Telugu Association of Minnesota's infinitude quest to help Telugu community unveil the whole new concept of "Twin Deepavali" in Twin cities Minnesota.
The idea behind Twin deepavali is to split the TEAM Diwali event into two major events.
The first program is 100% dedicated to kids. Participants are from age groups 2 years to 10 years.
TEAM called this program as "BalaVinodam". This event held on Oct 8th 2011, solely managed by Kids, including MCs.
More than 100 kids participated in it and about 500 people attended. It got received many appreciations from happy parents and the audience.
TEAM decided to bring more Telugu flavor to this event, and targeted many areas for improvement. The one that caught every one's eye was the traditional "Andhra pancha" imported from AndhraPradesh, India.
TEAM members lit candles on the dark stage, welcomed Diwali 2011 with loud applause from audience. Since then, every event filled with traditional spices. There is only one aspect of all programs, 'promote the glory of Telugu culture to younger generation'.
Few highlights of TEAM Diwali 2011 held at Jefferson High school, Bloomington, Minnesota on 29th October 2011 are, MCs Chandrasekhar Jalasutram and Sailaja Vallamkondu managed the entire program in Telugu language only.
There were about 225 participants, and 1000 people, attended this mega event, one of the biggest community event in Minnesota.
All the participants names got nicely arranged by Mr Venkat Kothur in Telugu write up, displayed on the digital screen with their pictures. Digital sound system, with enhanced video were added advantage.
TEAM expanded its wings to reach out county sheriff, cordially invited him to talk about safety and security.
Many kids and adults doubts were clarified on the spot. County Sheriff was honored by prominent Minnesota Telugu citizen Mr. Murty Uppaluri. The entire Diwali event comprised by few comedy skits, dramas, dances, filmy and traditional songs.
Overall its a package of fun, rapped with traditional threads. In between the programs, there was a International Telugu private musical album "Zzill" launch by president Hari Pallempati, music composed by neighborhood state Illinois resident Mr. Bhupati Raju. There were many sponsors for this mega event, and every one got recognized by TEAM in the social hour.
TEAM honored the platinum sponsors, Mr. Madhu Reddy (USEI) and Mahi (Vajraasys) on the stage in prime time. In the interim, one of the TEAM directors Mr. Saladi Naidu, introduced the TEAM 2012 committee.
TEAM activities got spread in to multiple dimensions mostly focused on charitable activities like 'Feed my starving children' and so on. TEAM is getting bigger and bigger in size and activities, and be known not only to Telugu community but also to entire Minnesota and its neighborhood states.
In this Diwali event, TEAM, recognized locally talented telugu individuals, and presented mementos for upcoming Telugu tennis star Sofi and singer Kiran Govind for winning the Indian Idol of Minnesota title among tough competition.
Every participant in this mega event, got mementos and certificates. Surya Duggirala the event organizer got credit for effectively organizing both Twin-Diwali functions by planning each one separately for many months in advance.
Durga Prasad Kunapareddy the cultural event coordinator, helped for smooth transition to new format along with Sailaja Mamidanna the cultural secretary.
This beautiful and most memorable traditional program ended with vote of thanks by president elect Sudhir Nandamuru, recognizing each and every volunteer on the stage for their hard work and dedication shown for this event. Overall, overwhelming response from the community for one of the best programs held in USA and definitely one of its kind in Minnesota.
