American Telugu Association (ATA), condolences on the demise of Kuchipudi Legend Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam garu

American Telugu Association indeed gratified by the fact we were able to recognize the Kuchipudi legendary guru during ATA convention on July 7th, 2012 at Atlanta (USA) with "ATA Lifetime Achievement Award" for his contribution to the Kuchipudi Nritya art and for keeping alive an old art which is now passed on to a new generation of Americans of Telugu origin. He was felicitated in Chennai during the prime time with a live telecast with $5000 cash award. It was an honor for ATA that Sri. Chinna Satyam garu accepted this award. This is the first time in ATA has given this type of prestigious life time achievement award along with cash award, and he was pleased with it, and it's just 3 weeks before he passed away.

Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam garu born in Kuchipudi,Andhra Pradesh, India, the place of origin of famous Kuchipudi dance from. Dr. Vempati was a master guru of the Kuchipudi dance and popularizing the dance form all over the world. He refined he art form, bringing it completely within the boundaries of Natya Shastra and gave it a whole new perspective.  Dr. Vempati started the kuchipudi Art Academy at Madras in the year 1963. The A  cademy has to its credit more than 180 solos items and 15 dance dramas composed and choreographed by Vempati Chinna Satyam garu. These solo items and dramas have been stag  ed all over India and abroad.

Sri Vempati got many awards in India and abroad. He was honored with a Doctorate degree by Andhra University. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. ATA was pleased to recognize and honor one of our own for his lifetime accomplishments in performing arts - Kuchupudi with "lifetime achievement for performing arts award".

Sincerely
American Telugu Association