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6 November, 2006
Ghantasaala Aaraadhanotsavaalu in Indianapolis
Sangeeta GITA, the music wing of Greater Indianapolis Telugu Association (GITA), observed 85th birth day of gaana gaandharvudu Late Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, often known as Master Gaaru within telugu music world, on October 28, 2007. This time the Ghantasaala program was held in the support of a noble cause – that of helping differently-abled children being taken care of by Vegesna Foundation of Andhra Pradesh.
It was a calm Sunday afternoon and the venue was India Community center. As people started entering the auditorium, they were greeted by the song “daya cheyandii daya ceeyandii, tamanta vaarika leerandii” from the movie Maayaa Bazaar, an all time master piece of Telugu Movie world. As they entered they were virtually received by Ghanatsala’s picture from his biography “Jeevana Tarangaalu”, projected on a big screen.
As a part of Telugu culture, a homage was paid to Ghantasala, by lighting up a lamp at Ghantasaala’s garlanded picture, by Dr. Vidyasagar Tumuluri (Board of Trustee GITA), Dr. Marri Satyanarayana Reddy (Board of Trustee, GITA), Mr. Raju Chinthala (GITA President), Dr. Vanguri Chitten Raju (National Coordinator of Ghantasaala Aradhanotsavaalu) and Dr. Vamsee Ramaraju (International Coordinator of Ghantasaala program). Singers gaayaka siromani Sri G.V. Prabhakar of Hyderabad and gaayaka ratna Smt. Mani Sastry of Houston, TX also joined this homage.
Sri Raju Chinthala initiated the celebrations by inviting all the attendees and guests. He appreciated all the attendees for their commitment to help the poor and differently abled children of Andhra Pradesh. He appreciated the efforts of Vegesna Foundation for their dedication to the noble cause of helping children. Sri Mohan Devaraju, Chairperson of Sangeeta GITA, thanked the audience for attending and opened up the program.
Kumari Sai Pinnamaneni rendered Ghatansala’s most favorite prayer poems “Suklaam Bharadharam” and “Agajaanana padmaarkam”, in her usual melodious voice.
From that point onwards, singers Prabhakar and Mani Satry entertained the audience with most famous songs of Ghantasala and Telugu movie songs with the Karaoke assisted instrumental music. Various requests from audience were also presented by the singers.
DVD presentation by Dr. Ramaraju explained the mission of Vegesna Foundation and briefly appealed to the audience for contributions to the poor children. As funds were pouring in, Dr. Chitten Raju thanked the donors by announcing the names and amount of donation.
Mr. Mohan Devaraju enthralled the audience by showing a presentation of ninety pictures, named “Jeevana Tarangaalu”, covering rare collections and major events in Ghantasala’s monumental career. He also explained the Song of the week feature from Ghantasala’s home page. He also sung a song in the tune of “pelli chesikoni” from “Pelli chesi choodu” movie for which music was directed by legendary Ghantasaala himself. The lyrics for this song, written by Dr. Mantripragada Krishna of Muncie IN, conveyed the message of “to be united by music world” to the audience.
On behalf of GITA, President Raju Chinthala thanked the executive committee of GITA and the program organizers and showed the appreciation to the organizers and performers by presenting trophies. He announced that $18000-00 was given to the foundation in the shape of checks and pledges. Vegesna foundation assured that 100% of the contributions would be spent on the needy children. The function concluded with the national anthem “Jana gana mana” sung by Ghantasala himself and followed by all the attendees.
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