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A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 1
http://www.tucsontelugu.org/
TATA Kaburlu, volume 7
Your Board Members [2012-2013]
President: Katyayani Suryadevara katya121213@msn.com Vice President: Vijaya Rao texas25@gmail.com Treasurer: Vasudha Raju vasudhak@yahoo.com Secretary: Sri Vani Rallabandi m_srivani@yahoo.com Cultural Secretary: Gopal Srinivasan gopal_cit@yahoo.com Executive Board Member: Shyam Sunder shyamvsunder@gmail.com Past President: Subrahmanyam Aradyula subbu2@hotmail.com Founding Member: Nirmala Lavu nirmala_lavu@yahoo.com
Youth Representative: Meena Venkataramanan Web Master: Hari Venkat
Message from the Board
Greetings! The past few months have been
exciting with quite a few events to draw
together our community. At the outset we
would like to thank all the members
individually for supporting TATA activities and
making our events memorable and successful.
Our membership has grown over the years yet
we have managed to retain the character of a
close knit family. The fact that we are a
successful organization is not a
happenstance, it is the dedication and effort of
all our members that contributes to it and we
should be justifiably proud of that.
We would like to highlight some of the main
events and developments in TATA since the
last release of the newsletter…
[Continued in page 2...]
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 2
Message from the Board [continued…..]
…One of our major focus areas in the recent past has been greater involvement in the Tucson community
activities. As part of this we participated in Burrito Making that was hosted at the Subbureddiyar's family
residence. Adults and children from over 26 families enthusiastically participated in this event and prepared
400 burritos in two hours for distribution to the poor and homeless. Another noteworthy event was organized
by our youngest and newest TATA board member, Meena Venkataramanan, at Ben's Bells. Over 32 adults
and children got together at Tucson Ben’s Bells downtown location and spent two hours having fun painting
bells for a worthy cause. Another notable event was when many members got together to sew, assemble and
fold large tote bags that were to be distributed to children in the foster care system under the auspices of the
Aviva organization’s Children's Services Bags for Kids initiative. Finally, we have proudly continued to
volunteer at the Tucson Community Food Bank by bagging food for distribution. Our deep involvement in our
local community is a source of pride and we hope this sets a good example for our children about social
commitment.
We also made significant contributions towards charitable causes beyond the borders of Southern Arizona.
We invited singers from Hyderabad for a wonderful evening of music with songs in Telugu and other regional
languages. We used the function to raise over $7,000 for Vegesena, an organization working to empower the
differentially-able individuals. We also raised a significant amount of contributions for the Sankara Eye
Foundation. Finally, reflecting our broad agenda of social consciousness, we raised a significant sum of
money that has been donated to the American Red Cross to be used for relief efforts for those affected by
Super Typhoon Haiyan in Philippines.
In terms of cultural activities we celebrated the traditional festivals of Sankranti, Ugadi and Diwali. The year
got off to a great start with the Sankranti celebrations hosted by Sujatha and Greg at their house. The
delicious ethnic food was noteworthy. The Ugadi function was hosted by Swapna and Rakshit Gaddam and
involved children in a well-organized cultural program. The Diwali function was hosted by Jayanthi and Shyam
Sunder and featured diya making and fireworks. The annual picnic was hosted by Sarda and Siva Kokimalla
and saw adults and children enthusiastically participating in the games and competing for the prizes. We also
had a TATA Night with Pizza catered by the Subbureddiyar family which provided an occasion for TATA
families to mingle and chat while spending a relaxed evening. To end the year we had the much anticipated
Muggula Poti, hosted as usual by Ranga and Satheesh Aradhyula at their residence. The poti saw both adults
and children competing fiercely and unleashing their artistic creativity.
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 3
As part of our mission to encourage and nourish the initiatives of TATA families we have been excited to
support Sumhit Aradhyula’s efforts to bring classical music and raise money for charitable giving through
Ragazona. We look forward to supporting such initiatives by other members too.
As the current board steps down we look forward to handing over the baton to a fresh set of board members
who will undoubtedly take our organization to greater heights. We would like to encourage all members
actively consider joining the board or nominate potential candidates. Finally with a heavy heart we want to bid
good-bye to those current board members who have left or are in the process of leaving Tucson. Vijaya Rao
and family are moving to Austin, Sri Vani and family have moved to Dallas, and Gopal and Saranya are
planning on moving to India. We wish them the best of luck, they will be missed, and we thank them for all
their efforts.
Finally, the current board would like to thank all the members for their encouragement and support in all the
initiatives. We look forward to working with the next board to maintain the spirit of TATA.
In this volume
Memories from 2013 ---pages 4 onwards
Leisure ---pages 14 onwards
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 4
TATA Volunteers at Community Food Bank
TATA members spent a morning with the Community Food Bank in Tucson. For
an energetic few hours, our members assisted in the sorting, packing and
delivery of food packets.
