Chicago: An ambitious program, "Lend a hand to motherland," to help the distressed farmers in Andhra Pradesh, has been launched by Telugus at the Eighth American Telugu Association (ATA) Conference and Convention at Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont here.

An announcement to this effect was made by ATA president A.V.N. Reddy at the inauguration of the convention in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Minister for Industries Bothsa Satyanarayana, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao, several dignitaries and more than 8,000 attendees on July 3.

Elaborating the scheme, A.V.N. Reddy appealed to all the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) including immigrant Telugus each to donate one day salary to the program to help the farmers who were facing untold difficulties because of drought conditions.

Another scheme through which one could help was to donate $1000 for sinking a bore well in a village or help maintain its sanitation. He also appealed to the attendees to donate to various service schemes being taken up by ATA in Andhra Pradesh.

The convention venue area and its entrance were tastefully decorated to reflect the Telugu culture. The aim of the convention, whose three-point theme -- Arrive, Assimilate and Excel -- was to help Telugus living in the US celebrate their language, culture, heritage, art, music and dance.

The convention began with a ceremonial procession, Ganesh puja and prayer to Sri Venkateswara to the music of Nadaswaram and chanting of Vedas. It was followed by singing of the US and Indian national anthems. Salitha Reddy, emcee, welcomed the gathering and gave a brief history of ATA. Dr. Prem Reddy, accompanied by Mrs. Reddy, lighted the traditional lamp to mark the opening of the convention. Vidyasagar Rao Madhavarapu, ATA secretary, introduced the Board of Trustees, and Dr. Murthy Chimata, convention convenor, introduced members of conference committee and local advisory committee. Salitha Reddy read a proclamation received from Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley wishing the convention a grand success.

Chandrasekhar Palvai Reddy, president of TAGC, welcoming the gathering, paid tributes to A.V.N. Reddy, Hanumath Reddy, Dr. Murthy Chimata, Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, C.C. Reddy, advisor to government of Andhra Pradesh, and other dignitaries and invitees. He said the convention provided an opportunity to all Telugu people to meet at one place. It gave an opportunity of exposure for the Telugu children born in the US to the culture of their parents. He said ATA took up several projects in India and the US to help the people.

Arun Kumar, consul general of India in Chicago, spoke high of achievements of Telugus in the US. He also congratulated Madhu G. Yaskhi, an NRI, who was elected to the Indian Parliament from Nizamabad. He said that the state of Andhra Pradesh was immensely benefited by the role played by NRIs.

Ramana Murty Yedavalli, ATA Chicago local coordinator, explained the theme of the inaugural song and dance. The lyrics were by Dr. Vaddepalli Krishna, concept writeup by Chimata Kamala, and music by Radha and Gopi. Gangadhar, Gopi, Ramu, Radhika and Nitya Santoshini sang the song. Some 70 artists presented the 30-minute dance with 21 sequences choreographed with a combination of dances and songs both classical and folk styles.

Delivering his presidential message, A.V.N. Reddy traced the history of arrival of Indians to the US dating back to Swami Vivekananda's visit to Chicago, and the important role played by Telugus as engineers, doctors, and other professionals in this country. He said that ATA had taken up several humanitarian and educational projects in Andhra Pradesh. He also spoke about the medical camps and "ATA Roju" program arranged in Hyderabad last December. Announcing the launching of "Lend a hand to motherland" scheme and other projects to help the needy people back home, he said that even small donations would be a great help to them.

Chandra Reddy Gavva and A.V.N. Reddy introduced Dr. C. Narayana Reddy and felicitated him.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. C. Narayana Reddy said: "Culture is the identity of a nation. It is the signature. It's our duty to protect and nurture it wherever we live."

He paid tributes to Telugu poets, authors and musicians like Annamayya, Tyagaraja and others. He said that Telugu was the only language which has 200 ragas. "Telugu has the capacity to absorb words from all other languages. It is a forceful and effective language," he added.

Bothsa Satyanarayana said that he brought a message of greetings from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. Rajasekhara Reddy. Later through a recorded videotape, the Chief Minister congratulated the Telugus in America for their enthusiasm to promote their language and culture

Batchu Satyanarayana Rao introduced chief guest Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao, who was felicitated by A.V.N. Reddy.

The Union Minister for Coal and Mines congratulated Telugus for organizing the convention of a massive size and scale. He praised Telugu, Andhra Pradesh, India, their culture and heritage. He also said Telugu's contribution to both India and abroad was immense. "Telugus brought knowledge to this country. You have enriched this country. Your love for language, heritage and country is immense. Your victory here is victory of ours in India," he added.

