1. The Hindu temple of Atlanta felicitating TAMA Silver Jubilee committee, in recognition of its commitment and dedication.

2. Kenneth Cutshaw ,Honarary Consul of India, releasing the Silver Jubilee Souvenir.

3. Key note speakers at the TAMA business seminar. L to R Dr Jagdish Sheth, Harsha Agadi, Dr Srinivas Reddy and Kris Gadde, coordinator of the seminar.

4. Pratapa Rudreeyam, a drama presented by local talent.

5. Satasahasravadhani Dr. Madugula Nagaphani Sarma flanked by Atlanta Telugu literati at Rajatavadhanam

6. Official release of 16 Ramayanam CDs and book. Photos by RAVI R. PONANGI.

7. Ravi R. Ponangi, Atlanta correspondent for India Tribune Newsweekly receiving the TAMA silver Jubilee recognition plaque. Photo by Kollipara Prashant. September 2nd and 3rd were very special days for the Telugu speaking people of in and around Atlanta. They marked their calendars well in advance to attend the silver jubilee celebrations of the Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta, popularly known as TAMA, at the Gwinnett Civic Center. The festivities at the venue were a sight to behold. 

The two-day grand finale of the year-long silver jubilee celebrations showcased the rich “telugudanam” of Telugu language, literature, folk songs, village dances, culture and heritage.

The gala event also included a mega musical night, a business seminar, a college re-union (Alumni), a Kids’ Fest, Anthakshari, Sahiti sadassu, Rajathavadhanam, Mahila Sadassu, Pratapa Rudreeyam drama, cultural activities, Dance, Drama & much more. Many of the delegates felt that the arrangements were at the level of national level bodies like TANA (Telugu Association of North America) and ATA (American Telugu Association) bi-annual celebrations.

Every event held during the two-day festivities was meticulously planned and executed. TAMA president Bala Indurti, and the silver jubilee executive committee were appreciated for their work.

At the concluding ceremony, in a surprise gesture, the Hindu temple of Atlanta, Riverdale felicitated all the eight executive committee members of TAMA on behalf of the Atlanta community and the global community, for their commitment and dedication to the community. The mega musical night by movie singers Usha and Gangadhar and the comedy show and mimicry by film star Siva Reddy were the highlights of the celebrations. Thunderous laughter and Telugu pride filled the air at the festival hall. The mood was joyous and the hall was packed.

The inaugural ceremony of the festival was started with an invocation by Dr. B.K. Mohan. Kenneth Cutshaw, Honorary Consul of India in Atlanta declared open the celebrations and released the silver jubilee souvenir. Dr. Brahmasri Madugula Naga Phani Sarma, Sri. Gangadhar Gaanagandharva, singer/musician, mimic and film actor Siva Reddy, and a host of community leaders were present at the inaugural ceremony.

Delegates enjoyed Rajatavadhanam by Satasahasravadhani Dr. Brahmasri Madugula Naga Phani Sarma from India, where 25 participants gave the Avadhani assignments, which the latter answered with ease. The Rajatavadhanam as a literary performance has a unique place in the cultural and literary tradition of Andhra Pradesh. No other language in the world has a similar literary performance. DR. Jagdish Sheth, Prof. Srinivas Reddy, Deepak Raghavan and Harsha Agadi, president and CEO of Church’s Chicken participated in the business seminar as keynote speakers and explained in detail about world market and opportunities available to the entrepreneur delegates. Young entrepreneurs who attended the business seminar said it was really beneficial. The speeches were simple, short and to the point.

Besides the release of the silver jubilee souvenir, many other publications and other cds were released on the occasion. TAMA history DVD, Ramayanam book with 16 audio CDs were released during the fete. The Vanguri foundation of Houston also released two publications written by two Atlanta based literati Dr. Pemmaraju Venugopala Rao and Dr. Pudipeddy Seshu Sarma. TAMA presented a lifetime achievement award to its founding president Dr. M. Jagan Mohan Rao. TAMA also recognized and presented a certificate of appreciation to 25 prominent community personalities on the eve of TAMA silver jubilee/ TAMA Rajatosavamulu.

In the early years, Telugu families used to meet at individual houses. The growing needs of the community necessitated the local Telugu families to start an organization in 1981 and the rest is history. The growth of TAMA into a mature, dynamic, flowering and resourceful association will be a proud chapter in the history of the Telugu community in Metro Atlanta.