June 2023: NR Narayana Murthy, the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Infosys, and Sudha Murty, the renowned writer and philanthropist, were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their exceptional contributions. This prestigious recognition was bestowed upon them by NATS (North America Telugu Society) during the 7th Telugu Sambaralu held in New Jersey recently. The esteemed Infosys couple expressed their profound happiness and gratitude for this honor, while NATS considered it a privilege to bestow the award upon them.
Sreedhar Appasani, the Convenor of NATS 7th Telugu Sambaralu, remarked, “Personalities of such stature often conduct their own evaluation of an organization before accepting an award. We are truly privileged to have had the opportunity to honor this highly respected couple from India.”
Raj Allada, the Deputy Convenor of NATS 7th Telugu Sambaralu and one of the board members of NATS, highlighted the significant impact NR Narayana Murthy had in facilitating the dreams of numerous Telugu families who aspired to pursue opportunities in the United States through their association with Infosys. He referred to Mr.Murthy as a fatherly figure for many technologists and entrepreneurs and acknowledged the overwhelming response from the Telugu audience, evident by their presence in the auditorium and their enthusiastic participation during the Zoom call.
This groundbreaking first of its kind event marks a significant milestone in the history of Telugu conventions. Sri Atluri, the Creative Consultant to NATS and a prominent Telugu community leader in the USA, played a crucial role in making this happen and Rao Maddukuri extended his phenomenal support towards realizing this event.
Addressing the audience, Sri Atluri expressed, “It is a tremendous privilege for us to honor this power couple with the Lifetime Achievement award. Your impact and the values you have instilled in us are truly remarkable. Narayana Murthy garu, the path you paved and your transformative role in India’s technology sector are exemplary, and we continue to follow your lesson. Sudha Murty garu! the world learns from your philanthropy and simplicity.”
Following these heartfelt words, the Infosys couple received a standing ovation from the audience.
NR Narayana Murthy addressed the crowd starting with a Telugu sentence, “Naaku Telugu baaga raadu,” and continued to say, “My grandmother lived in a border town between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. We used to go there every summer, and most people spoke Telugu there, even though it was in Karnataka. The movies we saw were all Telugu – Mayabazar, Pelli Chesi Choodu, Devadas, etc. So, in some sense, we did learn some Telugu, but for the last 50 years, I did not have the privilege of continuing that. However, we have extraordinary respect for Telugu, and my brother Vasudev Murthy, who teaches at a business school in Nebraska, is a proficient Telugu writer. I am honored and moved by your kindness, generosity, and affection. All I can say is that such encouragement from accomplished people like you is what will help me and my wife move forward with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and energy to do whatever little we can. We are extremely grateful to each and every one of you.”
Sudha Murty, in her address, shared, “I understand Telugu but am unable to speak fluently. I studied in Bellary, where the Telugu influence was prominent. I have watched many Telugu movies, and to this day, when I think of Krishna, I envision NTR garu and she brought this point up on the same day as Shri NTR’s Centenary Day”. She concluded by saying, “I am grateful for this honor and delighted that my own people from this land have recognized me.”
The award ceremony was held under the leadership of Dr. Aruna Ganti, the Chairwoman of NATS, and Bapu Nuthi, the President of NATS. Distinguished guests from India, including Allu Arvind garu, Ghattamaneni Adi Seshagiri Rao garu, and Dr. Ramesh Kancharla CEO of Rainbow hospitals, Oscar Winner Chandra Bose garu and several celebrities like Saikumar, Ali, Samyuktha Menon, Neha Shetty, Director Gopichand Mallineni, Murali Sharma were present at the event, along with esteemed members of Telugu Community in the US such as Sam Maddali, Madhu Korrapati, Gangadhar Desu, Dr. Ravi Alapati, Dr. Purna Atluri, TG Vishwa Prasad, Hari Vaalurupalli, Kishore Kothapalli, various national and local Telugu Organization leaders in North America were also present from TANA, NATA, ATA, TTA, MATA , TFAS, TLA, TAGDV. This event was also graced by Middlesex County Commissioner (the highest elected Telugu official in the State of New jersey) Ms Shanti Narra, Assemblyman Sterley Stanley and Commissioner on the New Jersey State Asian American & Pacific Islander Commission Saketa Chadalavada.
During the event, the Infosys Power couple engaged with the NATS team while Rajeshwari Udayagiri skillfully anchored the proceedings. It was an evening filled with warmth and hospitality that brought joy not only to the power couple and the NATS board members but it was a delight to the eyes of thousands of audience present in the auditorium. 8000 + people from the Telugu community celebrated this moment with joy and pride.
NATS also thanked their Event sponsors for the event – Vykunt Developers, Event co-sponsors Tansihq Jewelry, Wealth DNA and Alkananda River Front powered by G&C Global and Rhodium donors Ramu Venigalla and Srinivas Vuyyuru.