On behalf of the government of India, he assured that those NRIs who wanted to invest in India would not find any difficulty. All investment projects would be cleared through a single window.

He appealed to the NRI parents to expose their children to the Indian culture and heritage by making them visit India as frequently as possible. He said that he would request the government of India to conduct a youth festival and invite the NRI youth to get firsthand exposure to country's culture and heritage.

ATA scheme to help distressed Andhra farmers

Chicago: The need to promote, propagate and perpetuate Telugu language, literature, heritage, music, dance, art and culture was stressed by the speakers at the seminars and panel discussions organized by the Literary Committee of the Eighth American Telugu Association (ATA) Conference and Youth Convention held at Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, on July 3 and 4.

The Literary Committee chaired by Prof. Sarada Purna Sonty invited many literary stalwarts from India and the US as chief guests and speakers. The aim of these sessions was to present a comprehensive picture of Telugu literature and help the next generation of Telugus in this country to understand the Telugu language, literature and performing arts. The discussions and deliberations focused on exploring the possibilities to teach Telugu language and prepare audio and video material to further the relationship between India and the US, and particularly nurture the cultural identity among the youth.

Prof. G.V. Subrahmanyam, vice chancellor of Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University; Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, a scholar, poet and Jnanapeeth awardee; Dr. Viswanatha Pavani Sastry, Dr. Sudha Tenneti, Dr. Kasireddy Venkat Reddy, Dr. Vallampati V. Subbaiah, Dr. Vadepalli Krishna and many others came from India as special invitees.

Specially invited scholars from the USA included Viswanadha Atchyuta Devarayulu, Krishna Desikacharyulu, Timmaraju Venugopala Rao, Malathi Nididavolu, Vedala Sreenivasacharyulu, and Prof. S.V. Rama Rao.

Avadhanam, a very unique Telugu literary tradition, which was very popular in the 15th century Krishnadevaraya rule, was brought forth to the global platform through Dr. Madugula Nagaphani Sarma, a great scholar and creative writer.

Avadhanam was held for four hours as the main literary presentation conducted by Prof. Sarada Purna Sonty in the main auditorium on July 4. The specialty of the event was the participation and role played by Pruchchakas, who were from the USA. The content of the Avadhanam was specially choreographed with the title "Apurva Avadhana Gandharvam," which included literature, music, dance and art. The Avadhani composed poetry spontaneously on a given subject touching all these areas of literature and art. All this was done in response to questions posed and challenged by various Pruchchakas simultaneously. This session was attended by more than 6,000 people.

Literary panel discussions were conducted in five different sessions in different rooms during the two days on subjects like classical, modern, medieval, and post-modern literary trends and traditions.

Lecture demonstrations explaining the rules of literature in dance were presented by Alekhya Punjala.

Vamsee Art Theaters International of Andhra Pradesh, SAPNA and ATA jointly presented awards and felicitated two institutions and 24 luminaries from the USA in recognition of their contribution to various disciplines and services.

The dignitaries who honored these institutions and luminaries were Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao, Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, New Jersey State Assemblyman Chivukula Upendra, Prof. G.V. Subrahmanyam, Dr. Sriram Sonty and Vamsee founder president Siromani Vamsee Ramaraju.

Vamsee Rama Raju explained various cultural and literary and service activities of Vamsee Art Theaters International. It was established 32 years ago in Hyderabad and it honored several people and institutions.

Dr. C. Narayana Reddy congratulated the awardees from the USA for their contributions to various disciplines of arts and literature. He also congratulated Vamsee Ramaraju for his tireless efforts in recognizing various people and institutions in India and the USA.

Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao hailed the role of SAPNA in working in the cultural, literary and art areas in the USA, and Vamsee Art Theaters International for coming all the way from India to recognize the exceptional services of the institutions and individuals in the US. In doing so, he said, Vamsee also refreshed the memories about great people in whose names these awards were instituted.

The Union Minister also specially mentioned about the services of Prof. Sarada Purna Sonty, Dr. Sriram Sonty and Vamsee Ramaraju in serving the handicapped children in India through Vamsee International.

