Nata leadership with Georgia Governor Natahn Deal and the first lady

The events held something for everyone, toddlers to teens, youth, and adults to senior citizens. Education, entertainment, fun or food, you name it and you had it that day. If your kids can do something special, you had a kids-fest (comprising of fancy dress, drawing, singing, dancing, IQ etc.), or else you had kids’ play area. The grown-up kids either participated in cultural programs or enjoyed their peers’ performances. You had literary topics aplenty, live yoga and meditation sessions, immigration, business, political, and spiritual  seminars which were held concurrently in meeting halls, stalls for shopping-savvy, and of course culminating with the much-hyped Devisri Prasad (DSP)tollywood-hungama at the end.  
 

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The inaugural ceremony of the festival began with an invocation while NATA national and convention leadership gathered on main stage. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal declared open the convention. In his address, Georgia State Governor Nathan Deal said “I am grateful for the contributions of the Indian community and the vibrant culture they add to our state. I am proud of NATA’s continued commitment to excellence and applaud your dedication and hard work”. 

The Governor said on behalf of about 10 million Georgians, “I welcome you all to 2nd NATA convention to the capital city of Georgia, Atlanta. It is an honor to Georgians to host this prestigious event and join with you as part of international community celebrations of our state. Georgia and India enjoy a long standing partnership and this conference is an opportunity to high light our good will with you and your country”.
 

SP Bala subrahmanyam

Devisri Prasad Musical Night

He also informed the gathering that a few months ago, we announced an Indian based company was set up in south east Georgia to produce cotton product. It is going to take Georgia’s own grown cotton and spin it and sell it to the rest of the world. It also creates 250 jobs. He applauded NATA leaders for their tremendous initiatives and genuine support for charitable causes here in USA and in India. He also commended other leaders of the organization and those that represented the Telugu community working appropriately in our country from the CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella to the current Miss America, Nina Davuluri.

He said the Telugu population is making their mark in the USA and across world and indeed here in Georgia. He said it is warming to note that Telugu people are all volunteering their time furthering the cause of charitable work, promoting Telugu culture, and language. It is a proud occasion for all to gather and energize and to draw inspiration from leaders around the world. The Governor encouraged the Telugu people to reinforce their core beliefs and values. He said that our diversity is one of the key reasons for Georgia and America’s immense success in all spheres. When each of us contribute our strengths to the greater good of our countries and through the spectrum of our cultural differences, we are all better in future.

Earlier, Swami Adhyatmanandaji from Sivananda Ashram, Ahmadabad, India and priests from Hindu temple of Atlanta welcoming the Governor couple invoked God’s prayers to shower His choicest blessing upon the Governor and his wife – Nathan and Sandra Deal. Priests garlanded the Governor and upon the request of the priests Governor garlanded the first lady of Georgia Sandra Deal. The audience responded with thunderous applause.  
 

The grand convention was attended by a half dozen sitting MLAs from both Telangana and Seemandhra states. Presence of Tollywood stalwarts SP Balasubrahmanyam, Sirivennala, Jonnavittula Rama Lingeswara Rao, and Chandra Bose, number of actresses, several singers, several literary scholars, artists and Devisri Prasad music concert added flavor. First ever Indian American Miss USA Nina Davuluri was another attraction of the convention.

NATA presented a lifetime achievement award to SP Balasubrahmanyam, well known Indian film playback singer, actor, music director, voice actor and film producer.

Besides regular features and attractions such as spectacular cultural shows, convention attendees
benefited from the workshops/discussions and seminars held during convention. Seminars were held in different areas of specializations. Events included a variety of programs depicting various aspects including social, spiritual, cultural, literary, art, entertainment, business and medicine. Several vendors also put up their booths on the occasion.

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Several dignitaries from both Seemandhra and Telangana states told this writer that they were so excited to witness the efforts of Telugu people here in America to do good for the betterment of their regions. They are all working together despite the bifurcation of the state.

They noted that this convention is not only entertainment but also informative as seminars/discussions organized on many other subjects for the benefit of all. It enriched the knowledge of the delegates. Panel discussions on restructure of both the states of Seemandhra and Telangana attracted the attention of many and they commended the NATA leader’s vision and they said it is a good message given to all Telugu people worldwide despite the separation and formation of two different states.

Swami Adhyatmanandaji advises businessmen:
While inaugurating business seminars, Swami Adhyatmanandaji said “you cannot do good business until and unless you shun your ego”. Swamiji exhorted business community to Be good, Be courteous, Be humble, Be noble. He said his master Swami Sivananda ji used to say Adjust, Adopt and Accommodate. Be open hearted. Quoting an example Swamiji said when air is very poor then hurricane comes. When you are generous and humble things will blow towards you. Please render all service to all people at all times. This is the secret of successful business. Boss should be available to all people at all times with open heart. He advised business community to keep this attitude; it gives new life, new light, new power, new wisdom, vigor, vigilance and vision. Nothing will lack in you. Your attitude will make your aptitude, he said concluding his opening remarks.

Swami Adhyatmanandaji  welcoming the Governor

Swamiji’s advise to both chief ministers of Seemandhra and Telangana states:
Talking about the Telugu identity, Swamiji said denting ‘I’ is identity. Swamiji provided a meaningful and inspiring definition of Telugu. Everyone should know this. Thinking of TELUGU, Swamiji said what is Te? what is LU? and what is GU? In Sanskrit, TE means they, GU means ignorance, darkness and LU means removes, what removes? Removes ignorance, removes darkness. Who they? The community was removing the ignorance, darkness etc., the community which is leading to brightness and happiness. The Telugu community is rich not only in terms of money, but highest blessing is Bhuloka Vaikuntah, Tirupati Venkateswara is in Telugu region. There are so many places of rich heritage in Telugu land. I am not talking about Telangana or Andhra. Politically, diplomatically the state is divided. But Telugu community is one. What is this fight - my region, your region? It’s unfortunate. Both the chief ministers should think they belong to the people. They are one only. Two brothers stay in one house. Father, mother-in-law also stay in the same house. Their clashes should not be known to their neighbors.
Political parties, leaders and people should have correct understanding, mutual love, mutual affection and mutual reverence thinking that they are not separate but one. So water and electricity can be shared amongst them. Their problem is our problem. They should assure the people of all regions, we are one. Both chief ministers are like two hands with one body. Blessed were who are born and brought up in Telugu land.