CHICAGO - Imagine a breath-taking scene: lush green parrots gathered in clusters amidst a blooming rose garden, their playful chirps and melodious songs filling the air. This vivid tableau was brought to life by the Chicago Andhra Association during their International Women's Day celebrations on March 8, 2025, at Ramada Banquets in Glendale Heights.
Krishna Jasthi transformed the pink-decorated courtyard into a vibrant rose garden, while the ladies, elegantly draped in green sarees and dresses reminiscent of the beautiful parrots, added to the enchantment with their spirited participation.
Over 350 women participated in the program, which began with the lighting of the lamp by Chicago Andhra Association President Srikrishna Matukumalli, Chairman Srinivas Pedamallu, founders and other executive members.
The CAA Board of Directors Kiran Vankayalapati, Anuradha Gampala, Oggu Narasimha Reddy, and Hemanth Talapaneni manned the front desk.
Sahithi Kotha, Sri Smitha Nanduri, Shruti Kuchampudi, Anusha Besta, and Sailaja Sappa prepared special entertainment programs for this event. They were supported by Soujanya Ralla Bandi, Priya Matukumalli, Sarika Reddysetty, Madhuri Yetigadda, Sravanthi Challa, Yashoda Vedula, Soumya Bojja, Geethika Mandala, and Harini Meda. The program was hosted by popular singer and presenter Madhuri Patibanda.
“Ammamma Chitkalu” was initiated by Smita Nanduri and Sailaja Sappa, sharing useful daily life tips. The team led by Shruti Kuchampudi, Madhuri, Swarna Neelapu and Smita Nanduri started various table games. That included telephone dance game.
Dr. Durga Kona also spoke. Dr. Pramila Chunduru explained the symptoms of menopause and pre-menopause and explained the precautions that women should take during this time.
“Pattukunte Pattu Saree” program was started by Sarika and Anusha with a mesmerizing dance and showcased various types of sarees. The winners of this competition, which was held in two stages, were presented silk sarees by LakshBySarika and Samaya Ethnic.
A highlight of the entire program was the Favorite Heroine game, where team members brought energy and excitement to the stage by passionately performing scenes, songs, or dialogues from their favorite heroines, such as Jamuna, Trisha, Sai Pallavi, Anushka, Bhanupriya, and more.
The competitions such as lamp decoration, painting, and “Be the Heroine of Your Life”, were organized to showcase their artistic side. Chicago Andhra Association founding members and trustees Uma Katiki, Dr. Bhargavi Nettem, Malleswari Pedamallu, and Pavitra Karumuri acted as judges for these competitions, and presented prizes. Supraja Talapaneni, Kiranmayi Reddivari, Swetha Kottapalli, Harini Meda, Priya Matukumalli, Sirisha Padyala, Anusha Besta, and Sahithi Kotha acted as the coordinators for these competitions.
The winners of the raffle organized at the event were presented with valuable prizes by Malathi Damaraju from Desi Chowrastha and Savita Munaga from Skanda Jewelers.
Food Chair Murali Reddivari and President Srikrishna Matukumalli, coordinated the event dining from the Cool Mirchi Restaurant. CAA Board Youth Directors Mayuka Reddivari, Swethika Bojja, Smaran Tadepalli, and Shria Konchada ensured the event's seamless execution by providing comprehensive backend support to various lead teams. Senior Director LaxmiNaag Suribhotla prepared event promo videos.
The President of the Chicago Andhra Association, Srikrishna Matukumalli, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to CAA Sponsors for their support to the Chicago Andhra Association.
Chicago Andhra Association Chairman Srinivas Pedamallu, founders Padma Rao, Sujatha Appalaneni; core members Narasimha Rao, Sirisha Veerapaneni, Giri Rao, Uma Kothamasu, Rama Rao, Ramya Kothamasu, Oggu Narasimha Reddy, Gandra Padmaja, Prabhakar, Sridevi Mallampalli participated in this program and provided their support to make it a success.
Pavani Preethi from DesiBeatsByP2 graced the dance floor with elegance, blending effortless movements with a touch of flair. Their charming performance turned the event into a memorable experience for all in attendance.
Melody Mahesh as DJ and Surya Datla from Cosmos Digital as photographer provided their services for this event.
Chicago Andhra Association Secretary Sri Smita Nanduri thanked Priya Matukumalli, Sahithi Kotha, Anusha Besta, and other executive members, founders, volunteers, who have been working hard for the past two months to organize this event successfully.