President's Message
Join the Movement – Be a Part of MATA!
Dear Friends and Well-Wishers,
It is with immense pride and deep responsibility that I step forward as the President of Mana American Telugu Association (MATA), a movement built on the pillars of Seva (Service), Samskruthi (Culture), and Samanathvam (Equality). Our mission is simple yet powerful—to unite and uplift every Telugu individual across North America, creating a platform where we celebrate our rich heritage, support one another, and build a thriving future for generations to come.
MATA is not just an organization—it is a movement of the people, by the people, and for the people. We are here to serve, to preserve, and to bring together every Telugu household under one united banner. MATA prioritizes direct community impact, regional engagement, and meaningful service initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives.
Since our grand launch in New Jersey on April 14, with over 3,000 passionate members rallying behind us, MATA has been expanding rapidly across North America and India. In a historic achievement, we successfully hosted our first-ever National Convention on April 13 and 14, 2024 within just one year—setting a record with an incredible gathering of nearly 10,000 people! This milestone reflects the unparalleled energy, unity, and passion of our Telugu community.
Our Vision for 2025-2026:
As we move forward, I, along with our Executive Committee and Board of Directors, have outlined a bold vision for the future—one that requires the active participation of every Telugu individual who believes in unity, culture, and service. Our roadmap includes:
Our roadmap includes:
* Seva (Service): Expanding community service initiatives across the USA to support and uplift Telugu families in need. We believe that service is the highest form of humanity, and MATA will lead the way in making a difference.
* Samskruthi (Culture): Celebrating our Telugu heritage through vibrant cultural programs, educational initiatives, and youth engagements that keep our traditions alive for future generations.
* Samskruthi (Culture): Celebrating our Telugu heritage through vibrant cultural programs, educational initiatives, and youth engagements that keep our traditions alive for future generations.
* Samanathvam (Equality): Strengthening existing MATA chapters and launching new ones across the nation, ensuring a true representation of all communities, including youth and women. We stand for fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all.
* Empowering Youth: Building the next generation of Telugu leaders by providing platforms for young minds to learn, innovate, and lead with confidence.
* Advancing Women’s Leadership: Breaking barriers and creating equal opportunities for women to lead, participate, and shape the future of MATA.
This Is Your Moment – Join MATA Today!
MATA is more than an organization—it is a family, a movement, and a mission. Every single Telugu person in North America has a role to play in shaping our community’s future. Whether you contribute by becoming a member, volunteering for a cause, or leading an initiative in your city, your participation matters.
* I urge you to take the first step! Let’s unite, uplift, and empower each other. Let’s preserve our heritage and build a stronger Telugu community in North America.
Join MATA today and be part of this historic movement!
Jai Telugu! Jai MATA!
Ramana Krishna Kiran Duddagi
President
Policies/By Laws
Article I: Name
The name and title of this organization shall be the Mana American Telugu Association, hereinafter "MATA". MATA shall be a not-for-profit organization registered under the laws of the State ofNew Jerseyand shall exist in perpetuity. The functioning of MATA shall be on a calendar year basis and its fiscal year shall end on December 31 of each year.
Article II: National Headquarters
The National Headquarters of MATA shall be the principal office of MATA, which shall be initially located in the State of New Jersey. The Board of Directors from time to time may elect to change the location of MATA's principal office. Administrative support personnel as approved by the Board of Directors shall staff the National Headquarters.
Article III: Objectives and Purposes
MATA shall have the following objectives and purposes:
Section 1: To promote exchange programs for students, scientists, and professionals of Telugu origin between the United States of America and India as well as other countries.
Section 2: To perpetuate, preserve, and maintain the heritage of the people of Telugu origin.
Section 3: To assist and promote literary, cultural, educational, religious, social, economic, health and community activities of people of Telugu origin.
Section 4: To invite distinguished Telugu scholars, artists, artisans, and statesmen to America for lectures, seminars, and congregations.
Section 5: To disburse funds in theUnited States of America and other countries for charitable, cultural, religious and educational activities directly or in cooperation with other not-for-profit organizations.
Section 6: To serve Telugu communities across the nation, addressing mainly the issues faced by them in the mainstream society.
Section 7: To organize periodic Telugu literary, educational, youth, and cultural conferences, either independently or in cooperation with the Telugu or other associations.
Section 8: To organize biannual conferences to promote Telugu Culture and empower the members to accomplish the objectives of the organization.
Section 9: Such powers as are now or may hereafter be granted by the General Not-For Profit Corporation Act of the State ofNew Jersey.
Article IV: Members
Section 1: MATA shall have five (5) categories of members that shall constitute the general body. The designation of such category and the qualification of the members of such category shall be as follows:
- DIAMOND MEMBER: Any person who qualifies under section 2 of this Article IV and pays the prescribed membership dues shall be designated as a DIAMOND Member.
- PLATINUM MEMBER: Any person who qualifies under section 2 of this Article IV and pays the prescribed membership dues shall be designated as a PLATINUM Member.
- GOLD MEMBER: Any person who qualifies under section 2 of this Article IV and pays the prescribed membership dues shall be designated as a GOLD Member.
- SILVER MEMBER: Any person who qualifies under section 2 of this Article IV and pays the prescribed membership dues shall be designated as a SILVER Member.
- LIFE MEMBER: Any person who qualifies under section 2 of this Article IV and pays the prescribed membership dues shall be designated as a LIFE Member.
Section 2: Membership Definition
- Diamond Member: In order to qualify as a Diamond Member, a person must meet the qualifications of Section 3, Article IV.
- Platinum Member: In order to qualify as a Platinum Member, a person must meet the qualifications of Section 3, Article IV.
- Gold Member: In order to qualify as a Gold Member, a person must meet the qualifications of Section 3, Article IV.
- Silver Member: In order to qualify as a Silver Member, a person must meet the qualifications of Section 3, Article IV.
- Life Member: In order to qualify as a Life Member, a person must