Venkat Raman
Auckland, March 30, 2021
Mana Andhra Telugu Association New Zealand (MATA NZ), catering to the interests of the people of Andhra Pradesh will be officially inaugurated on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School, located at 16 Howe Street in Newton, Central Auckland.
Vanushi Walters, Member of Parliament elected from Upper Harbour, National Party Leader Judith Collins, National MPs Simeon Brown, Chris Penk and Christopher Luxon will be Guests of Honour at the event which will commence at 5.30 pm.
Ugadi Celebrations
MATA President Dr Reginald Samuel said that official inaugural function will also mark Ugadi, which marks the dawn of New Year for Telugu-speaking people in India and around the world.
“Celebration of our New Year augurs well with the inauguration of MATA NZ and the forthcoming event will reinforce our objective and desire of serving not only Andhrulus but also other communities in New Zealand. We hope to pool our resources for the larger benefit of New Zealanders,” he said.
MATA NZ is registered with the New Zealand government, he added.
Association General Secretary Ghouse Majeed said that the inaugural event and Ugadi Celebrations will showcase the culture, heritage and talents of people from the five South Indian States, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Punjab.
“We would also feature a singer of Pakistani origin rendering a very popular song and music and dance sequences from Hindi feature films. This event will be a good blend of traditional and modern entertainment, speeches, recognition and special food. Entry is open and free to all. We request people to arrive at least by 5.15 pm and occupy seats,” he said.
Dr Samuel said that the newly elected Executive Committee is representative of the main segments of the Andhra society and that they are all dedicated to community service.
The Executive Committee
The new Committee includes Dr Reginald Samuel (President), Shaik Shamsheeruddin (Vice-President), Ghouse Majeed (General Secretary), Nagabhushanam Gorantla (Joint Secretary and IT In-Charge), Kiran K Korepa (Joint Secretary and Events Coordinator), Pratap Reddy (Founder President and Treasurer), Patrick Bennett (IT Administrator), Krishna Chaitanya Gundluru (Public Relations Officer), Bujje Babu Nelluri (Youth Wing Coordinator), Praveen Kumar Kaipu (Youth Wing Coordinator), Jaya Kondra (Women’s Wing Coordinator) and Dileep Maddukuri, Peter John Vengala, (Members of the Executive Committee).
Peter John Vengala, Srinivasa Prasad Sappa, Ravi Musuku, Siva Kilari and Venkat Raman have been appointed as Members of the Advisory Board.
Pursuit of objectives
Dr Samuel said that among the objectives of MATA NZ are to (a) make a significant contribution to the Telugu community (b) be involved in various community activities and services in New Zealand (c) invite leaders and people of importance and eminence from Andhra Pradesh and provide them a platform to engage with Andhrulus in New Zealand and (d) promote social and religious cohesion through meetings and programmes.
“We hope to organise seminars and conferences in association with the Auckland Chamber of Commerce for people from the Telugu community keen to establish their businesses in New Zealand. We would also like to help Start-ups here,” he said.
About Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh was the first state to be formed on a linguistic basis in India on October 1, 1953. Rich in natural and resources, the State is the seventh largest economy in India and has contributed several leaders to national politics and government. Among them are Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Zakir Hussain, Neelam Sanjiv Reddy, Tanguturi Prakasam, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, Bezawada Gopala Reddy, Bhavanam Venkataram Reddy, Kasu Brahmadanda Reddy, Damodaram Sanjivayya, Kotla Vijaya, Bhaskara Reddy.
Andhra Pradesh was once a major Buddhist pilgrimage site in India and Buddhist learning centre, which can be seen in many sites in the State in the form of ruins and stupas. It is also a State which embraces all major religions including Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.
The State is also known as the land of the world-famous diamond Kohinoor and many other global known diamonds due to its erstwhile Kollur Mine. It is also known as the ‘Rice Bowl of India’ for being a major producer of rice in India.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Andhra Pradesh has always been known for its rich culture. It has presented a wide range of Performing Arts including Dance, Drama and Music to the world. Many composers of Carnatic Music, including Annamacharya, Khetrayya and Bhadrachala Ramadas belong to this State. Modern Carnatic Music Composers and singers such as Ghantasala, Sujatha Puligella, and Balamurali Krishna are also of Telugu descent. Kuchipudi, one of the greatest forms of Classical Indian Dances, practiced by artistes all over the world, originated from this State
The Telugu film industry hosts many music composers and playback singers such as S P Balasubrahmanyam, P Susheela, S Janaki and P B Sreenivas. Folk songs are very important and popular in the many rural areas of the state.
Lord Venkateswara Temple
The Tirupathi Temple is considered to be one of the richest Temples in India, with assets worth more than US$ 20 billion. It attracts more than 40 million worshippers every year, a majority of them waiting in long-winding queues for up to 24 hours or more to have a two-second Dharshan of the Main Deity. Yet, devotees believe that a glimpse of the Lord in itself is the greatest blessing in their lives.
A multi-acre Complex, comprising a new Temple for Lord Venkateswara and other Temples, amenities and facilities will be built in the Auckland region. The promoters have acquired land and initial work is in progress.
Further details of Mana Andhra Telugu Association can be obtained from Dr Reginald Samuel on 021-1089357 and Ghouse Majeed on 021-393466.
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