DAVE VASUDEVAN
CHICAGO: Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (TAGC), in league with American Telangana Association (ATA), organized the “TAGC International Women’s Day” March 10 at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, a north side suburb of Chicago which was attended by about 350 women.
The event started with lighting of the lamp by TAGC and ATA representatives and offering of prayers to lord Ganesha. This was followed by several interesting programs, inspirational and informative speeches, games and music.
The event was very well planned, organized and executed by Manasa Lattupalli, Vinitha Podduturi, Sirish Madduri and Vijaya Chitta. The TAGC Board of Directors played a key role in making the event a grand success
During the event, the association raised funds for charitable organizations Akshaya Vidya, which supports in educating kids living in slum areas, and Joy Foundation, founded by Dr. Raj Kumar to provide health care for people with limited resources.
The guest speakers at the event were Promila Kumar, Lt. Dawn McDermott, Sgt. Karen McCartney and Gayatri Rathod. Promila Kumar, founder and executive director of Sanjeevani For U spoke on how to identify signs of abuse and what to do about this. She provided education to all women on resources available through her organization.
Lt. Dawn McDermott (Sub Division – Training and Emergency Services) and Sgt. Karen McCartney (Sub Division – Community Relations, Public Information Office) gave tips on self-defense, how to be vigilant of the surroundings, making spilt second smart decisions for self-protection.
Gayatri Rathod, a licensed medical esthetician and professional makeup artist, presented an informative session on secrets for a healthy skin and how to incorporate these small changes in daily routine.
There were fun-filled entertaining games for ladies which proved very attractive for the participants. The event attracted a large number of vendors marketing their products and services.
Other attractions were a ladies fashion show and a flash mob dance performed by over 25 ladies. Soujanya Rallabandi sang a beautiful Mashup song.
The event culminated with food served by 7 Spices Restaurant of Vernon Hills, a Chicago suburb.
TAGC President Ramu Billakanti and Women’s Day chair Manasa Lattupally thanked all the Board Members, Women’s Day Committee and TAGC youth volunteers for their efforts in making the 2019 TAGC International Women’s Day celebrations a grand success.