Ghantasala Aradhnotsavalu (Live Music Concert) in Minnesota

Telugu Association of Minnesota (TEAM) has organized Ghantasala Aradhanotsavalu on November 26, at Oak Grove Middle school in Bloomington. It was a musical feast for Telugu community in Twin cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis during Thanksgiving holiday.  TEAM & TANA organized the event to benefit the poor and handicapped children in India through Vegesna foundation.
The musical night (Ghantasala Sangeeta vibhavari) started with Venkat Kothur, MC (Master of Ceremonies) for the evening, introducing Vegesna foundation and the visiting artists/singers to the audience. A brief explanation about charitable activities of Vegesna foundation, helping the poor and disabled in India, was presented to set the stage for the evening. The celebrity singers of the evening Sri Bala Kameshwar Rao Tata, who is known as ‘Apara Ghantasala’ and Smt Surekha Diwakarla, known as ‘Gana Kolkila’ were invited on to the stage describing their accomplishments in the field of music and singing.
The concert began with traditional ganapati stotram by Bala kameshwar Rao resembling the melodious voice of Ghantasala. It was an excellent precursor for the memorable night to follow. ‘Ganakokila’ Surekha took every one to a smoothening ride of melody with a song “Kanulu musina neevaye” from classic movie Gundammakatha. Shesha shailavasa Sri Venkatesha, Chitapata chinkulu padutu vented, Repanti rupam kanti … like classical songs of Ghantasala duets were thoroughly enjoyed by a packed crowed.
At the half time, Vegesna foundation presented a video about their charitable activities helping poor and disabled in India and it was very informative and effective.  Dr. Vamsee Ramaraju founder of Vegesna explained the condition of disabled children and the need for help from NRIs. Sri. Chitten Raju Vanguri, of Vegesna encouraged the NRIs to help the poor and disabled, while entertaining the audience with nice jokes and announcing the spot donations.  The musical night continued for about two hours with many old time melodies. The local talents, Sriram Pidaparti, Santosh Nandagiri, and Kiran Govindu also sang few Ghnatasala songs.
It was an exciting evening as the music lovers extended their charitable hands and raised about $11,500 for Vegesna at the concert.
Sri Chitten Raju of Vegans expressed his gratitude for the help extended by Shankar Bandy from TANA, Saladin Naidu, Venkat Kothur and TEAM leader ship Vasanth Chaganti, Hari Pallempati, Surya Duggirala for organizing the event in Minneapolis supporting a noble cause. The TEAM executives and volunteers, Urmila Hejibu, SaiVinodh Thotakura, Raju Dantuluri, Ramesh Akula, Nagi Reddy, Chimata Babu, and Chimata Haritha have worked very hard to make this charitable event a success.