More than $500000 raised for NTR Memorial Trust

CBN’s meet and greet in NJ: More than half a million dollars raised for NTR Memorial Trust

The NRI Telugu of the North East USA and NRI TDP hosted a “meet and greet” program with Sri. Nara Chandra Babu Naidu, President of TDP and Former Chief Minister on July 4, 2007 at Royal Albert’s Palace.

The event was a resounding success and was a testimony to the tremendous sway of Sri CBN over the NRI Telugu community. More than half a million US dollars was raised for the NTR memorial trust during the fundraising lunch organized on this occasion. This is the highest sum ever raised by any Indian politician from one single city in USA.

Filled with yellow color banners, balloons, cutouts, posters, the atmosphere at the venue was electrifying with more than 3500 attendees, the who’s who of the American Telugu’s. This is the largest crowd ever gathered for any Indian Politician in USA.

CBN in his address as the chief guest’ address recalled that when his Government’s thrust on the key areas of development like infrastructure and information technology in the state had met with much criticism. But today his emphasis on IT stood vindicated. Today it is there for everyone to see the way the large number of IT professionals who moved to other countries is making the State proud of them by emerging as a force.

Citing how in terms of technology, India and even more specifically Andhra Pradesh has made giant strides, he related an incident to demonstrate how the latest and the best of cell phones are widely available in AP /India than advanced nations like US. Today with the growth, the airports have called for greater expansion.

Yet he said all the successful Telugus should partake in the welfare of the society, the underprivileged in their home land. They can make use of NTR memorial trust to chanelise their energies and contributions for the upliftment of the villages and the needy.

He also said that this is not an occasion to talk about politics, but reminisce the achievements and contributions of the Telugu’s and the greatness of Telugu culture and tradition. The speech was later followed by an absorbing Q&A session with Sri. Babu. He patiently answered wide range of queries from the audience including role of women in NRI Telugu initiatives and so on.

CBN thanked the attendees and program organizers for having him here and supporting his vision and leadership. Sri. Nagam Janardhan Reddy, Sri. Erraballi Dayakar Rao, Sri. Garikapati Rammohan Rao, Mr. Upendra Chivukula prominent Telugu from NJ and a Congressman, Mr. Jun Choi, Mayor of Edison, Mr. Umesh, NRI TDP Overseer, Smt. Uma Madhav Reddy, Mr. Pathuri Nagabhushanam also participated in the event.

Convener Mr. Brahmaji valiveti, in his address praised Sri CBN’s efforts for the present status of the NRI Telugus, and requested everyone to contribute as much as possible to India through NTR Memorial Trust.

As Sri CBN explained the purpose of NTR trust and requested the support of NRI Telugu community , contributions poured in. The most prominent among the donors for the NTR Memorial Trust were Mr. Pavan Kumar Darisi (donated Rs.1 crore), Mr. Narendar reddy (donated USD 50 thousand) Mr. Ramana Mannam (donated USD 50 thousand).

Prior to starting the main the program, Singers Usha, Gangadhar, Anitha Krishna kept the audience occupied with some wonderful singing and performances.

Co-convener Vasudeva Reddy Chinna proposed the vote of thanks and said Sri CBN has changed the perception of the young about politics and politicians in the past few decades. Under CBN we could feel a sense of direction for the state and its people, a definite vision. He thanked Sri CBN on behalf of all Telugus and specially the NRI Telugus for allowing them to hold their heads in high esteem…in any corner of the world. For giving them something to talk about the Present day AP … Present day India and Present day leaders, and not just the achievements of India of a bygone era.