At the recent Sanghamitra Meet, hosted by Pragathi Welfare Society, the Sanghamitra Team proudly released the Handbook for Volunteer Engagement, published by Youth For Seva as part of the United Nations’ International Volunteer Year 2026 initiative.
This practical and insightful handbook serves as a valuable resource for NGOs and non-profit organizations, offering guidance on how to effectively engage volunteers in development and community-driven initiatives. It emphasizes building meaningful volunteer participation and integrating community engagement into the very fabric of organizational culture.
We encourage all NGOs, non-profits, and social sector organizations to explore this handbook and leverage its learnings to strengthen volunteer involvement and impact.
When communities across the world pause to reflect on gratitude and generosity, the American Telugu Association (ATA) once again leads by example. Through its flagship initiative ATA Vedukalu 2025, ATA is bringing together culture, service, and innovation in a grand celebration across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh from December 12 to December 27, 2025.
More than just a festival, ATA Vedukalu represents a heartfelt connection between Telugu NRIs and their homeland—strengthened through meaningful service and a shared love for Telugu heritage.
A Legacy Built on Culture and Giving Back
For over two decades, ATA Vedukalu has served as a powerful platform to promote Telugu language, literature, and cultural traditions while actively supporting rural development. What started as a regional initiative in Andhra Pradesh has now grown into a large-scale, multi-city celebration across both Telugu states, touching thousands of lives each year.
Education, healthcare, clean water, entrepreneurship, and women’s wellness remain at the heart of ATA’s mission—reflecting its belief that cultural pride and social responsibility go hand in hand.
Leadership Driving the Vision
The 2025 edition of ATA Vedukalu is being organized under the leadership of:
Jayanth Challa, President, American Telugu Association
Satish Ramasahayam Reddy, President-Elect & ATA Vedukalu Chair
With strong planning and community collaboration, the leadership team has designed a program that blends tradition with forward-thinking initiatives such as startup mentorship and business seminars.
Highlights from ATA Vedukalu 2025
The celebrations span two weeks and multiple cities, offering something meaningful for everyone:
December 12: Press meet in Hyderabad, followed by school scholarships, infrastructure projects, and cultural programs in Ranga Reddy district
December 13: IIT–Hyderabad Startup Pitch event in Sangareddy
December 14: Telugu literary gathering in Hyderabad
December 16–17: Business seminars in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam
December 20–23: Sports events, education initiatives, school infrastructure projects, water filter installations, and women’s health camps
December 24–25: Health camps and charitable programs focused on children
December 27: Grand Finale at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad
Honoring Excellence: ATA Awards – India 2025
A key highlight of ATA Vedukalu is the ATA Awards – India 2025, which recognize outstanding individuals of Telugu origin who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields.
From literature and arts to science, medicine, technology, education, business, humanitarian service, performing arts, and youth leadership, the awards celebrate those who inspire change and uplift communities.
📅 Awards Ceremony: December 27, 2025 📍 Venue: Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad 📌 Last Date for Nominations: December 7, 2025 📧 Nominations Email: [email protected]
The Grand Finale: A Night to Remember
The Grand Finale on December 27 promises a mesmerizing evening of classical, folk, and contemporary performances by renowned artists, followed by the prestigious ATA Awards ceremony and a grand banquet.
Beyond celebration, the evening will set the stage for the upcoming 19th ATA Conference & Youth Convention, scheduled in Baltimore, USA, from July 31 to August 2, 2026, bringing global Telugu communities together once again.
A.V. College of Arts, Science & Commerce (Autonomous), Hyderabad
The 77th NCC Day Celebrations were successfully conducted on 22nd December 2025 at Janna Reddy Sarojini Devi Auditorium, A.V. College, with great enthusiasm, discipline, and patriotic spirit.
The programme was graced by the Chief Guest, Lieutenant Colonel Puneet Sharma, Administrative Officer, 1(T) Battalion NCC, Hyderabad Group, whose inspiring address motivated the cadets to uphold the values of leadership, discipline, and service to the nation.
Distinguished Guests
The event was honored by the presence of:
Sri V. Achyut Prasad Reddy, Secretary, AVES
Dr. K. Gautami, Correspondent, A.V. College
Subedar Major Pundulik Sahapurkar, 1(T) Battalion NCC
Sri Krishna Reddy, Founder, CSR Memorial Foundation
The celebrations included NCC Guard of Honour, Lamp Lighting Ceremony, Felicitation of Guests, Speeches, Cadet Achievements Recognition, Cultural Performances, and Alumni Interaction, showcasing the talent and discipline of NCC cadets.
