So the summer is in full swing after a brutal winter. In the summer several celebrities come from India, on a regular basis and TFAS is called upon to support and participate in these events. The challenge for the TFAS Executive Committee is to keep our core values and integrity intact, while selectively supporting events that reflect our charter. We have so far maintained these values by supporting only those related to arts, culture and literature and stay away from purely religious, political or caste based. Although this may not jell-well with some, we will keep it that way since this organization is formed with the core values to support arts, literature and culture. I hope you understand when we ask to be excused; nothing personal.

One of the major events that took place since our last publication was the North America Telugu Society (NATS) Sambaralu during the July 4th weekend. TFAS was asked to present two items as a part of this Sambaralu, which we did and I hope you all enjoyed it. I must say that I was very nervous about the success of the event as it was being planned in a grand way and I did not have prior knowledge of the working of the main organizers. TFAS EC rendered a helping hand to the extent we were asked. I attended the three-day event. I am sure that an event of this magnitude will have some small hiccups; but overall I think it was conducted very well. As such, majority of the performers and participants were locally based and have performed on TFAS stage for several years. I congratulate the NATS team for successfully undertaking this program. TFAS EC also had representation at the TANA program in California, which was successful as well. Members of our EC assisted TANA in conducting local competitions leading up to the main event.

TFAS’s next event is Annual Picnic on Sunday, August 7th, at the Johnson Park in Piscataway. We have decided it will be free (no entry fee) to the participants. However, we continue to solicit donors to come forward and make generous contributions to enable TFAS to meet the expenses. We are planning several community events at the picnic, which include clothing, food and toy drive as well as summer reading for kids. We hope you attend this event and enjoy a fun filled day with family and friends. Our next major event will be Deepavali function, which is being planned for October 29th. More details will be forthcoming about this event. As always, if you have any new ideas you would like us to consider, please do call any of the TFAS EC members. We will conduct music, dance and literary competitions leading up to the event.

During the end of July, the EC, along with some senior/founding members of TFAS, will be having a retreat to discuss TFAS activities moving forward and on how to solidify the base of the organization. One of the questions that keeps me up at night is How come NATS/TANA/ATA were able to raise over half a million dollars for one event in one fund raiser while TFAS struggles to get enough support to get a permanent building to support various cultural activities in NJ. I am willing to listen to any creative idea to fulfill the dream of founding fathers of this organization, which is to ensure that our kids and their kids can learn and perform Indian music and dances while they are exposed to our culture and values.

We conducted a Carnatic, semi-classical and devotional vocal and Veena concert on May 22nd at the TV Asia Studio in Edison. Dr. Smt. Dwaram Lakshmi garu and Smt. Emani Kalyani garu performed to the enjoyment of audience from 4 years to 84 years. Over 75 classical music lovers graced this event that gave immense satisfaction to all who organized and witnessed a culturally rich and traditionally timeless music from two prominent musicians from India. Our EC also assisted in conducting music classes by Sri Ramachari garu.

I am looking forward to seeing you at our next program. Please visit www.tfas.net and continue to look for our upcoming programs. Looking forward to your continued support in making TFAS the Organization of choice for Telugu people.

Until next time……………………….

Your president
Anand Paluri