CHICAGO: Andhra Association of Chicago (CAA) celebrated its First Anniversary at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont, (a Chicago suburb) last week enthralling 1000 plus audience with music, dance, drama, and dinner.
Chief Guest Consul General Ms. Neeta Bhushan commended CAA for its success in preserving the culture as a service to Andhra Pradesh. She was presented with a “Bobbili Veena” as a memento. Dr. Prakasam Tata was honored with Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedicated services to tribal communities and waste water management. Frank Avila, Chairman, MWRD, Chicago also graced the occasion.
Amidst a plethora of Telugu Diaspora organizations, CAA strives to stand unique with philanthropy on its mind, with its central foundation, APDFNA, working primarily on service-oriented projects in AP. CAA President, Sundar Dittakavi said that 25 cents of every dollar earned through the nominal annual membership to CAA would be spent on charitable causes. He emphasized the diversity in CAA by highlighting the fact that the board consists of equal number of men and women.
Sahiti Kotha, Kiran Adimulam, Sairavi Suribhotla and Mrudulatha Mathukumalli held the audience’s attention with their able emceeing and lively banter throughout the evening’s program. Telugu pride and culture was showcased in a variety of stage performances – both classical and contemporary – starting from ages five to senior citizens. Ancient music kritis and compositions were evoked through vocal, violin and tabla jugalbandi renditions.
Patriotic songs were performed by tiny tots with attractive costumes. Semi classical dances Krishna Leelalu, Shiva and Vishnu were performed by younger kids with perfection and dedication. Telugu folk songs on festivals were performed by teen girls. Folk songs from north, east, west, south parts of India were performed by nearly 28 participants.
The “Beauty of Andhra” describing the greatness of the Andhra Pradesh State and senior citizens fashion show with “Unity in Diversity” theme on language integration lead by Ramanamurthy Yedavalli, Vani Dittakavi and Prasuna Vootkur evoked emotions with the audience giving a standing ovation.
This was followed by a series of memorable performances that captured the hearts and minds of the viewers. Participation by boys in semi classical items like “Shiva Sthutis”, “Satakarni” broke the tradition of girls only items.
A variety of items including Tollywood were enacted through classical, semi-classical and fusion dance items. The entire program ran with a theme and there was excellent flow owing to a well-organized stage. CAA appreciated each choreographer with a fancy “Jute Bag” as a token gift specially imported from India which was hand made by mentally challenged craftsmen.
Highly energetic youth presented outstanding performance on “Krishnashtami”. Skits on modern-day challenges such as academic rigor for students and weight-loss struggle for adults was tackled humorously in “LavuokkaInchiayinataggaledu” a skit directed by Smt. Lakshmi Naag.
Cultural team lead by Sahithi Kotha, Sirisha Kola, Neelima Boddu, Sujatha Appalaneni and Vani Dittakavi successfully led the entire program managing 290 participants making it an amazing show.
The classic stage decoration was led by Bhargavi Nettem, Sunitha Rachapalli, Kiran Vankayalapati and Malleswari Pedamallu. CAA successfully integrated inclusiveness and national unity into the program with the children’s rendition of a one-India depicting the costumes, dance and music traditions of regional India.
Members were welcomed with traditional gift made in “Eti Koppaka” from Andhra Pradesh. Youth volunteers and their team gave great hospitality to members. The events team lead by Sunitha Rachapalli executed the overall event with meticulous planning .Sumptuous Andhra dinner with Andhra delicacies like Purnamboori, Mysorepak was another big highlight.
CAA Vice President Uma Katiki and Founders committee Chairman Srinivas Pedamallu, Secretary Dinkar Karumurit thanked all sponsors, volunteers and attendees and concluded the event with US and India National Anthems.
Bhanu Swargam
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