The NRI group Telangana Association of United Kingdom (TAUK) conducted Bonalu celebrations on a grand scale, The event was held in the auditorium of the Isleworth and Syon School in West London.
About more than 1000 NRI families from various parts of the UK attended the event, for which West London wore a festive look.
Chief guests for the event were Indian-origin local MPs Virendra Sharma, Seema Malhotra, Ruth Cadbury and Hounslow Deputy Mayor Adesh Farmahan.
The NRIs recreated the ambience of ‘Lashkar’ in Secunderabad where Bonalu is celebrated fervently every year.
The main attraction was the Traditional Pothuraju, women carrying Bonam across several streets of London. Several local Englishmen joined in the celebrations.
The event started with the welcome speech by TAUK Vice -President Shushmuna Reddy and later the progam runned by Official SpokesPerson Hari Goud Navapet.
MP Virendra Sharma said he felt glad to be part of this grand celebration of Telangana’s festival Bonalu. The way TAUK promotes Telangana culture in foreign land is very inspiring and also their involvement in local community service is greatly appreciated. He congratulated TAUK founder Anil Kurmachalam being appointed as TSFDC chairman and thanked CM KCR garu and also reminded what all Anil did for telangana cause and community during his stay in UK. He wished goddess Durga should bless everyone with prosperity in their life.
MP Seema Malhotra said, as a woman she is very proud to see the NRI women carrying Bonam across the London streets to showcase and promote Indian culture and especially Telangana culture by involving local British residents, which help to bring harmony, peace and respect towards each culture. She felt very happy for being part of this event and appreciated TAUK involvement in supporting local charity and welfare activities.
MP Ruth Cadubury said, Britain respects every culture and faith, it’s very good to see the Telangana community organising their state’s festival in London involving all the communities in the UK. She appreciated the efforts of the TAUK organisations for all the cultural and welfare activities and extended support for all future activities.
TAUK president Rathnakar Kadudula said TAUK is committed to promote Telangana culture on a global platform, and thanked Sports,Excise, Tourism and Culture minister Srinivas goud for launching Bonalu poster and also thanked MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha for her guidance and support in organising several cultural activities.
NRI TRS President Ashok Dusari said he had been participating in these Bonalu celebrations for several years now, this year was so special because NRI TRS UK & TAUK Founder Anil Kurmchalam honoured with TSFDC chairman by Telangana government and he thanked the Telangana CM KCR Garu on behalf of entire NRI community.
Ashok said it is very important for us to strengthen CM KCR sir leadership and now India is looking for KCR sir leadership, People of India want all the welfare schemes to be implemented across India and they feel when KCR Garu lead India then only it is possible, all the NRIs raised the slogans “Desh Ka Netha KCR” and appealed KCR sir to lead India.
