NZTA also marks its 20th Anniversary
Supplied Content (Edited)
More than 800 men, women and children attended Ugadi celebrations organised by the New Zealand Telugu Association at Avondale College in Auckland on March 11, 2018.
The event this year acquired special significance on three counts.
Significant milestone
Firstly, it marked the 20th Anniversary of NZTA.
From its humble beginnings, the Association has grown to offer services to the community and its members based on their evolving needs. Literary, cultural and entertainment programmes are held to sustain the interest of the Telugu-speaking people in Auckland.
Secondly, NZTA created history by electing Aruna Bhoompelli as its first Woman-President.
“Times are changing and NZTA has shown the way for more women to undertake such responsibilities and lead in social, cultural and literary activities. Aruna has been a shining example of effective leadership and thus far organised festivals such as Shankaranthi, Holi and now Ugadi,” a member said.
Single family
“Although Telugu-speaking people in India today belong to two different States namely Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, we are one big family in New Zealand,” she added.
The Ugadi event started with the ‘Ugadi Pachchadi, comprising coconut, banana, raw mango, jaggery, neem flower, salt and red chilly power to symbolise that life brings issues that are hard, ripe, soft, sour, sweet, bitter, saline and spicy.
Padma Govardhan honoured
Sangeetha Bharathi School of Music Director and Principal Dr Padma Govardhan was felicitated on her achievement of obtaining a doctorate (PhD) in Carnatic Music (Indian Newslink March 1, 2016 issue).
Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Project Manager Nilima Venkat and Telugu Jagruthi New Zealand President Aruna Jyothi Mallikarjun Reddy were also recognised and honoured for their services to the community through their respective organisations.
- Cultural dancers at the NZTA event
- Young and old performed at the Ugadi Festival
(Pictures supplied)
