Dallas, TX: Members of the Dallas-Fort Worth Telugu community joined together on the afternoon of Sunday the August 5, 2012 at Ohry’s restaurant banquet hall to collectively express their profound sorrow at the demise of Padma Bhushan Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam of Kuchipudi Academy of Arts, Chennai, India and collectively share some moments.
The venue was decorated with a beautiful photograph of Dr. Chinna Satyam flanked by the traditional oil lamps and flower bouquets. Prasad Thotakura, the President of TANA opened the meeting by sharing highlights of his long cherished association with Guru Chinna Satyam and his family. He also announced that TANA will undertake the project of installation of the statue of Guru Padma Bhushan Dr. Vempati China Satyam at Kuchipudi village to perpetuate his memory. He then invited several of the attendees to share their thoughts. The speakers included several friends and admirers of Guru Chinna Satyam, the disciples of the Great Master, and younger generation dancers.
Guru Chinna Satyam revolutionized and transformed the Kuchipudi Art form and taken it new heights in the eyes of music and dance lovers all over the world. The words Kuchipudi dance and Vempati Chinna Satyam have become synonymous. His dedication to Kuchipudi art form is unmatched and through his rigorous and demanding training he produced some of the finest Kuchipudi dancers. Besides being one of the greatest performers, he choreographed several dance ballet master pieces that won him numerous titles and awards such as Kalaprapoorna, Natya Kala Bhushana of Guntur, Kalaimamani Padma Bhushan, etc.
Padma Bhushan Chinna Satyam endeared himself to every one he came in contact with, and earned their immense admiration. He was simple, unassuming, highly compassionate, generous, and highly admired human being that left a lasting impression on every body. The attendees felt that the fond memories will be cherished by one and all for years to come.
Among those who shared their associations with Guru Vempati are: the past president of TANA Dr. Raghavendra Prasad, and his wife Kalyani Prasad, the disciples of Padma Bhushan Vempati Chinna Satyam - Padma Sonti, Srilatha Suri, Kalyani Avula, Hemamalini, Sridevi Yedlapalli, admirers of Guru Satyam Puligandla Viswanadham, Rajesh Adusumilli, Pranamya Suri, and Geeta Dammanna the President of TANTEX.
Several video clips of Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam were shared during the meeting. The meeting was adjourned and each of the attendees offered flowers at the photograph of Dr. Chinna Satyam. The meeting concluded with a group photo of all the attendees.
