The Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (TAGC), the first Telugu Association in North America (TANA), in partnership with American Telangana Sangham (ATS), hosted a successful event to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 5, 2023. The event was held in Olive Palace banquets in Mount Prospect. This event brought together more than 500 women from different parts of Chicago to celebrate the theme “Be the hero of your life”. All the women are beautifully dressed in sequined and ruffled sarees.
The program started with a devotional song by singer Shruti Thakur and lamp lighting by TAGC 2023 President Sri Parameswara Reddy Yarasani, Smt Aruna Sri Yarasani, ATS President Co-Host Sri Narendra Chamarla, Smt Rajalakshmi Chemarla, Smt Jyothi Madhavaram, Chairwoman of Women’s Day Smt Madhavi Rani Konakalla and Co lead Smt Neelima Boddu, Smt Rachana Koluguri and Smt Vani Rachakonda. Smt. Vinitha Podduturi, Smt. Uma Avadhuta, Smt. Neelima Cheikicharla, Smt. Prasanna Kandukuri, Smt. Archana Podduturi, Smt. Sirisha Madduri joined all other TAGC Women Board of Directors.
Those attending the event also had the opportunity to network and socialize with other women in attendance, forging new relationships and creating opportunities for collaboration.
The event included a keynote address by guest speaker Smt Vidya Nahar, who spoke about the importance of yoga for women. The other speakers were Smt Satya Rangaraju, Smt Subhapriya Lakshmanan also spoke on the empowerment of women.
One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of several senior women from the Chicago Area Telugu Seniors (CATS) Association who have made significant contributions to the Indian communities over many years.
All the women present were blown away by events such as Fashion Walk of over 30 participants, Reels Contest, Treasure and Grab a Saree, Kahoot Games and many more activities. Evening snacks and dinners arranged by TAGC Food Team Sri Sinivas Reddy Kolli, Sri Rohit Akula along with fellow TAGC Board of Directors Sri Srujan Nainappagari, Sri Shashi Chava, Sri Ramana Kalva and Mr. Srinivas Reddy Nagireddy and Lakshmi Narayana Thota, serving the Food team helped. The TAGC Team 2023 thanked the Cool Mirchi restaurant for the delicious food.
Anchor Sameera Illendula brought a lot of energy to the event with her funny lines and witty questions.
Continuing TAGC’s tradition of giving away donations, this year attendees also raised money for a non-profit organization called the Suguna Foundation, with offices in the western Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India, which provides care and living for the elderly in need and the Akshaya Foundation – NGO supports catering educational needs for children. This year there was an overwhelming response and a contribution that ranks among the highest donation amounts. Regal Jewelers sponsored gold and silver coins for lots.
Each participant received a return gift sponsored by Kalyani Jonnavithula, owner of PM Consulting. The TAGC team appreciated all the efforts of the youth volunteers and made sure all members received the gift in return.
Speaking to the media, TAGC President Parameswara Reddy Yarasani and Women’s Day Chair Madhavi expressed their hope that the event would inspire attendees to continue to advocate for culture and empower more women in their communities. They also thanked the sponsors and partners who supported and made the event possible.
