Atlanta, GA, February 8, 2019: In what can be called the best TAMA event in years, three records were set. The program started on time, over 1200 people attended and about 250 kids participated in contests. What a great way to start the new year. Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta (TAMA) Sankranthi Sambaralu was celebrated on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Norcross High School. The event was sponsored by Shoora EB5 Fund, My Tax Filer and Sankranti Restaurant & Social Event Plaza.
The event was kicked off with two simultaneous contests for kids of all ages from 2 pm. A public speaking contest by The Young Leaders Academy (TYLA) and art competition by Global Art on Pongal-O-Pongal theme. For women, there was a Sankranthi themed rangoli competition and free mehndi. Face Painting attracted a lot of kids. Several local vendor booths were set up at the venue offering clothes, jewelry, snack stalls, financial services etc.
The onstage event started at 4:30 pm with a welcome note by Cultural Secretary Subbarao Maddali. Officers of the executive committee and board were present at the ‘Jyothi Prajwalana’. The very first item was a musical program by five visually disabled artists singing and playing their instruments which was well received by the audience. Several mixed cultural activities were performed by young kids, teens and adults with classical and movie medley dances. Telugu story readings, mono acting with famous NTR movie Daana Veera Soora Karna dialogues, and humorous skits thoroughly entertained the audience. Hilarious anchoring by emcee Sridhar Potabattula entertained all ages.
TAMA president Venky Gadde invited the Guest of Honor Angelika Kausche, Johns Creek, District 50 House Representative, and gave an overview of TAMA and Sankranti festival. The Treasurer Priya Balusu felicitated her with a shawl.
Kausche said she has learned about the diverse Telugu culture and wished the audience on Sankranthi.
The team also felicitated Sheela Lingam, Seetha Valluripalli and Kris Gadde who served TAMA in the past in various capacities and Manabadi teachers & coordinators who have been teaching Telugu to kids every Saturday.
There were many raffle prizes drawn in between local talent programs including Godavari restaurant gift vouchers, Vijaya Collections & Native Trenz sarees, ABC Party Hall Gift Voucher and a diamond ring by KB Zaveree.
In the prime time, well-known singers Shilpa Rao and Prasad Simhadri entertained the audience with many old, new, class, mass and fast beat songs. Kids and adults danced e with joy on the stage.
Traditional dress competition was one of the attractions. Many kids as well as adults participated and won prizes. Winners of the art competition, Rangoli competition and public speaking contest received their prizes on the stage. Everyone enjoyed delicious food provided by Sankranthi restaurant. TAMA team recognized the sponsors of the event Shoora EB5 Fund, My Tax Filer and Sankranti restaurant with a shawl and a plaque.
In his closing remarks and vote of thanks, Gadde thanked the Sankranthi theme decoration by Sujatha Ponnada of Maarigold Events, A/V Support & Photography by ByteGraph Prashant, Srinivas Nimmagadda owner of Sankranthi Restaurant, sponsors, volunteers, officers of the committees, emcee Sridhar, Norcross High School and the wonderful audience.
READ THE REPORT IN OUR FEB 2019 EPAPER
