Over 130 members gathered from various walks of life and attended the North America Telugu Association (NATA) meeting in New Orleans. The meeting began with a prayer followed by opening remarks by President Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy. He welcomed the members and thanked them for being part of the board meeting. His speech outlined the various welfare activities that NATA has been doing and he claimed NATA has now become a household name for the Telugu origin people living in North America. Later, a minute silence was observed for those Telugu people who passed away in America and for those who lost lives in the recent Boston bombings.
Dr. Prem Reddy chair, advisory council invited all the members and felt extremely joyous with the board and how NATA as a whole is dedicating its selfless services to the Telugu community. Dr. Malla Reddy Pailla member, advisory council articulated that NATA was built to serve the Telugu community in North America and in Andhra Pradesh. He recalled the proverb "Service to humanity is Service unto God" and requested NATA should continue doing more to the mankind.
Mr. Ramasurya Reddy secretary, NATA conducted the proceedings. Mr. Srinivas Anugula treasurer, NATA explained the financial position of the organization. President-Elect Ms. Syama Reddy Malireddy commended NATA for choosing a woman for the coveted post and appealed women across the nation to come and be part of NATA which in turn creates a platform for them to address issues that women commonly face every day. Dr. Haranath Policherla exec. Vice-president, NATA gave some valuable suggestions that help strengthening the organization. Standing Committee chairs and Regional Vice-Presidents provided feedback on the progress in their respective committees.
A proposal was put forward to create a special fund called “NATA Emergency Fund” to help Telugu people in North America in the event of any emergency. Dr. Prem Reddy, Dr. Malla Reddy Pailla, Dr. MS Reddy each donated $10,000 on the spot and a total of $52,000 was raised during the board meeting. The members under the guidance of President Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy later discussed about NATA Seva Days its signature event done biennial in Andhra Pradesh.
Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy appointed Mr. Mohan Talamati as coordinator for the NATA Seva days this year who later requested all members to be part of NATA Seva days during December in Andhra Pradesh. Novel ideas were exchanged to make the Seva days reach the corners of the state and the members in unison felt the need to give back to the Telugu community. Being part of the discussion was Gouthami eye institute founder Dr. V.K.Raju an Ophthalmologist by profession who walked through the service he did in 22 countries and mainly in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Dr. V.K.Raju came forward to be part of NATA Seva days and informed he will perform pediatric eye/health fairs. Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy said NATA plans to undertake scholar ships for poor inter-students, water purification projects, benches for elementary schools, medical seminars, business, seminars, kavi sammelanam, and essay & poetry contests during the NATA Seva days in December 2013.
Dr.Sanjeeva Reddy later introduced the Atlanta convention 2014 convener Mr. Bala Indurti who later introduced his team which included Mr. Srinivas Vangimalla and Mr. Satyanarayana Reddy and others. The Atlanta convention team presented some glorious facts of how NATA 2014 convention would be spell-binding which attracted all present in the ball room. A mouth- watering feast of New Orleans dishes sponsored by Dr. Prem Reddy and Dr. Malla Reddy Pailla were part of an unforgettable meeting.
Mahesh Adibhatla
Media and Publicity Chair - NATA
