The Telugu Kala Samithi (TFAS) Ugadi celebrations and awards ceremony were held in a grand manner in New Jersey, bringing together Telugu families and community leaders from across the region. The event showcased Telugu culture, traditions, literature, and arts with great enthusiasm.
Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu, Upendra Chivukula, former Guntur Mirchi Yard Chairman Mannava Subba Rao, and music director R. P. Patnaik attended the event as chief guests. The celebrations were organized under the leadership of TFAS President Madhusudana Rao Anna.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu emphasized the importance of preserving the mother tongue, stating that language is the bridge of culture and identity for any community. He expressed happiness over receiving the Ugadi honor in the presence of the Telugu community. He also mentioned that the Chief Ministers of the Telugu states, N. Chandrababu Naidu and A. Revanth Reddy, had appointed him as a special advisor in the medical and healthcare sector.
TFAS President Madhu Anna said he had served the organization with dedication and responsibility during his two-year tenure. Mannava Subba Rao praised TFAS for preserving Telugu culture and heritage among the overseas Telugu community. Music director R.P. Patnaik remarked that no community can sustain its identity after forgetting its mother tongue.
Former TFAS President Damu Gedela was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his services to the organization and community. Ugadi awards were also presented to renowned singer Dr. T. Sharath Chandra and stage artist Ashok Chintakunta.
The cultural programs organized as part of the celebrations entertained the audience throughout the event. A photo exhibition attracted special appreciation from attendees. Kokila Manjula Sri delivered the traditional Panchanga Sravanam, while Chitti Sharma performed Vedic chanting.
Several TFAS executive members for the 2024–26 term, including Satya Venkatatata, Prasad Utukuri, Vani Kunishetti, Sheshagiri Rao Kambhamnettu, Arundhati Shavelli, Varalakshmi Radhakrishna, Latha Madishetty, and Lokender, participated in the celebrations.
During the event, the newly elected TFAS President for the 2026–28 term, Uma Makha, along with eight executive members, took the oath of office administered by Sudhakar Uppala. The new leadership pledged to continue promoting Telugu unity, culture, and heritage across the diaspora.
