TCA and NATA celebrated Ugadi in Houston Houston Telugu Cultural Association has organized Ugadhi Celeberation on a grand scale with the support of NATA (North American Telugu Association). The ‘Sreekhara Nama’ Ugadhi Vedukalu, a full-day melodius cultural fiesta, was held on April 23rd at Meenakshi Temple Kalyana Mandapam, Pearland, Texas. This event was attended by over 1000 Telugu people from the Houston and nearby towns, including several hundred children who made mesmerizing performences of Indian classic dances. The TCA President Sarada Akunuri and the Executive Committee members Karunakar Chowdavarapu (general secretary), Sai Rachakonda (literary secretary), Mani Sastri & Hema Nalini (cultural secretories), Krishna Keerthi (webmaster) and other TCA members are instrumental for this seamless event filled with a veriety of cultural shows. The NATA team comprising President AVN Reddy, Dr. Samba Reddy (Media Chair), Harinath Medi (Co-convener), Manohar Medi (Regional vice-president), and Regional coordinators Raghavender Nednur, Siva Konduri and Rajender Aparasu have attended the meeting. ‘NATA is always willing to promote and support Telugu cultural programs as well as Telugu Ugadhi vedukalu in our home towns in the US and abroad’, said AVN Reddy in his address. He conveyed ‘Ugadhi greetings’ and emphasized that NATA is a service oriented organization that strives to support local Telugus who need assistanace. In her presidential address, TCA President Sarada Akunuri has explained the rich history and mission of TCA and thanked everyone for participating in the cultural program. She thanked the NATA team for supporting this Ugadhi Vedukalu. Sai Rachakonda, TCA literary secretary, has explained about the Telugu Badi program. NATA teams are preparing plans to host the first NATA convention, said co-convener Harinath Medi. In his address, Dr. Samba Reddy (Media chair) said that NATA is creating a big platform for youth interested in doing social and community service. He invited local Telugus to volunteer in various committees of the NATA Convention to be held at George Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, from June 29 to July 1, 2012. ‘Let’s show to the entire Telugu world about the mega Houston hospitality that we can provide with a southern twist’ said Samba Reddy. NATA regional coordinators Raghu Nadnuri and Rajender Aparasu, and Siva Konduri have described the charitable programs and invited everyone to become members of the NATA family. Local media and business persons Prasad Kalva (Andhra Radio Mirchi), Sridhar Dadi (Radio Hungama), Ramana Reddy (NY Life Insurance), and Venkat Reddy (Dish network) are among other sponsors of this event. The meeting audience were delighted with excellent performances by renowned Kuchipudi dancers, prominent Telugu singers, and local talent, especially several hundred children who showcased their talent of Telugu culture, traditional dress and cultural proficiency. The cultural events were moderated by TCA cultural secretaries, Mani Sastri and Hema Nalini, while Jayasri Bondu (treasurer) was busy with accounts section. The meeting was concluded with a delicious dinner, catered from Mayuri restaurant. Karunakar Chowdavarapu, TCA general secretary, has thanked all attendees for making this meeting a grand success despite lengthy programs, especially children who watched the event with lot of patience and interest.