Mrs. Janaki Rao, President 1998-2000

As a long standing member of TLCA since its inception, I sincerely congratulate TLCA for celebrating the 35 th anniversary. TLCA is one of the oldest Telugu literary and Cultural Associations with a goal to promote our culture and heritage. Very proud to mention that TLCA gave birth to TANA in 1977 in New York and with the cooperation and support of New York Metropolitan Telugus TANA conducted the World Telugu Conference in 1993 in Long Island NY. TLCA has grown tremendously and my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the dedicated members for their commitment and dedication. I had the opportunity to serve the TLCA at various capacities such as Executive Committee member, Board of Trustee, Vice President, President for 3 terms and Chairman of Board of Trustees. During my 3 years tenure as President TLCA had the distinct honor and pleasure of hosting dignitaries like our beloved Sri Chandrababu Naidu, ex-chief Minister, Jaya Prada, prominent movie star and MP, the famous lyricist Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry and the legend P. Suseela and last but not the least the most renowned director Dr. K Vishwanth.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the executive committee members, Board of Trustees and the donors and supporters who helped me during my term to carry my responsibilities as the President for all three years. Long Live TLCA !!!

Nehru E. Cherukupalli, Ph.D. President 2001 and 2002

My association with TLCA is much more than just the two years I spent as the President of TLCA. I was in New York long before TLCA was conceived. As a student in the in the late fifties, I attended the only Indian organization in existence in those days - “India Student’s Association of Columbia University” in New York City. In the middle and late sixties there were a small group of Telugu literary enthusiasts from NY, NJ, CT, RI and MA, who used to get together to recite poems and talk about Telugu language.

TLCA was conceived late in the sixties and was established very early in seventies. I was a patronizing member and watched its progress at close quarters. It is not until very late in the seventies that I became a member of the Executive Committee. For a long time I would only serve in that capacity. I was happy to help TLCA behind the scenes, in stage management, with the sound systems, maintain membership records and the publication of the journal “Telugu Velugu”. I took part in the creation of the Board of Trustees of TLCA and also served as the Board’s Secretary for many years. In the mid nineties I accepted to take on the responsibility as the Secretary of the Executive Committee. One thing lead to another and I became the President. I never regretted the experience. As a President, I tried to make the organization self sufficient. Bringing TLCA ‘within the reach of all’ was the motto I tried to practice. The unfortunate event of 9/11 happened during my term as the President of TLCA. This was an unforgettable experience. The rest of my term as President saw the revival of TLCA and in my opinion was reasonably uneventful.

On a separate note, I wish to thank TLCA for introducing me to TANA and that was another experience that I cannot forget.

May God bless TLCA with a continued long life.

Mahesh Saladi. President 2003

Anju Kondabolu President 2004, 2005

Prasad Kambhampaty, President 2006

It is an honor and privilege for me to be your President on this special year of the thirty fifth anniversary of the Telugu Literary and Cultural Association. This is a memorable day for us. TLCA has made enormous progress during the last 35 years, and is now a well respected organization in the Indian Community. This year, with the unstinting efforts of the entire team, we have been fortunate in being able to host a range of wonderful programs and present to you several world class artists in many different fields. I would like to personally thank each one of you for your support.

TLCA will continue to make ever greater progress in the coming years. I wish the association a fantastic future, and look forward to celebrating the golden and platinum anniversaries down the road