Telugu Fine Arts Society (TFAS) celebrated Sree Khara Nama Samvastradi Ugadi on April 16, 20011 at East Brunswick Middle School. Despite of the torrential rains, there were approximately 1000 people that attended this event. North American Telugu Society (NATS) was a grand sponsor of this event and provided Andhra Vindhu Bhojanm.
For the first time in TFAS history, TFAS conducted special 4 Ls work shop that included Living, Leadership, Legal and Literary sessions.
All the workshops were a grand success. Former Commissioner of Transportation and President and CEO of School Construction Corporation Sri Kris Kolluri explained leadership and how the Indian, especially Telugu youth can get involved in the mainstream American politics and make a difference.
The literary session including reading stories and poem recitles with regards to Vasantha Ruthuvu. Andhra Vindu Bhojanam was served after the workshops included traditional Telugu vantakalu and ugadi paccchadi. Bone Marrow drive was conducted as a part of “Save Vinod” campaign.
The Dinner was followed by a non- stop 4 hours prime time entertainment. Just the like the Ruchis of Ugadi Pacchadi that was served at the dinner, TFAS‘s Cultural Program included variety of flavors; there were classical dances, movie dances, Fashion Show by younger youth, Local Musical program , a comedy play, a very special Ugadi dance Ballet. The Evening ended with a Tollywood Extravaganza by Anuj Gurwara (Singer of Panchadara Bomma /Actor), Bhargavi Pillai (of A. R. Rehman troup) and Nikhil (Happy Days fame). The entertainment team from India had everyone spell bound. The young and old all were dancing to the tunes of Magadhheera and other recent movies. Executive committee, President Anand Paluri and team, consisting of Girija Kolluri, Manju Bhargava, Suresh Makam, Usha Akella, Anantha Sudhaker Uppala, Vasant Naidu, Bindu Madiraju and Jai Kureti conducted this programin a well-organized and very successfully.
Addressing the crowd during the program, the Association President Mr. Anand Paluri said that “after spending one-year as a part of the executive committee, it is time to evaluate our performance and set goals for the coming year”. He stressed the importance of promoting our culture value to the younger generations and how TFAS plays a role in this. He made a presentation of various cultural and community events TFAS conducted over the past year that included picnic, several classical singing concerts, cultural art competitions and workshops, food and clothing drives, and fund rising events for blind students from India as well as collecting funds for the flood victims in Andhra Pradesh. Over 30 kids of ages between 7 and 13 performed a fashion show that reflected the Telugu traditional dressing during festivals. Secretary Ms. Manju Bhargava conveyed vote of thanks to all the attendees, sponsors and supports. As a New Jersey based Telugu Organization, TFAS will support the NATS’s “America Telugu Sambaralu” from July 1st to July 3rd to be held in Edison, NJ. Guests from NATA, ATA and NATS were recognized during the festivities. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the program.
