‘Mana Andhra Telugu Association New Zealand’ for better community engagement
Venkat Raman
Auckland, December 20, 2020
A new organisation to represent the people of Andhra Pradesh and engage with other communities and promote goodwill and understanding was officially launched in Auckland last night at an initial meeting held at the Wellesley Community Centre in Sandringham last night (Saturday, December 19, 2020).
Called, ‘Mana Andhra Telugu Association (MATA) New Zealand,’ which is registered with the New Zealand government, its inaugural meeting was held with many prominent members of the Telugu Community in Auckland. While the election of Committee members to run the new Association will be held shortly, the inaugural meeting was to evince and explore interests of people in the community.
The current team comprises Nandi Reddy Pratap Reddy (Founder), Dr Reginald Samuel (President), Kiran Koripa, Krishna Chaitanya Gunduluru, Bujje Babu Nelluri, Peter John Vengala, Srinivas Rao Pichuka and Shaik Shamsheeruddin.
Wings for Women and Youth
Founder Nandi Reddy Pratap Reddy and President Dr Reginald Samuel said that their immediate tasks also include establishment of Women’s Wing and Youth Wing for greater representation and fulfilment of objectives.
Ravi Musuku, Pastor of Immanuel City Church and Leader among minority groups in New Zealand spoke of the immensity of God’s benevolence and sought the Divine Blessings for the new Association, stating that its purpose will be well served by pursuit of the right causes.
He later prayed for the progress of the new Association, preceded and succeeded by hymns and Christmas songs rendered by the members of the Baptist Church.
Among those who attended the meeting were Link2 Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director Indra Sirigiri, Manasa Sirigiri, Universal Granite and Marbles New Zealand Director Siva Kilari, Krishna Kumar Pusarla, Ghouse Majeed and Arepalli Krishna Reddy.
Pursuit of objectives
Dr Reginald Samuel said that among the objectives of the new organisation 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 from time to time
“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.
Student Exchange Programmes
Mr Samuel said that among the activities that the Association has planned are to connect international students from Andhra Pradesh and help them connect with the community and promote their interests; facilitate student exchange programmes between New Zealand and Andhra Pradesh and explore business and investment opportunities for Kiwi and Andhra investors.
“Our Association has launched a membership drive and that there is no joining fee for the members of the community. In view of the amendments effected to the Privacy Act, we have sought the advice of the Privacy Commissioner about the procedures to be followed in seeking contact details of potential members and related matters,” he said.
Among the speakers at the event were Indra Sirigiri, Ghouse Majeed, Siva Kilari, Arepalli Krishna Reddy and this Reporter.
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.
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.
Further details of Mana Andhra Telugu Association can be obtained from Dr Reginald Samuel on 021-1089357 and Pratap Reddy on 021-2088848.
Pictures Supplied by Mana Andhra Telugu Association New Zealand. The above Report has been sponsored by
