Hyderabad, January 30: The North American Telugu Society (NATS), a US-based non-profit organisation, today felicitated the eminent achievers from the state in the field of arts, music and literature.
In an event filled with entertainment and cultural programmes at Ravindra Bharathi, life time achievement awards were given to writer and Padmabhushan recipient C Narayan Reddy, eminent classical singer N Chinna Sathyanarayana, noted film producer D Ramanaidu, Padmashri recipient and mimicry artist N Venu madhav, stage artists Ch Sriramulu and Kuchipudi dancer Uma Rama Rao.
Speaking on the occasion, mayor Banda Karthika Reddy, the guest of honour, praised NATS for taking up works for the welfare of Telugu speaking population in not just America but also India.
“The organisation sent about a million dollars for the flood affected regions last year. Similarly their commitment to other social issues is also commendable.
For instance, they have taken up a programme for the welfare of girl children,” she said.
C Narayan Reddy humorously remarked that as the distance between people and their motherland increases, their love for it also increases.
“It is surprising that people realise their love for the culture and language of their land after going abroad,” and added, “It is great to see Telugu organisations travelling so far to recognise our talents.” Earlier, the members of NATS briefed those gathered about the activities of their organisation and said that not only were they working towards promoting the Telugu culture but were also extending a helping hand to distressed Telugus in USA.
The society informed that they were pursuing the cause of Telugu students who were studying in the sham Tri-valley university in California.
The audience was also treated to performances by singers, dancers, mimicry and miming artists.
Many prominent personalities were present at the programme which included MP Nadendla Manohar, noted producer and director Tammareddy Bharadwaja, president of AP Cultural Council R V Ramana Murthy and chairman of Shantha Biotech K Varaprasad Reddy.
–Agencies