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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 30, 2025 | The Indian Eye 22

TLCA Inaugurates Telugu Bhavanam—A Landmark

Cultural Center and a First of Its Kind in US

Congressman Souzzi, Chairwoman Raji Kuncham along with Board of Trustees and dignitaries honor Dr. Badhey and Mrs.
Dr. and Mrs. Badhey, TLCA Chairwoman Raji Kuncham cutting
Ratnamala Badhey and family
the ribbon at the ceremony

OUR BUREAU
Levittown, NY

n a momentous celebration of culture, com-
munity, and legacy, the Telugu Literary and
ICultural Association (TLCA) proudly inaugu-
rated Telugu Bhavanam, the first-ever Telugu com-
munity-owned cultural center in the United States,
on May 4th, 2025, at 1 North Village Green, Lev-
ittown, NY. This historic milestone marks a new
era for the 54-year-old nonprofit, which has served
as a steadfast guardian of Telugu heritage for over
five decades.
The inaugural event was a grand affair, attend-
ed by a diverse gathering of community members,
dignitaries, and elected officials who came togeth- Chairwoman Raji Kuncham, making welcoming and inaugural remarks, along with the Board of Trustees and Executive members
er to honor this long-awaited dream come true.
Chairwoman of the TLCA Board of Trustees, unwavering passion, ensuring that this vibrant ra Mulé and Seth Koslow, North Hempstead Town
Raji Kuncham, opened the ceremony with heart- tradition continues to flourish for generations Clerk Ragini Srivastava, and representatives from
felt remarks, warmly welcoming attendees and re- to come.” County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s office and the
flecting on the journey that led to this historic day. Dr. Badhey expressed his joy and pride, Consul General of India. They echoed the signifi-
“Telugu Bhavanam is more than a building—it’s a stating, “This is a dream come true. I’m incred- cance of this achievement and commended TLCA for
symbol of our unity, ouraraordinary donation of ibly proud that our community now has a per- its unwavering commitment to cultural preservation.
over $500,000 was instrumental in the creation of manent home—a place where our culture can Sumanth Ramsetti, TLCA’s current Executive
Telugu Bhavanam. In a deeply meaningful gesture, thrive, and our future generations can stay con- Committee President, shared his excitement, noting
the new center will bear the name “Narayanswamy nected to their roots.” that his team will be the first to utilize Telugu Bhava-
and Kamalamma Badhey TLCA Telugu Bhava- The impressive 12,000-square-foot facility nam as a dynamic hub for community programs, cul-
nam,” honoring Dr. Badhey’s beloved parents and spans two stories and includes ample parking. tural celebrations, and educational events.
their enduring legacy. TLCA has ambitious plans for future develop- Also in attendance were leaders from prominent
Congressman Tom Suozzi and Chairwoman ment, including a mini auditorium, a library, Indian American organizations including IALI, AIA,
Raji Kuncham came together to formally honor children’s and youth activity areas, women’s IAF, Kannada Koota, Tamil Sangam and BAPS un-
Dr. Badhey for his unparalleled contributions to and senior centers, and a full kitchen and din- derscoring the spirit of unity and shared celebration
the Telugu community. In a moving tribute, they ing hall. Chairwoman Kuncham called on the among South Asian communities.
presented him with a commemorative plaque and community and public officials for continued TLCA Chairwoman Raji Kuncham reiterated
acknowledged his decades of service, leadership, support to help realize these exciting next steps. that the Telugu Bhavanam is not just a building—it is
and generosity. Congressman Suozzi praised Dr. The event was further elevated by the pres- a beacon of identity, culture, and collective achieve-
Badhey as “a shining example of community spirit ence of esteemed elected officials, including ment for the Telugu diaspora in America. TLCA in-
and cultural stewardship,” and lauded the TLCA State Senator Steve Rhoads, Assemblyman vites all community members to join in shaping the
for “preserving and promoting Telugu culture with John Mikulin, Nassau County Legislators Deb- future of this cultural cornerstone

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