BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Photos by Suresh K. Volam, Sri Photos
Atlanta, GA, May 10, 2019: Atlanta Telugu Samskruti celebrated Ugadi festival with traditional fervor and an award ceremony at the Ugadi Vedukalu and Ugadi Puraskaramulu event held on April 6, 2019 held at the Johns Creek Event center.
Brimming with performances, the event had well over 350 people in attendance with more than 40 vibrant dance and musical acts, with performers decked in colorful, local customary attires.
“It’s my honor to be the president and organize the Ugadi event. Any day can be special if the community comes together,” said Sneha Bukkarayasamudram, current president of the association.
One of the most endearing performances of the evening came from two-year-old Shaivi Bhamidipati, who danced with no inhibitions, bursting of energy. Singers Venkat Chennubatla, Usha Mocharla, Srinivas Durgam, Srivalli Koduri, Srinivas Kilambi and Ram Durvasula thoroughly entertained the audience. A duet by Venkat Chennubotla and Ram Durvasula in which Venkat chennubotla sang in a female voice was very well received. Classical dance performances by Sredevi Dadithota and Pushyami Gottipati added to the traditional experience.
Awards and recognitions were categorized in Junior and Senior categories. NRI Pulse Publisher/Editor-in-chief Veena Rao was one of the recipients in the Senior category. Dr. Paddy Sharma, President & CEO of Data point, Dr. Veena Rao, Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology , Co-Director, Cancer Biology Program, Morehouse School of Medicine, Dr. Sujatha Reddy founder and incorporator of Sai Health Fair, Sheela Lingam HTA President, Sandhya Bhagat, Founder of theater group Dhoop Chaoon, and Thanu Avirneni, Georgia #1 Scholastic Female chess player were the other winners.
“This event would not have been possible without the help of our supporters and volunteers. I would like to extend special thanks to Ganesh Kasam, Krishna Vedula , Geetha Vedula, Vasantha Chilukula, Sairam Karamanchi, Srini Bhagavatham , Shailaja Bhagavatham, Venu Mylavarapu, Sri Gouri Aditya Chimala Konda, Jayanthi, Venkat Machavolu and many others,” said Bukkarayasamudram.
Atlanta Telugu Saamskriti, a non-profit organization which aims to promote Telugu culture, literature music and arts, was founded by Ramesh Valluri in on July 28, 2017. The advisory board includes Bhoga Rao, Nemani Somayajulu, Chandra, and Sandhya. The Executive team includes Sneha Bukkarayasamudram (President), Maanasa Ghantasala (Kriti – President), Vaishnavi Ghantasala (Medha- President).
1 comment
Good work