ATA Kicks OƯ 19th Conference with Record

Breaking $1.4 Million Fundraising Launch in Baltimore October 27, 2025

The American Telugu Association. ATA, is a leading national organization catering to the interests of Telugu people across the continental United States. ATA successfully conducted a Board meeting at the Baltimore Renaissance Harbor Place hotel on Saturday, October 25th, and oƯicially announced the launch of its spectacular 19th Conference and Youth Convention, scheduled to be held from July 31st to August 2nd at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD.

ATA Board Meeting

ATA Board of Trustees convened at the Baltimore Renaissance Harbor Place hotel, which saw a record participation of 30 trustees, and announced the formal launch of its mammoth convention. Around 300 ATA delegates from all across the country also attended the event. Board Discussions focused not only on recent & planned community outreach programs but also various service oriented activities conducted, conference related planning eƯorts etc again reaƯirming the Association’s commitment to service and cultural promotion. It is worth mentioning that ATA is dedicated to promoting Telugu culture, language, education, youth empowerment, business networking, and humanitarian service in both America and across both the Telugu states.

ATA Board oƯicially appointed an experienced Core Team to spearhead the execution of the 19th ATA Conference and Youth Convention:

Role Name Location
Convenor Sridhar Banala Maryland
Coordinator Ravi Challa Virginia
National Coordinator Sharath Vemula New Jersey
Director Sudhir Damidi Virginia
Co-Convenor Arvind Muppidi Texas
Co-Coordinator Zeenath Kundur Virginia
Co-National Coordinator Koushik Sama Virginia

Conference Regional Coordinator Thirumal Munukuntla Virginia
Co-Director Kiran Ala Delaware
ATA leadership toured the Baltimore Convention Center, the sprawling 425,000+ square-foot facility with numerous meeting rooms, exhibit halls, with direct access to the local hotels.

An Ad Hoc Monitoring and Support Team was also announced that comprises of veteran organizers and members with diverse expertise, to provide strategic oversight and assistance to the conference core team:

● Ramakrishna Ala, Nashville, Tennessee
● Raghuveer Marripeddi, Texas
● Vijay Kundur, New Jersey
● JP Muddhireddy, Texas
● Raju Kakerla, Pennsylvania
● Maheedhar Muskula, Illinois

Historic Conference Kick OƯ

ATA Conference Kick-OƯ Event held later in the evening witnessed a record breaking crowd of over 450 community elites from the local Telugu community. Celebrations included vibrant cultural performances & stirring leadership speeches.

ATA proudly announced that the kick-oƯ meet successfully raised a record-breaking $1.4 million, marking a significant fundraising start that underscores the unity and dedication of Telugu Americans. “Baltimore and the local organizing teams have shown extraordinary commitment and passion. With this level of teamwork and community support, the 19th ATA Conference will undoubtedly set a new global benchmark in
celebrating Telugu identity and empowering youth leadership,” quoted ATA President Jayanth Challa.

ATA leadership extended its heartfelt appreciation to the Baltimore organizing team, sponsors, volunteers, and community supporters for making the Board Meeting and Kick- OƯ Event a resounding success. Conference-related planning eƯorts are anticipated to accelerate in the next few days with the formation of multiple national committees with scores of volunteers actively working across multiple cities.