Baltimore, MD (MediaBoss Network): A delegation from the American Telugu Association (ATA), led by President Jayanth Challa, met Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller at the State Capitol on March 10, 2026, to formally invite them to the ATA 19th Conference, scheduled to be held at the Baltimore Convention Center from July 31 to August 2, 2026.
The invitation was extended on behalf of the ATA Board of Trustees. The delegation included Conference Convener Sridhar Banala, Board of Trustees member Ram Mattapalli, and Co-Coordinator Zeenath Kundoor.
During the meeting, the ATA representatives briefed the Governor and Lt. Governor about the preparations and vision for the upcoming conference. Notably, this will be the first national Telugu conference to be hosted in the state of Maryland, marking a significant milestone for the Telugu community in the region.
The three-day convention is expected to attract around 15,000 participants from across the United States and beyond, making it one of the largest gatherings of the Telugu diaspora.
Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller congratulated the ATA delegation for organizing such a major cultural event and assured the State of Maryland’s full support to ensure the conference’s success. Both leaders also expressed interest in attending the event. Several state secretaries and other government officials are also expected to participate in the conference.
The American Telugu Association (ATA) is a national nonprofit organization committed to promoting the Telugu language, culture, and community engagement across the United States. Through large-scale conferences, cultural programs, and outreach initiatives, ATA plays a vital role in strengthening connections within the Telugu diaspora and preserving Telugu heritage for future generations.
