Log on to TAGB.org and you will be pleasantly surprised. The web site has acquired a distinct new look with many changes and helpful information and an attractive layout. This is the Telugu Association of Greater Boston that is a non profit regional organization that promotes and preserves the Telugu heritage in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and Rhode island. The organization has recently held a host of activities and supported other non profit groups.

There are more than 5000 Telugus in the New England area and the association hopes to bring all these people together. Under the leadership of its new President, Ranjan Vadlapatla, the association has outlined a new vision document for its members.

While focusing on improving its web site constantly by providing links to Telugu related web sites on the net, a committee has been formed for this purpose. It will also update and inform its members of the various activities and events.

A Bi monthly magazine called Telugu Pragati is also part of the new initiative. The magazines will contain section for kids called Mana Chinnarilu , short stories, jokes, saamethalu (quotations) poems, movie review, crisis corner and a legal and dental health periodic column written by contributors and also provide a forum for issue relevant to the Telugu community.

TAGB members benefits will also include discounts to local businesses. The Organization has hosted Telugu Hangama, a sold out event that had grand sponsors Shama and Mohan Nannapaneni,Annapurna and Ram Puno Kollu of Maaco Auto and Kotta Subba of the Boston Group. TAGB also hopes to host a novel contest soon.

Lokvani chats with Ranjan Vadlapatla

Ranjan Vadlapatla, TAGB new president is a man bursting with ideas, has a sincere approach to issues and earnest in making TAGB an organization of importance He came from India with a Degree in Business Administration, did his MS from Atlanta University and settled in Boston. Having always been attracted to service industry, he started a business in franchising for super markets, moved on to start a company called Boston IT solutions during the dot com boom and now owns the Swagat restaurant in New Hampshire.

Greatly indebted to this country, he views it as one of opportunity and freedom, and which allows an individual to make his own choices. Now with all the various activities of TAGB etc ,he credits his wife Durga for the entire running of the restaurant which he admits is always busy and involves a lot of sound managerial skills. Son Varun Krishna and daughter Varsha Krishna out of school for the summer hover around playing.

I must admit that this is the first time that I have conducted an interview in my native tongue Telugu and it turned out to be a pleasant experience. While we talk, I am treated to a deliciously 70 mm dosa which his wife Durga graciously serves.

The new TAGB has a committee of more than 25 members, a first in Boston and the reason behind this , Vadlapatla says he wished to bring in a diverse group of talented individuals to the organization. He admitted that his predecessors did a fine job and he would like to take it a little higher than before and is grateful that he has the backing and support of all the people.

Future plans include a summer picnic or cruise to be announced shortly and TAGB is also working with India Coordinators to negotiate in order to bring help to needy people. Of recent, the organization has made a donation to the NTR Cancer research Institute and would also like to help old age people in India.
For more information on TAGB and its activities log on to www.tagb.org

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