The American Telugu Association (ATA), one of the leading national organizations representing Telugu Americans across the United States, convened its Board of Trustees meeting on October 25, 2025, at the Baltimore Renaissance Harbor Place Hotel. During the session, ATA officially announced the launch of its 19th Conference and Youth Convention, scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 2, 2026, at the Baltimore Convention Center.

According to ATA’s statement, more than 30 trustees and over 300 delegates from across the nation attended the meeting, which focused on community outreach initiatives, ongoing service-oriented programs, and strategic planning for the upcoming convention.

The discussions reaffirmed ATA’s long-standing commitment to promoting Telugu culture, language, education, youth empowerment, business networking, and humanitarian service both in the United States and in the Telugu-speaking states of India.

Later that evening, ATA hosted a Conference Kick-Off Celebration, drawing participation from more than 450 members of the local Telugu community. The event marked a milestone moment for the organization as it raised a record-breaking $1.4 million, underscoring what ATA described as the “unity and dedication of Telugu Americans” nationwide.

To lead preparations for the 2026 convention, the ATA Board appointed a Core Organizing Team with representatives from multiple states. The team includes:

• Convenor: Sridhar Banala (Maryland)
• Coordinator: Ravi Challa (Virginia)
• National Coordinator: Sharath Vemula (New Jersey)
• Director: Sudhir Damidi (Virginia)
• Co-Convenor: Arvind Muppidi (Texas)
• Co-Coordinator: Zeenath Kundur (Virginia)
• Co-National Coordinator: Koushik Sama (Virginia)
• Conference Regional Coordinator: Thirumal Munukuntla (Virginia)
• Co-Director: Kiran Ala (Delaware)

An Ad Hoc Monitoring and Support Team was also established to provide strategic oversight and operational support, comprising experienced organizers and community leaders:

• Ramakrishna Ala (Tennessee)
• Raghuveer Marripeddi (Texas)
• Vijay Kundur (New Jersey)
• JP Muddhireddy (Texas)
• Raju Kakerla (Pennsylvania)
• Maheedhar Muskula (Illinois)

“Baltimore and the local organizing teams have shown extraordinary commitment and passion. With this level of teamwork and community support, the 19th ATA Conference will undoubtedly set a new global benchmark in celebrating Telugu identity and empowering youth leadership,” said ATA President Jayanth Challa.

ATA leadership extended its gratitude to the Baltimore organizing team, sponsors, volunteers, and community supporters for their efforts in making both the Board Meeting and the Kick-Off Event a success. The organization noted that conference planning will accelerate in the coming weeks with the formation of several national committees and volunteer teams operating across multiple U.S. cities. 

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