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 5
Tote Bags for Aviva Children’s
Another event where many TATA members volunteered their time is for Aviva
Children’s Services. During this event, our enthusiastic members got to sew,
assemble and fold tote bags. These bags would be distributed to children in
foster care.
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 6
UGADI 2013
The celebration of the Telugu New Year was
hosted by Swapna and Rakshit Gaddam.
The events for the day started with prayers and
were followed by a slew of cultural programs, which
included multiple songs from our TATA singers and
a dance program by TATA young classical
dancers.
Following an end of celebration dinner, members in
attendance were also treated to a couple’s game.
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 7
Burrito Making – community outreach event
Hosted at the
residence of
Subbureddiyars, the
burrito making event
saw active
participation from
TATA members.
A total 400+ burritos
were prepared by
kids and adults from
more than 26 TATA
families.
Apart from donating
their time and effort to make this community outreach event a success, our
members pitched in with the purchase of the required ingredients.
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 8
TATA Picnic TATA Picnic 2013 was held under a pleasant weather. This year’s picnic
was hosted by Shiva and Sharada Kokimalla.
“The usual culprits at work” “Having fun”
TATA plays
“Price is Right”
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 9
Ben’s Bells - community event
The ben’s bells event was organized for the TATA
members by Meena Venkataramanan. Over 32 of our
TATA members volunteered their time to the studio by
painting bells.
Through the dedication of time, TATA members further
Ben’s Bells vision of encouraging kindness. Needless to
say, it sure was a fun filled event!
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 10
Ganesh Chaturthi at Udall Park
A gathering of TATA members at Udall Park in celebration of Ganesh
Chaturthi. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the popular Indian festivals. A
10-day long celebration [in certain areas] culminates with the
immersion of Ganpati idols in water.
With guidance from Adults, kids can be seen engaged in creating clay
Ganesha idols. Using Clay is the traditional and eco-friendly way!
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 11
Diwali Celebrations
Diwali 2013 celebrations were held at the Pima Medical Society by this
year’s hosts Shyam Sunder and Jayanthi.
Kids celebrated Diwali in style by burning firecrackers and participated in
the making of diya. This was topped off with delicious food cooked by our
TATA members and games.
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 12
Muggulla Poti 2013
In continuation with the long standing tradition, Satheesh and Ranga
Aradhyula hosted the 2013 Muggula Poti at their residence.
TATA members withstood the cold weather and a threat of rainfall to
complete beautiful muggus. Below is a list of participant for the
Muggula Poti 2013
Adult Participants:
Sarada K
Vijayalakshmi R
Bhagawati
Usha V
Priya R.
Vijaya C
Swaroopa B
Hema G
Sarada A
Kids participants:
Mallika S
Nina R
Mira R
Meena V
Varsha R
Aditya S
Sudeep B
Sai K
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 13
Kids Participants [continued…]
Krishna D
Sahasra D
Aarush T
Keertana K
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 14
Impor tant Health Tips by Vijay Radhakrishnan, PH: 481-7863
The best remedy to control stress are, Setting limits, Regular exercise, talking and engaging with friends and family.
Vegetarians - watch out for essential Nutrients
Proteins (50 grams/day) Milk, milk products, lentils, beans, nuts, nut butters, peas, and soy products. Iron Iron-fortified breakfast cereals, spinach, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, lentils, turnip greens, molasses, whole wheat breads, peas, and some dried fruits (dried apricots, prunes, raisins). Zinc Beans, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, and milk products. Calcium Milk, milk products, calcium-fortified soymilk, calcium-fortified breakfast cereals and orange juice, tofu made with calcium sulfate, and some dark-green leafy vegetables (collard greens, turnip greens, bok choy, mustard greens). Vitamin B12 Milk products, eggs, and foods that have been fortified with vitamin B12 such as breakfast cereals, soymilk, veggie burgers, and nutritional yeast.
Adapted from www.usda.gov
Importance of Yogurt Yogurt gives calcium and proteins, but more importantly probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacilli that help to digest lactose sugar (found in milk and milk products). Many people can develop Acid Reflux (Heart burn) or indigestion if there is not enough of this bacteria in the body, especially after consuming diary products.
Eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies everyday.
Eat Healthy
Don’t sit in front of TV or computer for more than 2 hours for leisure activities. Amount of time spent on TV has been shown to be directly proportional to development of diabetes among Indian population.
Limit Screen
Aim for atleast 30 min of exercise everyday. It not only helps you to be fit but also gives you a goodnight’s sleep.
It’s time to Rock and Roll!!
Its always known that brown rice is better than white rice. But we as Indians find it hard to give up white rice. Some of the facts to consider about white rice include, a) parboiled rice retains the essential nutrient thiamine as opposed to raw rice and b) Cooking white rice the traditional way (boiling and draining excess water) can help to get rid of excess soluble carbohydrates (helpful for dieting plan).
Are you eating the right rice???
