Mahatma Gandhi once famously said that the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. A simple yet profound thought; One, which inspired countless individuals, over generations, to find solace in the service of others.
North American Telugu Association (NATA) imbibed this philosophy and is doing yeoman service for the wellbeing of Telugu community in America and Canada. NATA is involved in community service, showcasing the rich and varied heritage of the Telugu culture in US, promote social activities, provide assistance to the large number of Telugu students, and play a significant role in preservation and promotion of the Telugu language and heritage within the United States and around the globe.
NATA has a strong presence in USA and Canada with thousands as its members. Under the stewardship of its President, Mr. AVN Reddy, NATA has undertaken quite a few community service programs in North America and India while serving the growing needs of the estimated three hundred thousand people of Telugu origin living in North America.
NATA’s first of the bi-annual convention - NATA 2012 - is going to be held from June 29, 2012 to July 1, 2012 in the culturally vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Houston, Texas, The convention is being held at the George R. Brown convention center in Houston, Texas. An estimated 7000 delegates from all over USA, Canada, India and other countries are expected to attend the three day convention. Several dignitaries, government officials from state of Andhra Pradesh and USA are expected to attend this conference. NATA’s first convention is going to showcase the best in each category - renowned Music Directors from Telugu Cinema, Business Seminars from successful Telugu Businessman from around the world, Literary sessions, Youth forum, Literary sessions, Woman Forum etc.
Mr. Jitender Reddy, the Convener of the NATA 2012 Convention Center has assembled various teams of dedicated individuals and has promised to make this a glorious event with memories to cherish for a long time. The cultural team has been putting countless hours and tireless efforts to ensure that the attendees will witness informative seminars from leading doctors, engineers, successful Telugu Entrepreneurs and meet the stalwarts of Telugu movie industry.
The doyen of Telugu film industry - Nandamuri Balakrishna – has confirmed his participation and has promised to entertain the audience and interact with them throughout the convention.
Hero Nitin, riding high on his recent success of Ishq, will enthrall the NATA 2012 delegates with his entertaining performance. Prabhas and Daggubati Rana are among the heroes that are invited and expected to attend. Leading ladies Parvati Melton, Richa Gangopadhaya (of Leader fame), Amani and Vimala Raman have confirmed their attendance to the convention. Other stars like Sneha, Nayanatara, Trisha and Charmy have been invited and expected to attend. Veteran comedian Ramaprabha will entertain the audience with her act and shall regale the audience with a recollection of her vast experience. Comedians that are ruling the current comedy scene in Telugu industry like Srinivas Reddy, ‘Thagubothu’ Ramesh (of Ala Modalaindi fame), Dhanraj, and a host of other famous comedians who promise to make it a hilarious event.
Legendary actors Mr. Rajendra Prasad and literary scion Mr, Tanikella Bharani are invited and audience can expect an informative and humorous take on the literary values of the entertainment industry. Variety entertainment programs are planned for your pleasure. For the first time the traditional acts of Harikatha and Burrakatha by famous groups from India have confirmed their participation at the NATA Convention.
An unprecedented grand musical event is organized in the history of USA Telugu conventions with three famous music directors Mani Sharma, Koti and Vanedmataram Srinivas on the same stage. The current popular and talented crop of singers accompanying the music directors will perform foot tapping numbers to enthrall the audience. It is the intent of the NATA convention team to bring out the best Telugu talent in USA.
NATA 2012 Convention is planning to recognize the veritable talent of non-resident Telugu people. To encourage and show case the best singing talent among NRI’s, NATA is conducting ‘NATA-Swaramadhuri’ singing competition. “Super Guru” Ramachary will guide and coordinate the contestants. Dance drama, classical and folk dance items, Skits, Drama and Mimicry competitions will be held during NATA convention and winners shall be recognized on stage. Only registered guests are allowed to participate in the competitions.
For the first time, NATA has recognized the power of short films and is conducting a Short Film Competition, NSFC to lend its support and throw its weight behind the next generation of talented filmmakers and screenwriters. Winning filmmakers and screenwriters will be honored for their exceptional achievements and will receive awards that can help further their career. Selected short films will be screened at the convention for the attendees.
Sport is a theatre where even a sinner can turn saint even a common man can become an uncommon hero and a great way to develop a healthy body and mind. To encourage and recognize the athletic talent of the youth, NATA is conducting sports competitions in various fields. After the tremendous response to the sporting events (Cricket, Volleyball and Golf competitions) across the US, NARA is planning to felicitate the winners during the Convention.
One of India’s fab four and the stylish Hyderabadi batsmen, VVS Laxman, has agreed to grace the occasion to encourage the participants.
North American Telugu Association (NATA) would like to recognize our youngsters in the age group of 16-25 for outstanding accomplishments in various fields by presenting them with TSR-NATA Youth Awards. Nine awards will be given in association with T. Subbarami Reddy Lalitha Kala Parishat International (India) in the fields of classical and western dance, painting, singing, instrumental music and community service etc.
NATA Gala Banquet will be held on Friday, June 29th, 2012 at the Hilton Americas, overlooking the skyline of downtown Houston. Banquet dinner is the curtain raiser for the first ever NATA convention. Arrangements have been made to serve the attendees, a 5-course delicious Andhra meal with festive ambience. The hall will be filled with dignitaries, movie stars, VIP guests, and donors whose generosity has made this event a reality. At this event, NATA recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions in various categories, such as science, engineering, medicine, business, culture, community service etc. Convener Mr. Jitender Reddy has extended the invitation to all the Telugus across the world and asked one and all to come and be part of this journey and NATA will ensure get entertained while enjoying the Texas style hospitality. Visit www.NATA2012.org for live updates on convention.