Special felicitation was given to RDC & TSC Delhi Cadets, along with rank promotions, appreciating their dedication and achievements.
The event concluded with the National Anthem and NCC Song, marking a proud and memorable moment for the institution.
The management, faculty, NCC ANO, cadets, and volunteers worked together to make the event a grand success.
On 21st December 2025, I Can Volunteer proudly celebrates six years of compassion, consistency, and community.
Founded by Sheila ma’am, I Can Volunteer began with a simple yet powerful intention — to support children battling cancer and their families during one of the most difficult phases of their lives. What started as a heartfelt initiative has grown into an active and dedicated volunteer network.
Today, I Can Volunteer works across five pediatric cancer care centres in Hyderabad, including:
Ram Dev Rao Cancer Hospital
St. Jude India ChildCare Centres – Somajiguda
St. Jude India ChildCare Centres – Banjara Hills
Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital
Rainbow Children’s Hospital
Six years on, I Can Volunteer continues to stand for showing up where it matters most — with empathy, reliability, and heartfelt service.
As we come together on 21st December 2025 to mark this milestone, we celebrate every volunteer and supporter who has walked this journey with us. Your time, care, and commitment have made a lasting impact on countless young lives and families.
Your time and heart mean everything — come, let us celebrate YOU. ✨
ఎంబడే రమేష్ పులిమామిడి సర్పంచ్ ఎన్నికల్లో భారీ మెజారిటీతో విజయం సాధించారు
కందుకూరు మండలం పరిధిలోని పులిమామిడి గ్రామ సర్పంచ్ ఎన్నికల్లో ఎంబడే రమేష్ ఘన విజయం సాధించారు. ఆయన 154 ఓట్ల స్పష్టమైన మెజారిటీతో గెలిచి, ప్రజల బలమైన నమ్మకాన్ని, విశ్వాసాన్ని చూరగొన్నారు.
డిసెంబర్ 15న జరిగిన ఈ ఎన్నికల్లో పెద్ద సంఖ్యలో ఓటర్లు పాల్గొన్నారు, గ్రామస్తులు ఎంబడే రమేష్కు అఖండ మద్దతు తెలిపారు. ఫలితాలు వెలువడిన వెంటనే గ్రామం అంతటా సంబరాలు మిన్నంటాయి. మద్దతుదారులు, స్థానిక నాయకులు మరియు గ్రామస్తులు నూతనంగా ఎన్నికైన సర్పంచ్ను పూలమాలలతో సత్కరించి అభినందనలు తెలిపారు.
ఈ సందర్భంగా ఎంబడే రమేష్ తనపై నమ్మకం ఉంచిన ఓటర్లకు హృదయపూర్వక కృతజ్ఞతలు తెలిపారు. పులిమామిడి గ్రామాన్ని సమగ్రంగా అభివృద్ధి చేయడానికి తాను అవిశ్రాంతంగా కృషి చేస్తానని, ప్రాథమిక మౌలిక సదుపాయాలను బలోపేతం చేయడంపై మరియు సంక్షేమ పథకాలను సమర్థవంతంగా అమలు చేయడంపై దృష్టి సారిస్తానని ఆయన హామీ ఇచ్చారు. గ్రామస్తులందరి సహకారంతోనే అభివృద్ధి సాధ్యమవుతుందని ఆయన ఉద్ఘాటించారు.
సీఎస్ఆర్ మెమోరియల్ ఫౌండేషన్కు చెందిన శ్రీ కృష్ణారెడ్డి, ఎంబడే రమేష్ విజయం సాధించినందుకు అభినందనలు తెలిపి, పులిమామిడి అభివృద్ధికి ఆయన చేసే ప్రయత్నాలలో విజయం సాధించాలని ఆకాంక్షించారు. నూతనంగా ఎన్నికైన సర్పంచ్ బృందానికి కూడా ఆయన శుభాకాంక్షలు తెలిపారు. కమ్యూనిటీ హాళ్లు మరియు నివాస సౌకర్యాల అభివృద్ధి సహా గ్రామాభివృద్ధి కోసం వారందరూ సమిష్టిగా కృషి చేస్తారని ఆయన విశ్వాసం వ్యక్తం చేశారు.
అంతేకాకుండా, నూతనంగా ఎన్నికైన 6వ వార్డు సభ్యుడు మల్లేష్ యాదవ్ను కూడా శ్రీ కృష్ణారెడ్డి అభినందించారు.
