‘Kalaratna’ winner for the year 2011 and Telugu ghazal whiz, Dr. Ghazal Srinivas was honored by Memphis Telugu community on June 2, 2012. At a grand civic reception and public felicitation accorded by North America Telugu Society (NATS) in the Temple pavilion, he was conferred with ’Ganaa Kalaa Vaachaspathi’.

“I would like to thank a few people who made a significant impact in my life: My mother and father have anchored me with good values; People all around the world have embraced me and my ghazals with an open heart and today, I am overwhelmed with the gesture” the maestro said in his address.

One of the most influential names in the ghazal community today, Dr. Srinivas is credited for pioneering Ghazal poetry in Telugu language. The theme of a ghazal is always the same; the pain and suffering of unrequited love.
 
NATS director Dr. Nagendra Srinivas Kodali was instrumental in coordinating the event. The event was co hosted by India Cultural center & Temple (ICCT), Telugu Association of Memphis (TAM) and India Association of Memphis (IAM).

ICCT Chairman Dr. Prasad Duggirala presented the plaque & TAM committee honored him with the traditional shawl. The organizing team includes Muralidhar Manikonda, Naveen Mamidipalli, Dr. Muralidhar Reddivari, Kiran Kodali, Dinesh Bollimunta, Raj Thota, Janardhan Pagadala, Kiran Parupudi, Janardhan Boyella, Gowri Shankar Sasipalli, Ratnakar Vana, Uday Natra, Niranjan Vuppu, Phani Teegalapalli, Nataraja Krishnaraju, Pramod Paidi, Praveen Paidi, Sasiram Dhanukota, Aparna Bhatla and several other volunteers.

Memphis Telugu community greatly appreciated his efforts and service to the art of Telugu ghazal, humanity and world peace. The award sure is a well earned recognition for the eminent Indian vocalist.