CHICAGO: Andhra Association (CAA) celebrated “Andhra Pradesh Samskrutika Dinotsavam” on October 16 at the HTGC temple. The auditorium was packed to capacity with more than 800 people attending. The event was focused on the grassroots culture of Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.
Little kids were dressed up in traditional attire. CAA’s team added color to the function with men wearing dhotis and women in enchanting sarees. Skillfully decorated stage had a start with ‘Deepaprajwalana’ amidst of vedamantralu.
Sahithi Kotha, Sireesha Kola of Cultural Committee with the help of Neelima Boddu welcomed the audience and initiated the programs with Ganesha Pancharatna Kruthi “Mudakarartha Modakam” followed by a patriotic item choreographed by Lakshminag Suribhotla. The audience was welcomed in Kuchipudi classical style with “Swagatham” choreographed by Pavani Koduri.
Andhra Janapadam was depicted on the stage thru anrutyam choreographed by Srivani Vokkarane. “Telugammai” is another one not to be missed. Whole auditorium including the chief guest US Congressman Bill Foster was emotionally touched and made to rise for a standing ovation to “Amaravathi Geetam”, the epitome of Andhra Pradesh state, depicting its rich cultural heritage.
Choreographer Jyothi Vangara helped Board Director Vani Dittakavi in bringing this concept to reality with a large number of young dancers along with CAA team members playing roles of renowned Andhra personalities. “Mohinibasmasura, a semi classical dance drama by Kousalya Velagapudi and Eswari Jagarapu, titillated crowd to the core. “Sajeevanadulu”, a mesmerizing item about the linkage of the holy rivers with our lives was portrayed in a rich classical way. Other scintillating items including “Jaya Jaya Swamin” by Janaki Anandavalli Nair, “Natesha Kowtwam” by Asha Acharya Adiga, captured undivided attention from audience.
Youth Director Sandhya Appalaneni presented “Endaro Mahanubhavulu” as a series of items throughout the program introducing several eminent personalities from Andhra region by young boys and girls.
“NRI Paatlu” was a hilarious comedy play enjoyed by all. Other riveting performances such as “Rama Rama” song, Kids Keys, medleys were well received. Sujatha Appalaneni Cultural Chair and Events committee chair Dr. Uma Katiki saw the overall execution of the programs.
Sundar Dittakavi, President of the organization, explained the objectives, with diversified Board structure and leadership.The Andhra Pradesh Development Forum of North America (APDFNA) Executive Director Padma Rao Appalaneni explained the various flagship programs undertaken by CAA in AP. Bhanu Swargam, Assistant Executive director explained how 25% of membership contributions are leveraged for the developmental activities and appreciated their key team members Karthik Desai and Srihari Jasti for initiating great projects at their hometowns.
Founders Committee Chairman Srinivas Pedamallu explained the CAA’s identifier having board with equal participation of men and women supplemented with youth and senior citizen directors. President Sundar Dittakavi introduced Board Directors and Executive Committee followed by Vice President Dr.Uma Katiki introducing Committee chairs and co-chairs.
Treasurer Raghav Jatla, Board directors, Hema Tatineni, Tanvi Sri Jatla with help from Srikrishna Matukumalli, Shailesh Maddi, Karthik Desai, Bhuvana explained the benefits of CAA membership while overseeing the Membership desk.
Masters of the ceremony were Youth Director Sandhya Appalaneni and Bhanu Chander.
Sumptuous Andhra food including delicacies such as Andhra laddu, Guttivankayakura, punugulu and dosavakai were served to the guests under the supervision of Board Director Anu Gampala and food committee lead Suresh Sanakkayala.
Dinkar Karumuri, Secretary thanked members, sponsors and all who helped the event in its grand success. The day ended with group singing of “Jana Gana Mana.”
Keerthi Ravoori
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