Dallas, Texas: The Greater Rayalaseema Association of Dallas Area (GRADA) made a powerful debut on April 13, 2025, in Frisco, Texas, gathering Rayalaseema natives and supporters to address developmental challenges and celebrate Telugu heritage.
Key voices like Sri Bhumana and Professor Kusuma Kumari inspired the crowd with compelling calls for regional empowerment and cultural preservation.
Key Facts:
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The event was hosted by GRADA on April 13, 2025, in Frisco, Texas.
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Discussions focused on Rayalaseema’s water scarcity, economic backwardness, and underutilized natural wealth.
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Prominent guests included Sri Bhumana and Prof. P. Kusuma Kumari; GRADA founders and executive members were honored.
Sri Bhumana, a well-known leader from Rayalaseema, delivered a stirring speech on the region’s enduring struggles, particularly its chronic water issues and underdeveloped economy.
He spotlighted the Seshachalam forests’ red sandalwood as a valuable but often misused resource, advocating for local processing industries that can economically empower the region rather than relying on illegal exports.
Adding an emotional and cultural touch to the event, Professor Kusuma Kumari, former Vice-Chancellor of Sri Krishnadevaraya University, eloquently spoke about the richness of Telugu literature.
Her appeal to preserve and promote the language resonated deeply with the attendees, evoking a renewed sense of cultural pride.
Several founding and executive members of GRADA, including Dr. Darga Nagi Reddy, Sri Chenna Korvi, and current president Sri Gali Srinivas Reddy, were recognized for their contributions.
The ceremony honored community members and volunteers, energizing the association’s growing base in the Dallas area.
GRADA’s first major gathering marks a significant step in uniting the Rayalaseema diaspora in the U.S.
With a focus on policy discussion, cultural identity, and grassroots engagement, the association aims to amplify the region’s voice globally while fostering community among Telugu-speaking Americans.
Do You Know?
Rayalaseema, though rich in natural resources like red sandalwood, remains economically underdeveloped compared to other regions in Andhra Pradesh. Advocates argue that local industries could reverse this trend. (Source: event remarks)
Key Terms:
Rayalaseema: A region in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh known for its dry climate and historical neglect in development projects.
GRADA: Greater Rayalaseema Association of Dallas Area, a community-led group formed to address regional issues and support Telugu culture abroad.
Red Sandalwood: A rare, highly valuable wood species found in the Seshachalam forests, often illegally smuggled despite its economic potential.
Telugu Literature: The body of literary work in the Telugu language, celebrated for its lyrical quality and historical richness.
