12 April 2016
Hyderabad

Bay Area Telugu Association (BATA) celebrated “Sri Durmukhi Naama Samvatsara” (శ్రీ దుర్ముఖి నామ సంవత్సర ) Ugadi sambaralu in a grand style at Sunnyvale Hindu Temple.  It is BATA’s annual “flagship” event and is the most popular event in the Bay Area Telugu community. The event was sold out with more than 2000 attendees throughout the day. It started at 9AM with Youth Talent Show (Dance, Singing, Special talent competitions) and went till 11PM showcasing an audio visual feast of cultural programs.

RamaKrishna Venuzia was the presenting sponsor, event was powered by YouSmile Dental, Cambridge Investments, CalHomes  (Ramana Reddy) & 24 Mantra (Organic foods)  served as Grand Sponsors. Other sponsors include  Ravi Tax Services, Lavanya Duvvi (Intero) , Swagat Restaurants, Peacock Cuisine, Scopus Consulting, NorthWestern Polytechnic University (NPU) & PNG Jewelers.

Media partners Desi1170 am, Virijallu, Telugu Times, TV9, NTV, ABN, TV5, HMTV & Gemini promoted the event.

The arena decorations reflected Indian traditions, values and culture. Prashant, Kondal, Naresh and the registration team welcomed all the guests and Ugadi Pachadi was served to mark the beginning of the Telugu New Year.

The 15th Youth Talent Show competitions, which were filled up in a record one week, were conducted in 2 separate halls with over 300+ kids enthusiastically participating in classical, folk/ film singing, dancing and Special Talent Sumanth & Arun coordinated these competitions. Rajesh. Srilu & young team of volunteers served as emcees.  The judging panel consisted of Jaya Sharma, Sangeeta, Ana Anjaria, Ravi, KrishnaKanth, Sahithi, Keerthi, Manasa, Shesa, SreeKrishnan, Madhavi & Vijetha.

Art, Essay Writing, Science Fair and Chess were coordinated by Yaswanth. Sireesha, Padma, SaiLaxmi & Hari judged these competitions.

The main cultural program started at 5:30 pm. Vijaya Aasuri (BATA advisor) welcomed all the guests and the program started with “Panchanga Sravanam” by Sunnyvale temple priest BalaKrishna garu.

‘Nartana Ravali’ (నర్తన రవలి)  – a spectacular classical dance presentation by Madhuri Kishore school of Kuchipudi was a visual treat to the audience. What followed next was the display of talented kids from Sunnyvale, Fremont, San Ramon & San Jose. ‘Kerinta” ( కేరింత ) consisting of synchronized dances, riveting costumes & cute expressions of the kids were received with thunderous applause. Over 100 plus students participated in this segment.  Next to follow was classical dance ballot by students of Hima Bindu Challa from Nritya Nanda School .Ranjani Manda (Aero Dance) school students also presented foot tapping dances. Over 50 youth performed with exuberance & enthusiasm in the high energy dances showcasing different styles in “Hungma”.

”Naa Saami Ranga” (నా సామి రంగా) - a hilarious comedy skit about a NRI who decides to return back to India and the turn of events from that point on. This comedy roller coaster was directed by Kalyan Kattamuri. He was supported by Kamesh, Ravi, Srinivas and others.

The finale “Ruthu Raagalu” was a spectacular musical journey depicting various seasons. Srilu,Sridevi, Deepthi & Aditya choreographed the dances. The visual Choreography displayed on a specially erected LED screen were designed by Karun, Harinath, Srikar & Kalyani. This was certainly the major highlight of the evening that elevated the audience experience to the next level.

On behalf of BATA committee Dr.Ramesh invited Mr.Gustav (Sunnyvale Vice Mayor), Barry Chang (Cupertino Mayor) as special guests on stage. They expressed happiness for being part of the festivities and congratulated the BATA team for their service in promoting Telugu culture. TANA, Sankara Eye Foundation (SEF) & TCA leadership congratulated BATA for it’s contribution to the community.

BATA committee thanked the sponsors for their continued support and presented them with Plaques. Paatasala is a initiative by Telugu Times and BATA to promote and teach Telugu language, The teachers & coordinators were introduced. BATA Annual Magazine “Telugu Velugu - తెలుగు వెలుగు” was released on this occasion. Prasad (Magazine Editor) thanked the authors who contributed with their articles, poems & stories and sponsors for the ads.

BATA president Kalyan thanked audience for making it a sold out event, volunteers for toiling hard to make it a success and sponsors for their invaluable support. Kalyan introduced BATA executive committee Sireesha Battula (Vice President) Yaswanth Kudaravalli (Secretary) Sumanth Pusuluri (Treasurer)  Harinath Chikoti (Joint Secretary)  “Steering Committee” includes Ravi Thiruveedula & Kamesh Malla.   “Cultural Directors” includes Sridevi Pasupuleti, Srilu Veligeti, Kiran Vinnakota, and Taraka Deepti.  “Logistics Committee” team consists of Srikar Boddu, Naresh Gajula, Prasanth, Kondal Rao & Arun Reddy.

BATA “Advisory Board” Jayaram Komati, Vijaya Aasuri, Veeru Vuppala, Prasad Mangina, Karun Veligeti and Ramesh Konda congratulated the team for making the program a grand success.

More than 100 volunteers put in countless hours over 2 months. BATA Committee thanked all the volunteers Rajesh, Pradeep, Pavitra, Nanda, Vani, Samant, Prasad, Bobby, Phani, Aditya, Dheeraj, Sandeep, Sravanti, Swathi, Anantha, Krishna Priya, Shravanti, Aparna, Anusha, Deepthi, Suresh,, Madhuri, Dhiraj, Prakash, Santosh, Deepika, Nitya, Valli, Keerthi, Manasvi, Samatha, Shivaji, Samanth, Aditya, Avinash, Sai and many others for their help in making the program a grand success.   More than 40+ student volunteers from NPU helped throughout the day.

BATA Team signed off the event on a high note and promised to come back soon with more exciting events such as Maya Bazaar (on May 21st).