Embade Ramesh Wins Pulimamidi Sarpanch Election with Thumping Majority
Embade Ramesh registered a resounding victory in the Pulimamidi village Sarpanch elections held under Kandukur mandal, winning with a clear majority of 154 votes and earning the strong trust and confidence of the people.
The elections, conducted on December 15, saw a large voter turnout, with villagers extending overwhelming support to Embade Ramesh. Soon after the results were announced, celebrations broke out across the village. Supporters, local leaders, and villagers congratulated the newly elected Sarpanch by garlanding him with flowers.
Speaking on the occasion, Embade Ramesh expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the voters for placing their faith in him. He assured that he would work tirelessly for the overall development of Pulimamidi village, focusing on strengthening basic infrastructure and ensuring effective implementation of welfare schemes. He emphasized that progress would be achieved with the cooperation of all villagers.
Mr. Krishna Reddy of the CSR Memorial Foundation congratulated Embade Ramesh on his victory and wished him success in his efforts toward the development of Pulimamidi. He also conveyed his best wishes to the newly elected Sarpanch team, expressing confidence that they would work collectively for the welfare of the village, including the development of community halls and residential facilities.
Mr. Krishna Reddy further congratulated the newly elected 6th Ward Member, Mallesh Yadav, on his success.
Day 238 of the Sri Sathya Sai Prema Pravahini Rath Yatra was a vibrant and spiritually uplifting occasion for the devotees of Tarnaka Samithi.
The day began in the serene ambiance of Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka, with the early morning Suprabhatam and Nagara Sankirtan, setting a deeply devotional tone. The hall resonated with melodious chants, invoking Swami’s blessings for the day ahead.
Devotees then gathered for the Pooja of Swami’s Rath, a sacred ritual that filled the atmosphere with divine energy and collective prayer. This was followed by Likhit Japa Sadhana and Sai Literature Reading, which further deepened the devotees’ connection with Swami’s teachings.
The Rath then embarked on its sacred journey from Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka, to Railway Degree College, Tarnaka. The sight of the beautifully decorated Rath moving through the village roads was a moment of joy, reverence, and spiritual inspiration for all who witnessed it.
A major highlight of the day was the grand rally from Marri Krishna Hall to Railway Degree College, Tarnaka. The procession, accompanied by the Sathya Sai Seva Organization – Tarnaka Samithi, was a vibrant display of faith and unity. Devotees participated enthusiastically in the Dindi, while placards displaying Swami’s divine messages added special meaning and inspiration for both participants and onlookers. The dedicated Seva Dal volunteers efficiently managed traffic on the busy roads, ensuring the procession proceeded smoothly and without inconvenience to the public.
The program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, followed by melodious Bhajans and the Mangala Aarti, bringing the day’s spiritual journey to a blissful close.
As Swami’s Rath reached Railway Degree College, Tarnaka, the collective prayers, devotional music, and spirit of selfless service made Day 238 a truly memorable chapter in the Rath Yatra—strengthening the bonds of love, unity, and service within the Sai family.
Mulam Santha – A Celebration of Sustainability and Tradition
Hyderabad, December 13, 2025: The 18th Mulam Santha, jointly organized by the CSR Memorial Foundation and Grama Bharathi, was successfully held at Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka, celebrating sustainability, traditional living, and rural empowerment.
The eco-market brought together farmers, artisans, khadi workers, and millet producers from across three states, featuring over 100 stalls and 500 varieties of natural and eco-friendly products. Visitors explored seeds, saplings, bio-enzymes, herbal powders, clay crafts, khadi garments, and millet-based foods — directly supporting rural livelihoods and sustainable practices.
Mulam Santha served as a meaningful bridge between rural producers and conscious consumers, promoting organic farming, local production, and self-reliant communities. The event attracted hundreds of Hyderabadis, reinforcing the city’s growing commitment to eco-friendly living.
Organizers thanked volunteers, participants, and visitors for making the fair a grand success. Each edition of Mulam Santha continues to inspire people to embrace traditional values and sustainable lifestyles, taking Hyderabad one step closer to a greener tomorrow.
Hyderabad, December 10, 2025: Telangana is charting a remarkable path of economic growth, with agriculture positioned as the state’s key growth engine. Speaking at the Global Summit 2025 in Hyderabad, Agriculture Minister Tummala Ramachandra Reddy highlighted the government’s proactive initiatives in promoting sustainable farming, palm oil cultivation, and digital agriculture.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and Minister Tummala, Telangana has invested over ₹10,000 crore in farmer welfare programs over the past two years. Palm oil cultivation has emerged as a strategic sector for economic and environmental impact. Currently covering 3 lakh acres, the government aims to expand palm oil cultivation to 10 lakh acres, enhancing green cover while offering long-term profitability to farmers. Minister Tummala emphasized that sustainable palm oil farming will be a “game-changer” for Telangana’s agricultural landscape.
