Over 8,000 Telugus and other Indian-Americans attended a celebration of Telugu language, culture and cuisine at a just concluded biennial event hosted by the American Telugu Association (ATA) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The three day event over the weekend at the Pennsylvania Convention Centre showcased Telugu Culture with a mesmerising music concert, the re-enactment of Bonalu-Bathakamma festival, folk dances, and panel discussions on different subjects, according to the organisers.
The theme of the 13th ATA Conference and Youth Convention was: Telugu Charitha, Yuvatha, Bhavitha (Telugu History, Youth and their Future).
"The important feature of the convention was that there was a great deal of local (US) participation. We gave a lot of encouragement to America-born youth and showcased their talent," conference convener Parmesh Bheemreddy said
US star attendees included Nina Davuluri (Miss USA), Bindu Pamarthi (Miss Washington DC), and Pratyusha (Trisha) Guduru (Miss South Asia International).
From India came stars like Rana Daggubati, Sriya Saran, Richa Gangopadhya, and Siya Gautam and as well as the Mano-led concert.
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The Mano troupe included Srirama Chandra, Hema Chandra, Sravana Bhargavi, Pranavi, Malavika and Vijaya Lakshmi.
"Not just the glamour quotient, but we had seen the tremendous enthusiasm among NRIs for business seminars, literary sessions, and spiritual-yoga meetings," Bheemreddy said.
ATA President Karunakar Rao Madhavaram noted the tremendous response to such sessions as the 'role of NRIs in developing the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh', 'the successful business idea', and 'how to win federal contracts'.
ATA lifetime achievement award was given to Sri C. Narayan Reddy in recognition of his contribution to the Telugu literature and art.
The rendering of American and Indian national Anthems drew tremendous response as flags of the two nations fluttered on the screen behind.
Food representing all the Telugu-speaking regions-Coastal, Rayalaseema and Telangana was served as the sprawling convention premises was transformed into Telugu land in the US.
(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)