Giving TAMA: Service to Legacy Arts – Supported several Organizations, helped 100s of Artists

In Telugu states in India, many unique and rare fine Art forms have been flourishing for generations. Although all this went unchallenged until the 1990s, the popularity is gradually waning. Founded in 1981, Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta (TAMA) has been promoting our arts, culture, traditions, language and literature relentlessly for the past 42 years. During pandemic times, they have supported various organizations and artists by doing many online Art shows from India. In present times, when almost all events are happening ‘in person’, it is a challenge to do online.

Embracing the Thanksgiving and Holiday season in America, four organizations showcased a variety of ancient Arts through online TAMA Facebook on December 7, 14, 21, as part of the TAMA Giving – Thursday Series. More than 100 artists families have benefited from these programs, sponsored by Sri. T. R Reddy. Also, these programs were held with the cooperation of national organizations TANA, NATA, ATA, TTA and seniors association MAITRI. Despite some technical issues, it is noteworthy that TAMA’s leadership moved ahead with strong determination and dedication to serve these artists and art forms. Walking in the footsteps of previous years leaders, TAMA conducted 36 programs in a single year 2023, that too useful for all age groups, where many of them are blockbusters.

People’s reach increased a lot and It is commendable that 12 new programs for youth, health and social welfare have also received huge response. For more details visit www.tama.org or email info@tama.org. President SaiRam Karumanchi thanked and expressed gratitude to the 4 main pillars – people, sponsors, volunteers and TAMA team for their support, hard & smart work throughout the year and requested to cooperate and participate in 2024 as well. 

On December 7th, Surabhi Drama Theater – Jayanand Group, Hyderabad presented Jai Pathala Bhairavi play. The special effects like carrying the heroine in a big box in the sky, fighting with crocodile, thunder, lightning etc are impressive. On December 14, Sri Sarada Vijaya Natya Mandali, Nalgonda poetic drama Sri Krishna Sathya by all female artists was very entertaining. Recital of poems melodiously, Thulabharam settings etc are very special.

Alluri Seetharama Raju Burra Katha, Thupaki Ramudu, Pittala Dora Art Forms by Sri Vigneswara Kalabrundam, Tadepalligudem on December 14 have shown the greatness of our arts. Also, on the same day, Parvati Kalyanam Hari Katha and folk dances by women were featured well by Sridevi Kala Samithi, West Godavari. Organizations in Telugu states have thanked and applauded TAMA’s efforts in remembering them and giving opportunity, especially when the legacy fine Arts are on the verge of vanishing. They are very inspired by the fact that even though there are no opportunities online, TAMA has shown big heart and expressed their gratitude to all USA Organizations that supported these events and appealed to everyone to support them in taking these arts forward.

Speaking on various occasions, SaiRam Karumanchi said that all these art forms are wonderful and this is only the beginning. If they are to continue forever, we all have to contribute and support, whether we are in India or outside, otherwise there is a possibility of extinction. Rupendra Vemulapalli, Srinivas Ramisetty, Suneel Devarapalli, Shashi Daggula, Satya Guthula, Subbarao Maddali, Madhu Yarlagadda, Srinivas Uppu and Raghava Tadavarthi contributed from the TAMA team. SaiRam thanked Sri. T. R Reddy, organizations that have cooperated, volunteers, viewers and the TAMA team for the huge success and concluded. 

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