TAL Ugadi Celebrations 2023 in London

Telugu Association of London (TAL) celebrated Ugadi celebrations 2023 at Sattavis Patidar Center in London on 22nd April with around one thousand Telugu people living in London and surrounding areas.

The celebrations started with Ganapathi song, Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music performances by students of TAL Cultural Center (TCC). Around a hundred children, housewives and husbands participated in the three-month cine dance training camps organized specially for Ugadi and performed the dances in the programme. They have attracted a large audience. The stage was abuzz with traditional and film music dances and various programs. Ugadi sweets and delicacies were served in banana leaf in traditional Telugu style to the attendees.

TAL Chairperson Bharathi Kandukuri, Vice-Chairman & Treasurer Rajesh Toleti, Other Trustees Giridhar Putlur, Anita Nomula, Anil Anantula, Ravinder Reddy Gummakonda, Navin Gadamsethi and Kishore Kasturi were present. The event was successfully held with the help of TAL Ugadi 2023 convener Sridevi Alleddula.

Popular actor, hero and dubbing artist Sai Kumar, who was the chief guest, shared his 50 years of film career and his life stories with the audience. He enthralled audience with popular dialogues from his Telugu movies, also for few Kannada people in the audience by reciting Kannada dialogues for them. TAL was lauded for its efforts in preserving and promoting Telugu culture in the UK. TAL’s annual magazine “Maa Telugu” was launched by Sai Kumar.

The TAL Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Raghuram Pillarisetty, eminent cancer specialist, Padma Shri recipient, OBE recipient of Britain, founder of KIMS Usha Lakshmi Center for Breast Diseases. Dr. Raghuram said that this award will always be remembered as a good memory in his life. He also praised TAL’s service to the Telugu community in the UK.

The Minister (Coordination) of the High Commission of India in London, Deepak Choudhary, was the special guest at the event and praised TAL’s efforts for the Telugu people in London. He also reminded the Telugu people that the Indian Embassy is always ready to provide cooperation in coordination with TAL. 

Famous Mountaineer and World Martial Arts Champion Anmish Verma came from India as a special guest for this event. He inspired the audience, especially the youth, by explaining his experiences of climbing Everest and the challenges he faced in the process of winning world-class martial arts.

Popular anchor, actress Syamala , Kevvu Kartheek and RJ Srivalli entertained the audience in their own style while anchoring. Playback singers Harika Narayan and Arun Kaundinya enthralled the audience with their popular Telugu songs, not only mesmerizing but also enthralling with their singing.

London Borough of Hounslow Mayor Raghuvinder Singh was the guest and specially praised TAL for its efforts towards sports.

The TPL Committee has unveiled the poster of the prestigious 20-20 cricket competition organized by TAL every year, TAL Premier League (TPL), this year as Prime North TPL 2023 for three months from May 6.

TAL Chairperson Bharathi Kandukuri thanked the audience, organizing committee, artistes, volunteers, fellow organizations and all the sponsors who contributed to make the event a success.