NRIVA Celebrates 15 Years of Success and a Resounding Convention Kick-off in St. Louis

The NRIVA leadership and well-wishers recently gathered in St. Louis, Missouri, to kickstart the 7th Global Convention Kick-off event and also the organization’s 15-year journey of dedication and excellence. This milestone event brought together over 200 members from across the globe, including past presidents, current executive leadership, the board of trustees, regional directors, committee chairs, co-chairs, members, chapter leads and donors who have played a vital role in NRIVA’s journey.

The festivities began with leaders and families arriving on Friday, setting the stage for a weekend filled with camaraderie and collaboration. Saturday morning kicked off with a productive Board of Trustees meeting, where key initiatives were discussed and several items were approved to enhance NRIVA’s journey of Inspire to impact and reach.

One of the highlights of the event was the sumptuous South Indian feast prepared by the NRIVA St. Louis team, a true testament to the warmth and authenticity of homemade meals that resonated with the hearts and taste buds of all attendees.

The NRIVA family also had the opportunity to explore America’s Center, the Convention Center, where they envisioned hosting the 7th Global Convention in July 2024. The venue received unanimous praise for its suitability.

The day continued with a visit to the Hindu Temple of St. Louis, where the Vasavi Matha Pooja and the Convention Kickoff event at HTCC took place. The program featured the traditional lighting of the lamp, a heartfelt prayer by NRIVA’s youth, and an enthralling cultural performance by the NRIVA STL ladies.

The event achieved a significant milestone by raising significant donations towards the convention on the very first day of the launch. Attendees witnessed the launch of the first edition of Vasavi Vani for the i2 term, an e-book featuring culinary recipes from yesteryears titled “Alanati Ruchulu,” and Member perks for all life members, all made possible by the generous contributions of NRIVA’s supporters and donors.

NRIVA appointed LN Rao Chilakala as Convention Convener, Vamshi Gunturu as Convention Co-Convener, Phanisha Koduri as Convention Secretary, and Sekhar Perla as Convention Treasurer/Coordinator. In a historic move toward inclusivity and empowerment, NRIVA appointed Phanisha Koduri as the first woman convention secretary in a convention leadership role, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history.

The celebration of NRIVA’s 15-year journey was marked by a joyous cake cutting ceremony, attended by all the founders and past leadership, who received warm congratulatory notes in Vasavi Vani, underscoring the enduring spirit and vision that have driven NRIVA’s growth and impact.

The Board of Trustees met during the event and passed several key initiatives while approving various items aimed at enhancing NRIVA’s mission and service to the community. These initiatives reflect NRIVA’s commitment to continued growth and service to its members and the community.

As attendees wrapped up the event, President Srinivasa Rao Pandiri expressed his gratitude to all the leaders and well-wishers who had traveled from near and far to be part of this momentous occasion and make the convention kickoff a grand success.

The NRIVA family now looks ahead with enthusiasm, building on the success of this event as they prepare for the 7th Global Convention in 2024. The journey continues, and the NRIVA family is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.

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