Atlanta Telugu Sangam TAMA (Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta) had their Sankranti celebrations on January 21 in a grand manner at the local Denmark High School. Shekhar's Reality - Shekhar Tadiparthi, Lavanya Tadiparthi as Gold Sponsors, Northeast Mortgage - Chinmaya Manchala, Real Tax Ally - Hariprasad Salian, Pista House Restaurant - Pawan Yamana, Bhanu Ancha as Silver Sponsors, HC Robotics - Venkat Chundi as Bronze Sponsors. The enthusiastic participation of nearly 2,000 people will forever be etched in Atlanta and 42 years of TAMA history, breaking past records like never before.
More than 50 women and children participated in the Muggula competition organized on this occasion, who have put a variety of Muggulu (Rangoli, an art form of India). More than 150 school children participated in the Knowledge Bowl competition. TAMA gave prizes to the winners of these two competitions. 40 shopping stalls set up by different types of traders were a special attraction. Many won various gifts through raffle tickets. Many have taken photos special guest, popular Tollywood singer Geeta Madhuri as part of the meet and greet.
TAMA Cultural Secretary Thiru Chillapalli inaugurated the program and invited everyone. President Sairam Karumanchi introduced Executive Committee and Board Treasurer Srinivas Uppu introduced the directors. Geetha Madhuri and TAMA team lit the torch, to mark the beginning of the event. For the first time, both Indian and American flags were kept on the dais. Devotional songs, poems, movie songs, medleys, plays and dances by local artists enthralled all the attendees. On the occasion of NTR's centenary Birthday, TAMA's Nata Natya Pada performance and Nataraja Natyanjali's Sankranti Vibhavam dance drama were special programs. Lavanya impressed with her lively anchoring. Along with her, she trained the youth and made them part of anchoring. Rhythm and
Raga, the only Telugu band in Atlanta entertained with their songs. Geeta Madhuri mesmerized the audience with her fantabulous singing for almost two and a half hours as part of Musical Night, which consisted of a medley of a variety of songs. Many people came on stage and danced.
Guests of honor Georgia House Representative Carter Barrett, Forsyth County Board of Education Mike Valdes and Johns Creek Council member Dilip Tunki conveyed Sankranthi wishes and said it was a pleasure to meet so many people at these celebrations. Also, it was so pleasant to see past presidents, chairmen and committee members of TAMA. Art of Living and HTA strongly insisted the need for yoga, meditation and spirituality. Leaders of local and national organizations Maitri, GATES, IFA, GATA, TANA, ATA, TDF, NATA, TATA, Kannada Kuta came and expressed their best wishes. All the sponsors nd guests were felicitated by TAMA. This year, TAMA encouraged more youth participation, seen that in anchoring, at the front desk and at Food serving in large numbers. Speaking on various occasions, President Sairam expressed his gratitude to the audience, mentioning the four pillars of TAMA are people, sponsors, volunteers and the TAMA team. He mentioned that there is a great need for the youth in organizations and some special programs will be organized for them. Insisted on having elders blessings and experience, yoga, meditation and spirituality. Also, he elaborated on the details of next programs.
Board Treasurer Srinivas Uppu explained in detail about TAMA Free Clinic, Manabadi, Sports, Seminars and Scholarships.
It is noteworthy that registrations for stalls were closed 3 days prior to the event, knowledge bowl 2 days prior, Tickets and Muggula competitions a day before. Pista House Restaurant served delicious meals. Even though the event was advertised as sold out, due to many walk-ins, there was some delay and inconvenience at the food, but the organizers immediately made necessary arrangements. Many people were discussing that the event is a blockbuster, they have not seen such a large crowd any time and everything is marvelous. Even after the event, many expressed similar feelings and thoughts through phone calls and messages, which gives more encouragement to TAMA team, to do many more good events. Vice President Suresh Bandaru thanked the audience, sponsors, chief guests, volunteers, anchors, TAMA team, Currie Learning Vijitha, judges Rama Pawar, Haripriya Doddaka, photography Ravi Vaddamanu, video Vakiti Creations, decoration Madhurama Creations, DJ AR Dazzle Events, Rhythm and Raga Band, media partners NRI2NRI.com, TV9, Teluguvox.com for making the Sankranti celebrations an unprecedented success.