The following were the awards and the awardees:

1. Arudra - Dr. Ramanadham Vemuri;
2. Emani Shankara Sastry - Rajeswari Pariti;
3. Kasinathuni Nageswara Rao-India Tribune, Chicago;
4. Kidambi Raghunath - Dr. Sriram Sonty;
5. Kundurti Anjaneyulu - Malathi Nidadavolu;
6.Kolavennu Rama Koteswara Rao - Chitten Raju Vanguri;
7. Khandavalli Lakshmi Ranjanam - Prof. Srinivasachary Vedala;
8. Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao - Radhika Chimata;
9. Chitti Babu - Ramalakshmi Gurupalli;
10. Jiddu Krishna Murthi - Prof. S.S. Rama Rao Pappu;
11. Tenneti Latha - Dr. Satyam Mandapati;
12. Tripuraneni Gopichand - Venkateswara Rao Vemuri;
13. Dasaradhi Krishnamacharyulu -Dr. Tirupathi Reddy Chandruptla;
14. Durgabai Deshmukh - North South Foundation;
15. Nayani Subba Rao - Dr. Seshu Sarma;
16. Puttaparthi Narayanacharyulu - Atchuta Deva Rayalu Viswanadha;
17. Banda Kanakalingeswara Rao - Sri Shyamsundar Yellamraju;
18. Rayaprolu Subba Rao - Prof. Venugopala Rao Pemmaraju;
19. Ravuri Venkata Satyanarayana - Dr. S. Murty Damaraju;
20. Relangi - Ramana Murthy Yedavalli;
21. Viswanatha Satyanarayana - Dr. Krishna Desika Charyulu;
22. Vedantham Lakshminarayana Sastry - Siri Sonty;
23. Suravaram Prathapa Reddy - Hanumantha Reddy;
24. Sanga Seva Siromani - A.V.N. Reddy;
25. Seva Tapasvi - Nagendra Sripada; and
26. Seva Ratna - Iftekhar Shareef.

A collection of 66 novels of library editions and collectibles of Jnanapeeth Awardee and literary giant of 20th century, a classist writer, poet and a historian, were released on the occasion. Many other works of contemporary writes were also released on the occasion.

Chicago: More than 2,500 guests from the US, India and other countries attended the Eighth ATA Telugu Conference and Youth Convention Banquets Reception held at Rosemont Convention Center in Chicago on July 2. Among the dignitaries who were present on the occasion were Andhra Pradesh Minister for Industries Bothsa Satyanarayana, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao, film producer and director Dr. Ramanaidu, and Jannapeeth awardee and Telugu literary giant Dr. C. Narayana Reddy.

ATA recognized outstanding individuals of Telugu origin for their significant success in their professional, literary, arts and performance fields or their contribution for humanitarian or community causes.

The awards were presented by Swami Chidatmananda of Chinmaya Mission of Hyderabad, Bothsa Satyanarayana, Dr. C. Narayana Reddy.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Chandra Reddy Gavva, ATA national coordinator, said that several committees and volunteers had worked in close cooperation to put together the three-day event to make it a grand success.

Ramana Murthy Yedavalli, ATA Chicago local coordinator, said: "During the next three days, you will have a wonderful time."

A prayer dance was presented by Priyanka Reddy, Archana and Srilekha.

A.V.N. Reddy, ATA president, thanked the guests, donors and sponsors for their support. He said some 230 donors had generously donated more than half of the total budget of the convention.

Dr. Murthy Chimata, ATA convenor, said the theme of the convetion was -- Arrive, Assimilate and Excel. He said that the awards ceremony was a prelude to the grand celebration that would mark the convention. Giving brief history of ATA, he said that the guests' list this year had exceeded his expectation. Chandrasekhar Reddy, president of TAGC, said that the number of guests expected to this convention would be more than double the number of guests at the Dallas ATA meet.

Jithender Reddy, ATA Awards Committee chair, Rajeshwar Rao Tekmal, ATA Awards Committee cochair, and Pat Quinn, Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, also spoke.

Noted playback singer, who entertained the audience with her melodious voice, was given lifetime achievement award. She was felicitated by Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao and Dr. Ramanaidu.

ATA service awards were presented to convenor of the previous conference Subhashini Boyareddigari, past president Sandhya Reddy Gavva, past secretary Rajeshwar Rao Tekmal, past treasurer Vidyasagar Rao Madhavarapu, past executive director Yella Reddy, past executive director Charan Reddy and past American Bharathi Editor Murali Chanduri.

The ATA awardees from the US were Rathna Kumar for arts performance, Rao S. Anumolu for business entrepreneurship, Chilumula Ramchandra Reddy for community service, Rama Devi Cherukuri for Telugu literature, Seshu Sarma Pudipeddi for Telugu education, Krishna Bapatla for technology, Sattiraju Surya Prasad for science, Lakshmana Rao J.V, for journalism, and Anu Mandapati for youth services.

