Choose to Challenge! Just like the slogan goes, American Telugu Association(ATA) has celebrated International Women’s Day 2021 on Sunday March 7th, on a virtual platform amidst the pandemic where social gatherings are a challenge. The event turned out to be grander and more successful, thanks to the joint effort from the Women’s team from across the nation.
Anitha Reddy Yajnik (Women’s Committee Chair) opened the event with a special thanks to all guests and members, while giving the viewers a glimpse of the day’s agenda.
Padma Shri Sudha Murthy garu (chairperson of Infosys foundation) was invited as a special guest. Murthy garu talks about how a woman takes human relations and applies them to her professional life. Murthy garu said, “A woman is not a competitor to a man. We are like 2 wheels of a chariot. Together, we should collaborate”.
Among the eminent guest list was also Padma Shri Shobha Raju garu (Astana Sangeetha Vidwan of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.) who opened the event with a devotional prayer in her beautiful singing voice. She spoke about overcoming the need to fight for equality when we women must consider ourselves as a superior species with tremendous courage and strength. Shobha Raju garu said “Men cannot bear children or have the same issues as women, so how can we be equal?”
Prominent speakers from Tollywood like Director Nandini Reddy garu and Actress Laya Gorty garu also graced the occasion and spoke about being comfortable in your own skin and not trying to fit into the stereotyped boxes that others create for you.
Madhurima Boyapati Paturi (Founder and President of Paturi Law) along with a panel of advocates emphasized on identifying domestic violence and early signs of abuse. The panel spoke about the abuse cycle that starts at home and how we must identify that and break that cycle. She spoke of ‘Gaslighting’ which means that the abuser makes the victim think that it is all in their minds by playing these mental games.
Also, in advocacy was Janetha Reddy garu from Janetha Law firm who touched upon immigration issues. She talks about her father encouraging her and her sister to pursue their education and that women empowerment starts at home.
Aparna Kadari (InfoSec Aficionado) resonated with a large number in the audience when she talked about women in IT. Ms. Kadari said “As women, we don’t toot our own horns. We do not market ourselves and as a result of that I stayed in the same role for about 12 years before realizing that I must. Teach your girls not to dream of glass slippers, rather tell them to shatter the glass ceiling”. Indeed, a powerful message from Ms. Paturi.
Ms. Hari Chandana Dasari garu, IAS officer in Telangana graced the event with her dynamic presence speaking about her mother being her role model and emphasized on the importance of every woman to be responsible for empowering herself and not relying on others to bail them out. “We also need to encourage the girl child to be able to do anything that she has her heart set on.” Ms. Dasari said.
The event also witnessed the gracious presence of women in leadership from various organizations. Jhansi Reddy garu, Dr. Sandhya Gavva, Kavitha Challa, Anupama Gotimukkala, Dr. Meher Medhavaram were present on the ‘Women in Leadership’ panel and their message was unanimous, which is that we as women are second to none.
Among the Political leadership group were eminent speakers like Seetaka Dasari garu who spoke about the importance of holding these events and continuing to celebrate women. “We have come a long way from the days where women did not have the right to vote” she said.
Sunitha Laxma Reddy garu went back into mythology where the girl child is respected and honored as goddess Lakshmi. DK Aruna garu said that we as women should have a goal and determination in mind and should not let others belittle us.
This year was unique in the sense that a Youth Panel (Meghana Boojala, Nishitha Lingala, Apoorva Bommanaveni), was introduced where they spoke about how their perspective as shying away from Indian culture and language shifted to embracing it as they got older. Knowing your roots is important and let no one tell you that what you are doing is not cool.
1st Lieutenant Soumya Sreerama chose an unusual career path and broke the norms of the typical society by choosing to carve out a path for herself in the US army. She emphasized the fact that women should command the respect they deserve and not be afraid to speak up. She is a shining beacon of hope and a role model for young girls in India and in America and personifies the fact that if you set yourself to doing something, you can very well achieve it.
Dr. Lakshmi Kona spoke about her efforts to give back to the people in India in poor health conditions. She conducts free health clinics in her village 2-3 times a year.
Empowering messages were delivered from Mr. Bhuvanesh Boojala garu (President, ATA) and Madhu Bommineni garu (President-elect). They said that more women should step into leadership roles and that nothing should stop them from being who they are.
Sarada Singireddy garu, Dr. Meher Medavaram garu (board of trustees) of ATA provided beautiful jingles throughout the show, with great entertainment for the audience.
The entire event was dotted with beautiful Classical dances, Tollywood songs, prayers, folk songs and dances from talented artists from all over the world. Truly it was celebrated Internationally.
Mallika Reddy (Women’s Committee Co-Chair) closed the event thanking our sponsors Somashekhar Reddy Garu and Hyderabad Palace from Boston and all the speakers, performers, technical group and the entire team for their participation and undeterred support.
Special Thanks to ABR Productions for Technical logistics.
Overall, the takeaway from the event was Empowering women, supporting each other and marching forward together with a common goal in mind. Womanhood!
Press release by: Indian Clicks, LLC
