ATA 2024 Convention: Raleigh events kicked off in Style, celebrated like a mini Convention

Recent weekend at Raleigh has been very conducive to ATA (American Telugu Association). In spite of several weddings, housewarmings and other functions across Raleigh region, over 1500 people attended ATA Board meeting, Matrimony event, Kickoff and Heartfulness meditation sessions conducted from Fri, 15th March to Sun, 17th March. As we all know, 18th ATA Convention and Youth Conference is happening in Atlanta from June 7th to 9th and many kickoff meetings are happening across America. Raleigh one is like a mini convention, with multiple events spanning over 3 days. It all started with a warm welcome from Raleigh ATA team to out of station guests at Embassy Suites by Hilton Hotel on March 15th. Many were impressed with the bouquet and special bag.

By 8AM on March 16th, ATA Executive Committee, Advisory Board, Board of Trustees and Past leadership, along with many members were ready to start the day. After breakfast, ATA team meeting started, where progress across multiple portfolios and projects happening in the US and India were discussed in detail. All the questions raised by the team and members were answered in detail. After continental lunch, all regional teams have provided their status on their present works. Finally, Conference Committees have elaborated on where they stand and what is planned. Several open door talks happened too, where many people met their old friends and made new friendships. Let’s not forget the ATA Matrimony segment that happened in the 1st half of the day, which helped many people in finding suitable matches. The entire Raleigh team relentlessly worked to make sure the series of events exceeded the expectations of participants. Host etiquette was admired throughout. The team includes ATA President Madhu Bommineni, National Coordinator Sai Sudini , RA Pavan Nomula , RD Hareesh Kundur, Membership chair Revanth Reddy, America Bharati Co-chair Murali Nagaluri,  RCs Veerendar Bokka, Kiran Vennevelli, Standing committee Anitha Yadavalli, Sruthi Chamala, Roopa Karke, Sarala Peruri, Niharika Navalga, Ajay Maddi, Ramesh Nallavula, Kamal Pamulapati, Dheeraj Madhadi, Kishore Penti, Sandeep Reddy Daggula, Siva Geereddy and Raju Kurapati.

Later in the evening, fundraising kicked off in style at Royal Banquet Hall, with  prayer songs, cultural programs, singing and dancing. Attendees got to know various details of the convention from the Convention core team, past, local and national leadership. There was tremendous response on fundraising, where pledges exceeded a whopping 300k. Thanks to all the sponsors who came forward and contributed to the convention. This shows us how we want to promote and keep our culture to future generations. Convention core committee Convener Kiran Pasham, President Madhu Bommineni, Coordinator Sridhar Tirupati, Director Anil Boddireddy, National Coordinator Sai Sudini, Co-Convenor Prashanthi Asireddy, Co-Coordinator Prasheel Gookanti, Co-Director Srinivas Srirama made sure to mingle around and provide details. Several people got inspired and told that they are willing to participate  in the Convention in several possible ways. On 17th March, several people gathered at UNC campus for Heartfulness Meditation and benefited. It’s noteworthy to mention that Guru Daaji from Heartfulness meditation, one of the renowned spiritual leaders across the globe is gracing the ATA Convention.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and beverages were served on all the 3 days. Organizers thanked all the participants, donors, leaders, volunteers and concluded the events in a grand gala way. Special thanks to Vaibhav Garimella, Sahasra Kurapati for prayer songs, Varun Kundur on ATA tutoring program, cultural program participants, Jeevan, Sridhar, Sandeep, Murali Nagaluri and Kalyan for Audio, Video, Photography, decoration and Yummy food across events. More meet and greets coming up, several registrations for competitions, sports and games are already around. For more details, visit www.ataconference.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We will keep updating with all the happenings and euphoria around, stay tuned.

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