ATA 19th Mega Convention Grand Preparations Underway in Baltimore

ATA: The American Telugu Association (ATA) is all set to host its 19th Mega Convention in Baltimore, scheduled from July 31st to August 2nd. The primary objective of this massive event is to bring Telugu people from 50 countries across the globe onto a single platform. Sharath Vemula, the National Coordinator of ATA, highlighted that ATA is the oldest Telugu organization in the United States, with a history spanning several decades. He provided detailed insights into the significance of the convention, the extensive preparations, and the organization’s future roadmap.

Extensive Convention Preparations:
Sharath Vemula noted that preparations began the very day the ATA board decided to host the convention in Baltimore. Representatives from over 250 cities across all 50 U.S. states have worked diligently for the past year to make the event a success. To ensure effective coordination, 70 invitation committees were formed six months in advance. A core team of nearly 400 members, specializing in various departments such as culture, sports, and decoration, has been working on the ground for the past year. Additionally, given that schools and colleges are currently on break, a large number of student volunteers are being actively involved in the convention’s logistical tasks.

Nurturing Local Talent:
Sharath Vemula praised the Telugu youth born and raised in the U.S., noting that while some may struggle with fluency in the language, they excel in singing, often rivaling singers in India. To identify this local talent and provide them with proper training to perform on stage, ATA is organizing competitions titled “Jummandi Naadam” and “Sayyandi Paadam”. Beyond music, ATA has also organized coaching camps and competitions for youth in various sports, including cricket, badminton, and volleyball.

Distinguished Guests:
The Baltimore convention is expected to host approximately 1,200 delegates and 150 VIPs from various fields. Invitations have been extended to high-profile political leaders, including Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. Other prominent political figures invited include Union Minister Kishan Reddy, BRS leaders KTR and Harish Rao, YCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, and Telangana BJP President Ramachandra Rao. Notable personalities from the film industry, such as producer Dil Raju and actresses Pooja Hegde and Meenakshi Chaudhary, along with several folk singers, have also been invited. Furthermore, top U.S. government officials, including the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, the Mayor of Baltimore, and the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, have confirmed their attendance.

Addressing Student and Immigration Concerns:
For students aged 18 to 25 arriving in the U.S., the Youth Convention will be highly beneficial. ATA is providing guidance through online awareness sessions conducted by prominent Telugu immigration attorneys, helping students before they even depart from India. In light of the current slowdown in the job market, special programs have been initiated for F1 and H1B visa holders. Regarding the delay in green card processing, Vemula explained that the massive increase in applications across H1, H4, E5, and E1 categories over the last 10–15 years has led to waiting periods ranging from 2 to 10 years. He assured the community that if documentation is legally correct, there should be no issues, and ATA is committed to supporting those facing difficulties.

Business Opportunities and Innovation:
Inspired by the “Idea Buzz” initiative, ATA is launching “Business Buzz” for the first time to support youth interested in startups, connecting them with investors and technology experts. Recognizing the importance of Artificial Intelligence three years ago, ATA has been providing training in AI to students and job seekers for the past two years.

Community Service in Telugu States:
Sharath Vemula emphasized that ATA’s service extends beyond the U.S., with activities conducted in the two Telugu states every two years. These initiatives include organizing health camps in rural areas and providing computers and internet facilities to government schools. Additionally, ATA is sponsoring special after-school coaching for 10th-grade students. Vemula stressed that despite being divided into two states, the dreams, traditions, and language of the Telugu people remain unified globally. The ultimate goal of this convention is to provide direction to the community regarding future business ventures and educational opportunities in prestigious universities, aiming for the overall upliftment of the Telugu race.