Cultural performance at the 19th American Telugu Association (ATA) Conference and Youth Convention in Baltimore / Handout

The fastest-growing Indian diaspora community in America, the Telugus are on a roll. Nearly 2 million strong and spread across New York, New Jersey, Maryland, the DC metro area, Virginia, Dallas, Silicon Valley, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit and other cities, they are making their mark across professions and sectors. From business and technology to culture and politics, the community showcased its growing influence at the 19th American Telugu Association (ATA) Conference and Youth Convention in Baltimore recently. The Baltimore Convention Center became a vibrant slice of Telugu America, celebrating culture, community leadership, business, public service and entertainment.

The high-profile, star-studded convention brought together families, students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, physicians, technology leaders, artists and community organizers from across North America and abroad. Its high-profile guest list included Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, Virginia Lt. Gov. Ghazala F. Hashmi and Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, among the attendees.

Still in hangover, and why it wouldn’t be?  For ATA, the gathering was more than a celebration of Telugu heritage. It reflected the growing economic, civic and cultural influence of a diaspora that has established a strong presence across the United States. The community got the recognition from the top.  

Gov. Wes Moore hailed the Telugu community, recognized its contributions to different professions and spheres. His appearance underscored the community's growing civic and economic presence in Maryland and the broader Washington-Baltimore region. Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, whose own journey from India to elected office has made her a prominent figure among Indian Americans, spoke about perseverance, education and civic participation. Her message resonated particularly with immigrant families and young people navigating their identities and ambitions in the United States.

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Virginia Lt. Gov. Ghazala F. Hashmi brought another perspective on immigrant success and representation. Hashmi, the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in Virginia and the first South Asian American to hold statewide office there, also highlighted the contributions of Indian Americans across business, health care, education, technology and public service.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka used the convention to highlight the state's development priorities and its growing investment potential. In hisinteraction with Telugu professionals and entrepreneurs in the US, Vikramarka emphasized opportunities for diaspora investment, technology partnerships, innovation, infrastructure and employment creation. 

19th American Telugu Association (ATA) Conference and Youth Convention in Baltimore / Handout

The grand finale was the star-studded evening entertained by Telugu Cinema as the star power took centerstage. Producer Dil Raju, actors Adivi Sesh, Rajendra Prasad, Muralidhar Goud, Varun Sandesh and Naveen Polishetty drew enthusiastic audiences. Actresses Pooja Hegde, Ritu Varma, Ananya Nagalla and Divi Vadthya added to the entertainment lineup, giving film fans an opportunity to see some of the industry's best-known performers outside the traditional cinema setting. 

ATA President Jayanth Challa drew spotlight as he played a central role in coordinating the organization and its teams, helping bring together the convention's diverse cultural, professional and community programs. Additionally, core team member and conference convenor Sridhar Banala, members of Conference Core Committee, and the ATA Board of Trustees worked day and night to make ATA Convention a buzzing success story. 

Talking to New India Abroad, Challa said: “I am delighted to be a part of this ATA organization structure…The conference focused on Telugu Americans as one of the fastest-growing communities in the US, emphasizing the importance of preserving Telugu culture and identity while integrating into American society through participation in political, social, and cultural activities.”

ATA actively participates in initiatives that benefit the broader American community, says Challa. “Through blood donation drives to charitable activities with local police and fire departments, youth leadership programs, and business seminars that encourage entrepreneurship, we are demonstrating that Telugu Americans are an integral part of the American community,” he told this reporter.

And ATA has its eyes on motherland, India too. Says ATA President: “We do ATA Vedukalu in India every other year…We actively work with the US and Indian companies to increase the bilateral trade and achieve $500B trade goal in the next 5 years.” More opportunities for US-Telangana business are coming with reports about Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy possible visit to the United States in August end. Sources confirmed about a dinner reception being hosted for Telangana CM Revanth Reddy by ATA top brass and members in New Jersey in August end. 

The show must go on, feels the strong Telugu community in America. Now in its 36th year, ATA has more than 25,000 members, and its three-day conference drew thousands of Telugu Americans. And they are all set to make a mark for their 20th ATA Convention in Dallas, Texas, as the host city under the leadership of Satish Reddy, the next ATA President. The choice of Dallas is significant. North Texas has become one of the largest and fastest-growing hubs of Telugu Americans in the country, making Dallas a natural destination for the next major gathering. The 2028 convention is expected to build on the momentum generated in Baltimore, with culture, youth leadership, entrepreneurship, public service and community engagement remaining central themes. The next chapter will unfold in Dallas, where an even larger Telugu diaspora is preparing to welcome the community in 2028.

Discover more at New India Abroad.