The Miami-valley Area Telugu Association was formed on September 11, 1994 at a picnic organized by the Telugu community. The primary purpose of the organization is to bring together all the people of Telugu heritage and to help preserve and propagate Telugu culture in the Dayton-Springfield metropolitan area. On that day, a name was selected for the organization and a steering committee was formed.

The new association organized its first cultural program celebrating the Telugu New Year (Ugaadi) on April 1, 1995 with more than 200 people in attendance. A constitution was adopted for the new organization, and the first Executive Committee was elected and installed.

Since then, the organization has been very active. MATA organizes two functions every year: a cultural program celebrating Ugaadi and a picnic on the Sunday following Labor Day. MATA also supports the Telugu day during the Navaratri celebrations at the Hindu Temple of Dayton. In addition, MATA brings visiting Telugu artists from India to the area. MATA organized three very successful dance program, Ksheera Saagara Mathanam by Padmasree Vempati China Satyam and his Kuchipudi Art Academy (1994, 1998, 2000), a Telugu Saampradaaya Kala Vedika representing traditional Telugu stage under the auspices of Sowmitri Yarlagadda (1995), a variety entertainment program by the Detroit Telugu Association (96), the Swaramaadhuri orchestra with film singers G. Anand, L.R. Eswari, Renuka and others (97), a literary evening with the poet Sirivennela Sitarama Sastri (1999), and an Ashtavadhaanam by Sri Garikipati Narasimha Rao along with Eluripati Anantaramayya and Prasadaraya Kulapati (July 2001). MATA also helped bring Telugu movies to the big screen in Dayton.

One of MATA’s finest moments was the opportunity to present the inaugural dance ballet for the 12th North American Telugu Conference in July 1999 at Cincinnati. 40 artists from the Miami valley area participated in this much acclaimed production of Andhrula Charitra, produced by Aruna Chowdary, directed by Chowdary Jampala, and choreographed by Bhuvaneswari Ponangi.

The association provides an opportunity for the many Telugus in the area, especially the youngsters, to exhibit their talents and for the community to get together regularly and have a good time. We make a conscious effort to involve the Telugu people newly coming to the area, and the Telugu students at the local universities.

With enthusiastic volunteers, several life members, increasing participation, a community willing to provide financial support for worthwhile activities, and a growing local Telugu population, we are hopeful that this young association will continue to grow and expand its activities. We seek your active involvement and enthusiastic support during this exciting period of growth and thank you for your support.