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 15
Memories of my Trip To The Temple - by Sahasrakshi Dasika
I went into the temple. It was cold and chilly inside. When I looked down I
saw white and black shiny tiles. When I looked left I saw gods all together in
the shape of a square. People were going around it with their hands folded
together. I knew I was going to do that in the
end about the time when I would go home. I
went to where the praying was going on and I
had to sit on the cold, chilly floor. After a while I
got to stand and go around a circle of statues.
Then we prayed to god and took some food that
we called prasadam. When my mom and dad
prayed some more, my sister, brother, and I
played tag by colors. Next we had to sit where the praying was going on.
Then we drank a liquid that was poured in our hands and tasted like water
and Tulasi leaves. Finally, I got to go around the statues of gods made of
black stone. My dad saw a clay god in different colors. We took a tannish
white one. I wanted to spray paint it but my dad said no, because we were
going to put it in our backyard and it would affect the plants. The pooja
ended and I went in a room for lunch. I had lunch with my family. We ate
hot lemon rice, cold curd rice. I ate hot, gooey, tasty payasam for dessert.
Finally it was time for the long ride home back to Tucson. I didn’t like the
long drive back because it made me feel sick. I liked going to the temple
because it was so quiet and peaceful there.
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 16
Morals For Mankind–by Meena Venkataramanan
Swami Vivekananda was one of the most respected and well-known Indian Hindu
monks. He traveled the world, educating people on Hinduism and spirituality. But
aside from the revival of Hinduism and interfaith awareness, Swamiji also taught
thousands of people about, well, people. He motivated others to take pride in who
they are and instilled powerful morals in them. By doing this, he pushed even the
poorest and most hopeless people to keep persevering until they succeed and reach
their goal.
After reading his quotes, I was truly inspired by this one: “Take up one idea. Make
that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles,
nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea
alone. This is the way to success.”
Yes, I’ve heard many quotes similar to this one (such as “follow your dreams” or
“believing is succeeding”), but what set this apart from others is that this one really
showed me that I have to drop everything else and focus on one thing at a time in
order to make it happen. You can’t have ten goals and achieve them all at once. You
have to keep thinking about your one idea and not let anything else stand in your
way. And most of all, you have to act on it—formulate a plan to make it happen.
Then, you will succeed. And once you do succeed, the cycle repeats and you start
working on another goal until you succeed.
Swami Vivekananda was acquainted with a variety of people during his 39 years on
planet Earth. Some of this people didn’t have enough self-esteem or hope to believe
that success was even possible. To those, he said, “Whatever you think, that you will
be. If you think yourselves weak, weak you will be; if you think yourselves strong,
strong you will be.” This told them that no one else is judging them—they can be
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 17
whoever they want to be and achieve whatever they want to achieve, no matter what
it takes and how far they have to go to make it happen.
In return for success, Swami Vivekananda expected others to be kind to each other.
“Purity, patience, and perseverance are the three essentials to success, and above
all, love,” he once said. He basically stated that there is no room for hatred on Earth
and believed strongly in the principle of karma (what goes around comes around). To
succeed, you will have to be pure, patient, persevere, and above all, you’ll have to
love unconditionally. To further emphasize this idea, he said that “This is the gist of all
worship – to be pure and to do good to others.”
Swamiji was deeply against poverty and hunger and ridiculed those who were rich
and selfish--who refused to give even the least bit to the poor or hungry. “So long as
the millions live in hunger and ignorance, I hold every man a traitor who, having been
educated at their expense, pays not the least heed to them.”
His words speak the plain truth. Why is it that there are over ten million millionaires in
the world but over three billion people—almost half the world--live on under $2.50 a
day? What would happen if everyone—wealthy or not wealthy—gave just one dollar
to help fight the growing problem of homelessness? Swamiji questions this in his
quote.
More than his religious teachings, Swami Vivekananda inspired me more through his
teachings about mankind and how we can all contribute to the success of others to
make this world a better place. After reading his quotes, I’m living today—but I’m
thinking tomorrow. I plan to use his quotes to improve everyday and succeed in
reaching my goals and helping others who have less than I do reach theirs, too. The
key is a) acting on a single idea, b) believing in yourself, c) loving as opposed to
hating, and d) giving to others who have less than you do. This is what will make a
stronger tomorrow. After all, Swamiji did say, “…Have faith in yourselves, and stand
up on that faith and be strong; that is what we need.”
A newsletter from Telugu Association of Tucson Arizona - Volume 7, Page | 18
Sudoku for your mind
This one should be easy
8
3
1
9
4
9
7
1
5
4
2
1
4
9
2
6
8
2
4
3
7
5
9
1
3
1
8
9
2
3
4
6
2
7
3
A step higher in difficulty
[THE END]
“TATA Kabrulu – Vol 7 ” compiled by Gopal Srinivasan
8
7
6
1
3
6
4
8
7
3
1
3
4
4
7
5
3
1
3
1
2
4
9
5
4
3
9
4
2
8
6
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