugu community. The event kicked off with the “Ma Telugu Thalliki” prayer by Telugu learning children from Silicon Andhra ‘Manabadi,’ setting the tone for the festivities to come.

Cultural Secretary for the term 2022-24, Vijay Kumar Parri extended warm Ugadi wishes to all Telugu attendees and extended a heartfelt welcome to the guests, chief guests, and audience members. The stage came alive with mesmerising performances, including group dances, solo singing, Telugu poems recitation, and the significant Ugadi Panchagam by Ananth Ramanand Garlapati.

A highlight of the event was the performance by “Voice of Echo,” an Indian-originated local band comprising five singers and five band players. Their captivating medley enthralled the audience and added an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. Hosts Satya Shyam Jayanty, Ranjit Nagubandi, Sruthi Pallemoni, Sravanthi Potluri, and Himaja Machiraju skillfully guided the audience through the day-long event, infusing it with energy and enthusiasm.

Their witty banter and engaging interactions kept Telugu attendees entertained throughout the proceedings. In addition to cultural performances, the event also featured a fashion show, showcasing the latest trends in traditional and contemporary attire. The runway came alive with vibrant colours and elegant designs, reflecting the rich heritage of Telugu fashion.

The TAS-UK Ugadi Sambaralu 2024 also provided an opportunity for community engagement and collaboration, with guests from other Indian associations joining as guests, including Edinburgh Diwali, Kannada Association of Scotland-Edinburgh, Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre, Indian Arts Connection, 3 Good Deeds, Scottish Indian Arts Forum, Odisha Society of Scotland, Bihar Community, and Scottish Indian Muslim Association.

Event sponsors played a crucial role in making the celebration a success, with main sponsors Brighter Mortgages and Belli International Real Estate, along with co-sponsor Alli Bhavan, providing support and resources to ensure a seamless experience for all Telugu attendees. The event concluded with the announcement of the newly elected TAS-UK Executive Committee for 2024-26, ushering in a new era of leadership and vision for the organization.

Chairperson Siva Chimpiri, President Uday Kumar Kuchadi, General Secretary Venkatesh Gaddam, Joint Secretary Niranjan Nooka, Treasurer Vijay Kumar Parri, Women’s & Projects Secretary Madhavilatha Danduri, Cultural Secretary Pandari Jain Kumar, Sports Secretary Balaji Karnati, Youth Secretary Rajasekhar Samba, IT Secretary Zakir Shaik, and PR Secretary Naresh Deekonda were introduced, eliciting excitement and anticipation for the future of TAS-UK.

In recognition of her significant contributions, the previous Chairperson, Mythili Kemburi, was honoured as Honourable Chairperson for her long service to the committee as a women volunteer. As the event came to a close with Jana Gana Mana and a vote of thanks by the newly appointed General and Joint Secretaries, Telugu attendees departed with cherished memories of a day filled with culture, camaraderie, and celebration.

The TAS-UK Ugadi Sambaralu 2024 was not only a celebration of Telugu heritage but also a testament to the unity and resilience of the community. As TAS-UK continues to thrive and grow, the spirit of Ugadi will remain a guiding light, inspiring Telugu people’s unity, prosperity, and joy for years to come.