The American Telugu Association (ATA) of New Jersey/New York held a successful International Women’s Day and Ugadi Celebrations event at Royal Alberts Palace in Edison on April 2nd. The event was graced by around 1200 people from all walks of life.
The program began with ATA President Mrs. Madhu Bommineni lighting lamps and the ATA NJ/NY team performing the traditional Ugadi Pooja. Anu Dasari and her team performed a devotional inaugural song which was well received by the audience. Kellie Drakeford, Chief Government Affairs Officer and Special Assistant to the President, was the chief guest and gave an inspirational speech acknowledging diversity, inclusivity, and women empowerment.
The event featured a fashion show for all age groups, a Rangoli competition, many dance performances by kids and adults of all age groups, quizzes, kids games like musical chairs, and other activities. Each activity was accompanied by prizes and ATA Voluntary certificates to acknowledge the effort put in by the participants. Voluntary services were spearheaded by the next generation teenage kids who were presented mementos by ATA President. The event also emphasized the enrollment of the next generation kids and youngsters into ATA, and considerable progress was made towards this.
Special thanks were given to the strong ladies team, including Geetha Reddy, Meenaksi Thuniki, Archana Vemula, Anu Dasari, and others, who worked hard to make the event successful. Prominent cultural art dance schools of NJ and their artistic directors were also thanked, including Siddendra Kuchipudi Art Academy’s Swathi Atluri, Kalanjali school of dance Sudha Devulapalli, and Centre for Kuchipudi Dance Indira Sreeram Reddy. Many ATA team members from different states, including President-Elect Jayanth Challa and Past President Paramesh Bheemreddy, were in attendance.
The event was successful due to great coordination between all ATA members. A very delicious lunch, including ugadhi pachhadi and traditional sweets, was served. All the attendees appreciated and thanked ATA for keeping the ATA signature event alive year after year.