The ATA awardees from India were V. Malakonda Reddy for science and technology, Raja Reddy for medicine,Kasu Prasad Reddy for community service-medical, P.Hanumanth Rao for humanitarian service - medical, S. Gopala Sastri for community service, G.V.K. Reddy for distinguished community service and business entrepreneurship, D. Ramakrishna Reddy for outstanding achievement in business and technology, Capt. S.N. Reddy for exemplary service in aviation, and D. Ramanaidu for distinguished service to community and Telugu cinema industry.

Besides several panel discussions and seminars covering medical, business, and spiritual matters, the ATA also arranged facilities for setting up booths for the display and sale of saris, jewelry, audio and video tapes, and books.

Chicago: Cultural programs and entertainment segments dominated the three-day American Telugu Association (ATA) Conference and Youth Convention that began at the Rosemont Convention Center here on July 2. Hundreds of artists entertained the audience on all the three days for several hours. The long evening program on the concluding day on July 4 seemed very short and the audience wished it continued for a few more hours.

The entertainment segment began with the singing of film songs by famous playback singer P. Susheela after the awards ceremony at the banquet.

She entertained the audience with her sonorous voice from several films including Sivaranjani, Megha Sandesam, and Ramudu Bheemudu. She was joined by equally able singer Gangadhar, and local artist Sarada.

The inaugural ceremony of the ATA meet in the main hall on July 3 morning was marked by a special and unique inaugural dance and song with more than 70 participants. The 30-minute sequence was specially choreographed to the tunes of a special song written by Vaddepalli Krishna . Though it was interrupted by a glitch in the sound system, it was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience when it was completed towards the end of inaugural session. All the artists worked hard and practiced well to make it an enjoyable event. The music was provided by Radha and Gopi, and it was sung by Gangadhar, Sri Gopi, Sri Ramu, Radhika, and Nitya Santoshini.

Baby Sai Tejaswani, national child award winner of Kadapa, enthralled the audience with her Surya Ashtakam dance sequence.

The fashion show presented by the ATA youth was enjoyable. The models -- both men and women -- did a good job. The Telugu dating game -- a comedy skit presented by ATA youth was hilarious. Youngster Suhas Reddy Thalamarla, who danced to Chiranjeevi's song Dai Dai Damma was impressive.

Nine-year-old Keethana Pakanati was cute when she danced to a song from movie Varsham.

The musical dance skit -- Ori Devuda! Lokam Marera -- by the San Francisco group and a Kuchipudi dance ballet -- Mohini Bhasmasura -- by Pasumarthi Venkateswara Sarma, Sobha Tammana, Asha Joseph and Himani Vennelakanti were enjoyable.

A.V.N. Reddy released a collection of poetic works of B.N. Reddy, a noted builder and writer of Hyderabad. He was also felicitated. Sangeeta Reddy of Apollo Hospital of Hyderabad made a presentation.

Landscape of emotions -- a three-piece dance by a group of boys and girls was well presented and choreographed.

Cultural competitions in various sections including classical, popular and folk forms for various groups were held and prizes were given away.

The entertainment on final day of the ATA conference on July 4 was mainly dominated by Siva Reddy's most entertaining mimicry, and highly enjoyable Koti Swaralu -- a muscal night directed by noted music composer and director Saluru Koteswara Rao, Murali, Gangadharam, Nitya Santoshini and Sunita. They together sang about two dozen film songs. Siva Reddy joined by Rajita regaled the audience with their mimicry. Siva Reddy became emotional when he received a standing ovation from the packed convention hall.

Sanjay of Sizzle India and his chefs were felicitated for preparing tasty food for over 8,000 people for all the three days.

Chicago: The Ninth America Telugu Association (ATA) Conference and Youth Convention will be held in Long Beach Convention Center in Los Angeles from June 30, 2006 to July 2, 2006.

This was announced at the concluding session of the Eighth ATA Conference and Youth Conference by ATA president-elect Mohan Mallam on July 4.

He will be assuming full charge of ATA as president at the end of this year.

Chicago: The exhibition of arts and crafts set up at the Eighth American Telugu Association (ATA) Conference and Youth Convention at the Rosemont Convention Center here during July 2-July 4 attracted several art lovers.

The exhibition, organized by Arts and Crafts Committee headed by Prof. S.V. Rama Rao was inaugurated by Dr. C. Narayana Reddy on July 3.

Speaking on the occasion, he praised the efforts of Prof. Rama Rao in providing an opportunity to some 30 artists and painters to display their works, which included gold inlay paintings, ink sketches, oil painting, graphite on paper, pencil sketches, water colors, quilts, photographs and Kondapalli Bommalu.

A special attraction at the exhibition was the display of crafts made from waste materials by Kamala Prasada Rao.

A very informative souvenir with the biographical sketches of noted painters with their pictures and pictures of their works was brought out on the occasion.