November 12 , 2007

Telugu Association of Southern California(TASC) celebrated Diwali the festival of lights with high energy and enthusiasm at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton, CA on November 10 2007. An enthusiastic crowd of more than 900 people commuting from all over Los Angeles turned up and enjoyed the program with their kids and families until midnight. Mouth watering food was served by the local resturant "Dosa Place". Mr.Anil Arrabelli, President of Telugu Association of Southern California welcomed the gathering and thanked all the TASC members for their generous support and contributions to TASC. He also encouraged to promote the local talent in future upcoming events and requested every one to be part of TASC family by taking Membership. He also appreciated Dr. Sinduri organizing the cultural event and thanked the maximum number of participants for this event.

The Diwali program started traditionally with Lamp Lightening by Swami Bhakta Priya,Past President Lakshman Koka, Dr. Vidya Koka & Dr sindhuri, followed by events with Telugu tradition like classical, folk, Movie dance, songs, drama, Comedy, Fashion show which were performed by the Southern California local talent. Swamy Bhaktha priya and Smt Vijiprakash were felicitated by TASC President Anil Arrabelli. TASC conferred the title of "Natyakala Nidhi" on Smt Viji prakash for her dedicated contribution to Bharatha Natyam in North America. TASC recognized the achievement of Kasi Aysola the American born telugu teenager for performing Arangetram for the first time in the history of S. California. The evening was filled with exciting events like Live karnatic music, Diwali traditional program that emphasized the importance of diwali festival by story telling along with Miming song and Deepam dance, Sri Krishna Tulabaram,Thillana in Bharthanatyam style, Jada kolatam, Mimicry, Annamayya Kheertana etc.. Trophies were presented to all the participants by TASC Board, Chairs and Committee. The host and all the guests stayed until the end of the program and thoroughly enjoyed the programs.

The entire TASC executive & committee members deserve to be proud of itself for organizing such mega event so successfully. We hope for, and look forward to, many more such events next year from TASC.