The New Zealand Telangana Central Association (NZTCA) organized a highly successful Meet and Greet event on Sunday 10 November, welcoming distinguished leaders from the Telangana Legislative Assembly and Council. Held at the historic Mt. Eden War Memorial Hall, the gathering brought together the local Telangana community in New Zealand to connect with prominent figures shaping the political landscape of their home state.
Honoured Guests
The event featured key dignitaries from Telangana:
Honourable Gaddam Prasad Kumar, Speaker of the Telangana Legislative Assembly
Honourable Gutha Sukender Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana Legislative Council
Honourable Banda Prakash, Deputy Chairman of the Telangana Legislative Council
Dr V. Narasimha Charyulu, Secretary of the Telangana Legislative Council
Event Highlights-The evening commenced with an enthusiastic welcome by Kiran Pokala, the Master of Ceremonies. In his opening remarks, Pokala emphasized the significance of the gathering as a bridge between the diaspora in New Zealand and their roots in Telangana.
The distinguished speakers shared heartfelt reflections on the Telangana movement, recounting the struggles and achievements that culminated in the creation of the state. They highlighted the pivotal role played by unity and perseverance in achieving their goal of statehood. Additionally, they acknowledged the support and advocacy of the global Telangana diaspora, including those in New Zealand, during the movement.
During their addresses, the leaders discussed the ongoing transformation of Telangana under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. They highlighted key initiatives in economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructure development, underscoring the state’s vision of becoming a model of progress and innovation.
Community Participation
The event saw participation from several prominent community leaders and representatives, including:
Sunil Kuncha, President of the New Zealand Telugu Association (NZTA)
Pratap Reddy, representing the Mana Andhra Telugu Association (MATA)
Narendra Bhana, President of the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA)
Vinod Kumar, Indian Hindu Council representative
Sri Indra Sirigiri, Director of Link2 Group
Yatish Wadera, Hindu Elders’ Group representative
Lingappa Kalburgi and several other influential figures from the Indian community
In his address, Sunil Kuncha thanked the visiting leaders for their insights and emphasized the importance of fostering cultural and developmental connections between New Zealand and Telangana.
Community Engagement
Kalyan Rao Kasuganti, the Founder of NZTCA, extended his heartfelt gratitude to all attendees for their enthusiastic participation. He reiterated the importance of such events in building a cohesive and informed community. Kasuganti emphasized NZTCA’s mission of strengthening cultural ties and supporting the progress of Telangana through collaboration and engagement with community members and leaders.
The evening concluded on a celebratory note with a sumptuous dinner featuring authentic Telangana cuisine, meticulously organized by Rammohan Danthala. Guests enjoyed a delightful culinary experience that reflected the rich heritage of the region.
Looking Ahead
The NZ Telangana Central Association remains committed to its vision of promoting cultural exchange and supporting Telangana’s growth. By facilitating meaningful interactions like this Meet and Greet, the association continues to strengthen the bond between the diaspora and their homeland.
For media inquiries, please contact: Kalyan Rao Kasuganti, New Zealand Telangana Central Association
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