Radio Brisvaani
Brisbane, April 10 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Andhra Association of Queensland (AAQ) marked Ugadi 2025–2026 with a grand and culturally vibrant celebration in Brisbane, drawing more than 500 members of the Telugu community for an evening of tradition, recognition, and unity.
The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Sudha Sankar, who also served as the Master of Ceremonies for the prestigious Ugadi Awards segment. The programme was hosted by MCs Aswini and Sainath, who kept the audience engaged throughout the evening. Cultural performances, coordinated by Janakiram Manava and Suneetha Jakkampudi, showcased a rich tapestry of Telugu heritage and talent. AAQ acknowledged the generous support of its key sponsors, including Priyanka Sripathi of Mortgage Winner, Praveen Shah of Harcourts, Kam from Kamesh Painting, Remix Rise Springfield, and Property Visionaries Buyers Agent.
The awards’ shields and medals were sponsored by Brinda Kuppili, while Omkar, Lakshmi Prasad, and Ravi Sankar were also recognised for their valuable contributions.
A major highlight of the evening was the AAQ Prestigious Awards 2025–2026, which honoured individuals and groups for their exceptional contributions to the community. Among the awardees, Krishna Mohan Kanduri (BSK) was recognised for Community Service Excellence, Padma Priya Nori (Palaka Balam Telugu Badi) for Cultural and Language contributions, and Akash Racha (University Student) as Youth Change Maker. Vimala Punugu was named Volunteer of the Year, while Telugu Lahari (Telugu Radio) received the Group and Community Contribution award.
Further recognitions included Geetha Grandhi (SKED) as Rising Star of the Year, Saathvika Muturu for Excellence in Studies, and Hema Latha Gaddireddi, who received the Community Star Award for her outstanding service, including organising blood donation drives and supporting the homeless through AAQ initiatives. The Junior Rising Star award was presented to seven-year-old Nissi Anvika Vadlamudi for her fundraising efforts.
The celebrations were complemented by a wide array of food offerings sponsored by Hyderabad Flavors, Dosa Hut Gold Coast, Siri Food Paradise, Spice Venue Gold Coast, and Cafe Hyderabad (Taigum), adding to the festive spirit of the evening.
The AAQ Ugadi celebrations once again highlighted the strength, unity, and cultural richness of the Telugu community in Queensland, leaving attendees with a memorable and enriching experience.
