October 17, 2011: Telugu Kala Samithi known as TFAS, conducted music and dance competitions for local kids in various categories. Starting at 9 AM in the morning and concluding at 6:30 PM, the competitions were held in classical, semi classical and light and movie music as well as Kuchipudi, Bharathanatyam and movie song dances. President of TFAS, Anand Paluri said that this year’s competitions were held at Stelton Community Center in Edison on October 15 th with over 275 kids participating in various categories. This year we included Bharthanatyam also. Kids who win in these competitions will be given an opportunity to perform on the “Big Stage” on October 29 th , when TFAS celebrates the annual Deepavali program. He added that this year’s program will include local talent that will encourage youngsters to learn our arts and culture which is the core charter of the organization and gives us immense pleasure to provide a stage for these kids to show case their talent. In addition, there will be non-stop singing, comedy and mimicry shows to entertain everyone along with sumptuous Andhra Vindubhojanam. This year Tollywood celebrities like the renowned music director and recent Nandi Award winner Chakri, Playback singers Adharshini, Sai Silpa and Vasu will join Chakri to entertain our guests. In addition, we will have comedian actors Uthej and Jetendra will also add comedy flavor with small skits and mimicry. All the artists are confirmed to attend.

TFAS also conducted Tennis tournament as a part of the Deepavali competitions. This effort was spearheaded by the past President Ramakrishna Seethala, who conducted the tournament over a two week period with the help of Saradhi Nara. Over 60 people including 30 kids participated in the tournament and the winners will be awarded their trophies on the day of the Deepavali celebrations.

TFAS secretary Manju Bhargava led the cultural competitions with the help of Events Chair Usha Akella, Youth Chair Bindu Madhiraju and Vice President Girija Kolluri. Treasurer Suresh Makum, Membership chair Vasanth Tanna and IT chair Sudhaker Uppala were at hand to take care of the event logistics. Mrs. Bhargava indicated that there was lot of coordination among the executive committee and the participants, given the number of kids participating and in a true team environment we were able to pull this off without a glitch. Vice Presdient Girija Kolluri said that this year’s program will continue to keep up the values of TFAS and the program will cater to the interests of all who will attend. She requested everyone to register early to ensure that proper arrangements can be made. The Deepavali Celebrations will be held at the East Brunswick Middle School at 20 Rues Lane in East Brunswick. For more details please visit www.tfas.net