Imagine a scene where lush green parrots are 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, IL., a press release from CAA said.
More than 350 women from around Chicagoland participated in the program, which began with the lighting of the lamp by Chicago Andhra Association 2025 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 checked-in the invitees and allocated tables to their teams.
The cultural department under the leadership of Sahithi Kotha, Sri Smitha Nanduri, Shruti Kuchampudi, Anusha Besta, and Sailaja Sappa prepared special entertainment programs for this event and entertained the invitees. 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 singer and presenter Madhuri Patibanda.
The ice breaker program “Ammamma Chitkalu” was initiated by Smita Nanduri and Sailaja Sappa, sharing various tips that are useful in daily life. Many of the women who attended the program came forward and shared the valuable tips they knew.
The team led by Shruti Kuchampudi, Madhuri, Swarna Neelapu and Smita Nanduri started various table games like the telephone dance game where a dance step was imitated by one member of the team and then changed by the time they reached the last member, and the game of filling stones in a glass jar on a plate above the head, all resulting in laughter.
Dr. Durga Kona spoke about the ways to lead a healthy and happy life; Dr. Pramila Chunduru explained the symptoms of menopause and pre-menopause in women and precautions that women should take during this time.
The much-anticipated “Pattukunte Pattu Saree” program was started by Sarika and Anusha with a dance showcasing 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 performed scenes, songs, or dialogues from their favorite heroines, such as Jamuna, Trisha, Sai Pallavi, Anushka, Bhanupriya, and more.
The competitions were organized with the aim of bringing out the creativity in women. Chicago Andhra Association founding members and trustees Dr. Uma Katiki, Dr. Bhargavi Nettem, Malleswari Pedamallu, and Pavitra Karumuri provided their valuable suggestions and advice, 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 were presented the prizes by Malathi Damaraju from Desi Chowrastha and Savita Munaga from Skanda Jewelers.
Food Chair Murali Reddivari and President Srikrishna Matukumalli, guided Cool Mirchi Restaurant to prepare dishes for the event.
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 provided creative guidance to the team by preparing several promo videos.
Sponsors of the event included Ashok Lakshmanan from Professional Mortgage Solutions (PMSI), Dr. Satya Meda from Meda Dental, Savita Munaga from Skanda Jewelers, Madhuri from Hyper Kids, Chinnadevi from Mall of India, and Sailaja Sappa from Srico Batteries, as well as Saritha, Priya and Jhansi representing Eye-Level Education, who have been providing their support to every program organized by CAA.
Chicago Andhra Association Chairman Srinivas Pedamallu, founders and advisors Padma Rao – Sujatha Appalaneni, other 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 performed a dance where guests, young or old, joined from the floor.