At the summit, Minister Tummala also reviewed the progress of the Integrated Oil Palm Complex in Khammam’s Gubbagurthi village, spearheaded by M/s Godrej Agrovet Limited. The 116-acre facility includes a palm oil nursery, R&D center, seed processing unit, and a processing facility. The complex is designed to incorporate advanced processing technologies, strengthen research on climate-resilient crops, and improve seed quality through strategic international collaboration with Malaysian and Thai partners.
The initiative underscores Telangana’s vision for eco-friendly, digital, and smart agriculture, aiming to transform the sector with cutting-edge research and high-quality, climate-resilient crop varieties. Minister Tummala stressed that agriculture, along with its allied economic systems valued at $34.6 billion, is expected to reach $400 billion by 2047, fueling Telangana’s economic ambitions.
Hyderabad Emerges as a Global Entertainment Hub
In a parallel session at the Global Summit, Telangana Roads, Buildings, and Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy highlighted Hyderabad’s rise as a major hub for the global creative economy. Addressing delegates under the theme “The Creative Century: India’s Soft Power & The Future of Entertainment”, he noted that Indian cinema, music, gaming, and digital content are increasingly shaping global audiences, with Indian films being viewed in over 170 countries.
Hyderabad boasts world-class infrastructure including Ramoji Film City, advanced VFX and gaming companies, and a diverse creative workforce. The Telangana government is actively supporting the ecosystem through incentive-based policies, international production facilitation, and innovation centers for AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Extended Reality).
Minister Komatireddy emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable growth and industry welfare, offering capital subsidies for large-scale investments, production reimbursements for use of local resources, and welfare contributions from increased ticket pricing. He highlighted that while technology will revolutionize content creation, human-centered storytelling will remain the heart of entertainment.
Positioning Hyderabad as India’s gateway to global entertainment, the minister invited international studios, streaming platforms, gaming companies, and investors to participate in shaping the future of the creative economy.
Hyderabad: Day 1 of the Telangana Rising Global Summit witnessed extraordinary investor enthusiasm, with the state government announcing investment commitments exceeding ₹2.43 lakh crore, across sectors such as deep tech, aerospace, renewable energy, media, entertainment, and urban development. A total of 35 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, marking a powerful start to the event and reinforcing Telangana’s push toward its ‘Vision 2047’ economic goals.
Salman Khan Ventures Industries Announces ₹10,000 Cr Film & Entertainment Hub
In one of the most notable announcements of the day, Salman Khan Ventures Industries, owned by Bollywood actor Salman Khan, committed to investing ₹10,000 crore to develop a special township and a world-class film and television studio in Telangana. The proposed project will feature entertainment infrastructure of international standards, further boosting the state’s growing presence in the media and creative economy.
Brookfield–Axis Ventures Consortium to Build Deep Tech Hub With ₹75,000 Cr Investment
A major global partnership between Brookfield and Axis Ventures committed ₹75,000 crore to establish a global R&D and Deep Tech hub at the upcoming “Bharat Future City”. This project aims to position Telangana as India’s foremost destination for emerging technologies, advanced research and innovation-driven industries.
Trump Group Announces Over ₹1 Lakh Crore Commitment
The summit also saw a massive proposal from the Trump Group, announcing investments exceeding ₹1 lakh crore in media, technology, and integrated infrastructure development—strengthening the state’s international investment profile.
GMR Group Signs MoU Worth ₹15,000 Cr
Infrastructure giant GMR Group signed an MoU in the aerospace and defence sector, committing ₹15,000 crore for:
Cargo expansion
Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facilities
Aviation-related ecosystem development
This investment will enhance Hyderabad’s stature as a major aerospace and cargo hub.
Vingroup (Vietnam) to Invest $3 Billion (Approx. ₹25,000 Cr)
Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup signed an MoU to invest $3 billion (approximately ₹25,000 crore) across:
Urban development
Electric vehicles (EVs)
Renewable and clean energy projects
The investment positions Telangana as a preferred destination for global EV and energy corporations.
Diverse Investment Flow Across All Sectors
According to Minister Babu, companies from Deep Tech City to textile and manufacturing units expressed strong interest in setting up facilities in Telangana. He emphasized that the scale and diversity of the investments reflect the state’s stable industrial policy, global investor confidence, and its vision to emerge as an economic powerhouse over the next two decades.
