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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 07, 2025 | The Indian Eye 28

ATA Kicks Off 19th Conference with Record

$1.4 Million Fundraising in Baltimore

OUR BUREAU
Baltimore, MD
he American Telugu Associa-
tion (ATA), one of the leading
Tnational organizations rep-
resenting Telugu-speaking people
across the United States, launched
preparations for its 19th Conference
and Youth Convention with a spec-
tacular kick-off event in Baltimore,
marking a record-breaking start with
$1.4 million raised in a single evening.
The ATA Board meeting was
held at the Renaissance Harbor Place
Hotel in Baltimore on October 25,
drawing record participation from makrishna Ala (Tennessee), Raghu-
30 trustees and nearly 300 delegates veer Marripeddi (Texas), Vijay Kun-
from across the country. The meeting dur (New Jersey), JP Muddhireddy
formally announced the 19th ATA (Texas), Raju Kakerla (Pennsylva-
Conference and Youth Convention, nia), and Maheedhar Muskula (Il-
to be held from July 31 to August 2, linois). Together, they will provide
2026, at the Baltimore Convention strategic guidance and operational
Center, a sprawling 425,000-square- support to the core committee as
foot facility with extensive meeting preparations accelerate.
spaces and exhibit halls. The highlight of the weekend
The Board discussions reflected was the ATA Conference Kick-Off
the association’s broad mission of Event, which drew over 450 com-
promoting Telugu culture, language, munity leaders and supporters from
and education while also emphasiz- the local Telugu diaspora. The event
ing youth empowerment, business featured vibrant cultural perfor-
networking, and community service. mances, leadership speeches, and an
The meeting reaffirmed ATA’s con- atmosphere of unity and enthusiasm
tinued commitment to humanitarian that captured the spirit of the Telugu
causes and cultural advancement in community in America.
both the United States and the Telu- ATA President Jayanth Challa
gu-speaking states of India. hailed the overwhelming response
In a key decision, ATA appoint- and the historic fundraising achieve-
ed a Core Team of experienced ment. “Baltimore and the local orga-
members to lead the upcoming nizing teams have shown extraordi-
conference. The leadership team nary commitment and passion. With
includes Convenor Sridhar Banala this level of teamwork and commu-
(Maryland), Coordinator Ravi Chal- nity support, the 19th ATA Confer-
la (Virginia), National Coordinator ence will undoubtedly set a new glob-
Sharath Vemula (New Jersey), and al benchmark in celebrating Telugu
Director Sudhir Damidi (Virginia). identity and empowering youth lead-
They will be supported by Co-Con- ership,” he said.
venor Arvind Muppidi (Texas), The record-breaking $1.4 mil- for making the Board Meeting and community initiatives.
Co-Coordinator Zeenath Kundur lion raised at the event is seen as a Kick-Off Event a resounding success. With its rich legacy of service,
(Virginia), Co-National Coordinator strong indicator of the community’s Organizers credited the teamwork of cultural preservation, and global en-
Koushik Sama (Virginia), Regional engagement and the growing impact Baltimore’s Telugu community for gagement, the American Telugu As-
Coordinator Thirumal Munukuntla of ATA’s programs. The funds will the impressive turnout and early mo- sociation is poised to make its 19th
(Virginia), and Co-Director Kiran support the planning, logistics, and mentum. Conference in Baltimore one of the
Ala (Delaware). execution of the 2026 convention, As the planning process moves most significant gatherings in its his-
To ensure effective planning which is expected to attract thou- forward, ATA is set to form several tory. The record fundraising achieve-
and oversight, ATA also announced sands of delegates from across the national committees and mobilize ment not only highlights the com-
an Ad Hoc Monitoring and Support United States and abroad. volunteers from multiple cities to co- munity’s strength and unity but also
Team consisting of senior members ATA leadership expressed its ordinate various aspects of the con- sets a promising tone for what ATA
and past organizers with diverse deep appreciation to sponsors, vol- vention, including cultural programs, leaders describe as a “celebration of
expertise. The team includes Ra- unteers, and community supporters youth sessions, business forums, and Telugu pride on a global scale.”

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