TANA Meet & Greet – Gala Banquet
Consul General Ajit Kumar pays glowing tributes
to TANA
By Ravi R Ponangi
Atlanta, GA: : In his brief address at the “TANA Meet & Greet –
Gala Banquet”, Hon. Ajit Kumar, Consul General of India in
Atlanta praised Telugu Association of North America (TANA) for
constantly striving to accomplish their mission of fulfilling
the social, cultural and educational needs and aspirations of
the Indian population here – particularly the Telugu people.
The Consul General said many a time the TANA offers succor to
needy Indians in this country when none else is forthcoming. He
extolled TANA’s sterling services to Indian Americans. Talking
about the Indo-US relations, he said Indian Americans here
played a constructive role in forging stronger bilateral
relations between India and the US.
The Consulate General hoped that the establishment of Indian
consulate in Atlanta will provide further impetus to Indo-Us
ties. He said there is a plenty of scope for improving business
relations with Georgia and Indian consulate in Georgia will work
towards that end.
TANA held its board meeting here in Atlanta from June 1-3, where
TANA leaders from various cities across America discussed
various subjects. On the occasion, TANA representatives of
southeast region organized a “TANA Meet & Greet – Gala Banquet”
in their honor at Forsyth Conference center on June1.
The banquet was attended by over 300 people and graced by Hon.
Ajit Kumar and his wife Margaret. Prasad Thotakura, current
president of TANA, Jayaram Komati, past president of TANA and
other leaders of TANA spoke elaborately about various activities
and achievements of TANA. Speaker after speaker mentioned the
contributions of Atlanta Telugu community in strengthening TANA.
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Dr. Sujata Reddy receiving TANA
recognition award |
TANA recognition awards were presented to Dr. Sujatha Reddy,
Ravi R Ponangi and Khalid Qaiyum for their outstanding service
to Telugu community. Madhu Tata, TANA Regional Director, Purna
Veerapaneni, TANA Foundation Trustee, Seshagiri Rao Mandava, Ad
hoc Committee Chair and Anjaiah Chowdary Lavu, Chair of TANA
Team Square and the entire national leadership of TANA
felicitated Komati Jayaram, Past President of TANA for his 20
years of illustrious community service.
TANA is the oldest and largest India-American organization in
North America that was started in 1977. TANA’s mission is to
fulfill social, cultural and educational needs of North American
Telugu Community in particular. TANA aims to preserve,
perpetuate, integrate, and assimilate the cultural heritage of
the Telugu-speaking people into the mainstream of North America.
Telugu and Indian ethnic organizations around the world look up
to TANA as a pioneer and role model for its various innovations
in promoting culture and serving the community.
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Prasad Thotakura, president of TANA
presenting TANA recognition award to Ravi Ponangi |
During its three decade long and eventful history, TANA has
distinguished itself through its various activities in pursuance
of its mission in North America and India. It plays a pivotal
role in developing, nurturing, preserving and propagating arts
specific to the Telugu people.
TANA Foundation, the charitable wing of TANA, spends millions of
dollars each year in Andhra Pradesh, to finance key projects in
literacy, education, sanitation, disease prevention, health
promotion and rehabilitation.
TANA is engaged in many social activities in North America as
well. Many members volunteer their services and offer other
resources towards community service. Every year, TANA presents
backpacks and other school supplies to children belonging to low
income school districts in various cities across North America.
TANA members help conduct health camps and take part in disaster
relief activities across the world. The volunteers of TANA
Emergency Assistance Management Team (TEAM Square) are known for
their tireless efforts in assisting distressed North American
Telugus in times of catastrophe. Through its Business
Conferences, TANA nurtures and encourages entrepreneurship among
Telugus.
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