With the support of the Department of Language & Culture, Andhra Pradesh State Creativity & Culture Commission, and the Federation of Telugu Associations of Maharashtra (F-TAM), the Thane Telugu Community Cultural Centre (TTCCC) celebrated the vibrant Sankranti Sambaralu on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at B S Bane International School, Vasant Vihar, Thane. The event, held from 3 PM to 10 PM, witnessed over 300 enthusiastic participants, including men, women, and children, actively engaging in traditional activities such as Rangoli (Muggulapoteelu), drawing competitions, essay writing, fancy dress, and various cultural performances.

Attendees were treated to delicious refreshments and an authentic Telugu vindu bhojanam. Esteemed guests from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana graced the occasion, exchanging festive greetings with the community.

F-TAM President Ganji Jaganbabu, along with Ashok Kante, Subhash Macha, and D Radhakrishnan, warmly welcomed the attendees and highlighted F-TAM's initiatives, including Telugu and Marathi language classes, matrimonial counseling, match-making support, educational programs, skill development, and startup support for the Telugu community.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Thane, Sri Prashant Kadam, addressed the audience on the rising threats of cybercrime, offering safety tips against fraudsters' messages, links, and calls. He urged participants, especially women and children, to dial 112 for immediate police assistance and report cybercrimes on the toll-free number 1930 without delay.

Dr. P.V. Ramana, Chairman of F-TAM and President of Maharashtra State Telugu Sahitya Academy, encouraged the Telugu community in Maharashtra to take pride in their heritage, support one another, and promote cultural unity. Similarly, Sri A.V. Gupta, Chairman of Anand Nilayam, called for building a culturally strong and economically thriving community, inviting members to the upcoming Vaaradhi program and the TAMCCI launch in Hyderabad on January 27, 2025.

Environmental activist and Janasena Andhra Pradesh General Secretary, Sri Bolisetty Satyanarayana, applauded F-TAM's welfare efforts and pledged continued support from the Andhra Pradesh government.

The chief guest, renowned historian and author Shri M.V.R. Shastry, extended his greetings and commended Thane's rich historical legacy, citing the valor of Chalukya Pulakeshin in repelling Arab invasions in 636 AD. He praised Telugu women for preserving cultural traditions in Maharashtra and emphasized the deep historical and cultural bonds between the two states. Shastry further urged Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra to collaborate on establishing an International Telugu Literary and Cultural Centre in Shirdi, a site visited by over 50,000 people annually.

The event concluded with captivating cultural performances by children and women, which were thoroughly enjoyed by all. The success of the program was attributed to the collective efforts of Thane Telugu community members, including Kiranmai Ivaturi, Sujana Namaduri, Vani Vemula, Dr. Aishwarya Domakonda, Anjali Macha, Raghav Rao, Sunil Bhairi, Haritha Rao, Prasad Nadella, Rony Jaypaul, Arjun Amanchi, Ramana Kumar, Komal Banka, Narayan Macha, Surendra Patnaik, Rakesh Rai, and many volunteers from IIT Mumbai and TCS.