FLUSHING, NY (TIP): NYTTA, organized, NYTTA SAMBARALU, a grand celebration of Maha Shivaratri and Women’s Day on March 4, 2023, in Hindu Temple Auditorium, Flushing. (SAMBARALU, in Telugu, a South Indian Language means Celebrations). Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu Festival, celebrated in India, especially in the State of Telangana. Devotees fast during the day and offer all-night vigil called JAGARAN, singing bhajans in praise of the Lord Shiva. Incidentally, on this day Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi got married. Lord Parvathi is known as Jaganmatha, (mother of all mothers) is known to be a very powerful Shakti. Hence it was thought that it is apt to celebrate Women’s Day offering prayer to Goddess Parvathi, together with Maha Shivaratri.

The event has been graced by more than 600 guests from all over New York City, Long Island and neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut states. Telanganites have a great presence not only in these states but also other states within the US. Children from the local community enthralled the audience with their gracious dances, devotional and folklore songs, composed by eminent Gurus. The festivities went on from 3 PM to midnight, with the audience pinned to their seats and watching the cultural programs. Artists from India have performed filmi and Telangana specific folklores. Sumptuous dinner with specials from the Telangana State have been served. Some of the authentic food items not available have been flown specially from India.

It was a great honor that Mr. Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Innovation, the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, Brooklyn President’s Office, graced the occasion. Mr. Dilip Chauhan has been a great friend of the Indian Community, especially Telugus in New York. He has attended several cultural, economic, and educational programs in New York, and has been a great inspiration for the community. As a Deputy Controller of the Minority Affairs office in Nassau Country he is a well-known motivating personality in Long Island as well. Thus, he has established a strong bond with the community spread across Long Island and New York City.

In his speech to the audience, Mr. Chauhan congratulated the NYTTA Chairman, Dr. Rajender Jinna, and the President of NYTTA, Mr. Sunil Reddy Gaddam, on organizing such a massive gathering of Telangana Community. He congratulated the children and the parents on carrying the cultural values of their motherland forward and practicing them here as well. This brings diversity to the community which is the strong pillar of New York, which embraces communities from different countries and cultures. He said Telugus are one of the fastest growing communities, contributing to educational values and also as most of them are IT Professionals, Doctors, Engineers contributes significantly to the economy. He led the galaxy of leaders and philanthropists in releasing the first ever Souvenir commemorating the grand gala.

Chairman, Dr. Jinna thanked Mr. Chauhan for his valuable time and said the goal of the organization is to bring up the children to grow up as the responsible citizens. He said, the organization will make every effort in utilizing the encouragement provided by the Mayor’s office to the communities. President, Mr. Sunil Reddy Gaddam, explained him the upcoming activities of the organization and efforts of the organization in serving the community here in US and back home. Mr. Chauhan appreciated him for the innovative themes Mr. Sunil introduced this year. The founder of the organization, Mr. Srinivas Guduru, a long-time friend of Mr. Chauhan, gave his vision of establishing the organization in New York, and introduced him to the generous donors supporting the organization, and the esteemed local leadership from various organizations. He vehemently thanked Mr. Chauhan for his continuous support to the South Asians in general, and Telugus in particular, of this region.

(Based on a Press Release)