Akkineni US Postal Stamp Released in Texas

Irving, Texas, USA: Akkineni Foundation of America (AFA), a non-profit organization, commemorated the 91st Birthday of Padma Vibhushan, Nata Samrat Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao by launching a customized ANR US Postal Stamp. The event was held on September 20th (ANR's Birthday) at Hilltop Indian Cuisine, Irving, TX, USA.

Mrs. Sarada Akunuri, AFA Secretary, opened the meeting by welcoming the gathering and remembered the fond memories and interactions with the great actor ANR. She invited Dr. A.S. Narayana, Padmashree Awardee, a close associate of Dr. ANR and Akkineni Adithya, grandson of ANR, who attended as special guests for the occasion.

Dr. Prasad Thotakura, President of AFA, stated that 'the objective of the AFA is to instill the great qualities of ANR among younger generation. Dr. ANR's life is his message to the society being a very common man with Hard work, Discipline, Dedication, Positive attitude, Will power and Vision can achieve anything. With a bare minimum education and poor farming family background Dr. ANR excelled in his profession and passion. We want to instill these qualities among youth and inspire them to become better citizens of the country.'

'Dr. ANR's wish to see a better society where everybody would live happily and harmoniously. To reinforce his thoughts, AFA in association with Swathi, one of the largest circulated Telugu weeklies in India, conducting essay writing competitions to youth below 25 years and awarding a total of one lakh rupees to the winners. AFA will be hosting its first 'Akkineni International Annual Awards' ceremony on December 17, 2014 at ANR College, Gudivada, Krishna Dist. where Dr. ANR hails from'. announced Dr. Prasad Thotakura, AFA President.

Padmashree, Dr. A.S. Narayana, who worked very closely with Dr. ANR on many community service projects, stated that he was very fortunate enough to work with ANR on many community projects including constructing the bridge in ANR's native village Ramapuram which connects many villages and very useful to villagers. He further stated that ANR was always very practical, analytical and very determined to accomplish the desired task.

Adithya Akkineni remembered his grandfather's love and affection to the kids and always used to make sure that they are always independent and on right path with good values. On behalf of Akkineni family, he thanked AFA for bestowing a rare honor on his grandfather by releasing US Postal Stamp on his name.

Ravi Kondabolu, Vice President, AFA and a long time close associate of Dr. ANR remembered the great qualities of ANR like friendship, family values, straightforwardness. Dr. ANR never lost hope on anything; he was so healthy and happy till the end because of his positive attitude. Ravi said the loss is irreplaceable; the time that was spent with him so invaluable and cherishes those moments forever.

Dr. Alla Srinivas Reddy, AFA Director said Dr. ANR was a medical miracle; probably he may be the first person in the world who survived this long after a bypass surgery. No one expected that he would die of cancer and it was very unfortunate to lose such a great man who entertained and inspired many.

Mr. Rao Kalvala and Dr. C.R. Rao, AFA Directors, recalled their treasured interactions and the time spent with Dr. ANR when he visited Dallas in 2012 on the occasion of his 89th Birthday celebrations.

Dr. Prasad Thotakura, AFA President released the ANR US Postal stamp and gave the first stamp to Dr. A. S Narayana the close associate of Dr. ANR and the second one to Akkineni Adithya while all the AFA Board of Directors displayed the stamps.

Dr. Thotakura announced that this is a special, custom made, commemorative, legal, valid postal stamp and won't be available in any post office. These limited quantity stamps will be available only through AFA. These customized special stamps can be used like any other regular postal stamps for mailing purposes.

AFA presented a special video message sent by Hero Nagrjuna for this special occasion appreciating Dr. Prasad Thotakura, AFA President and his team for their efforts in bringing out US Postal stamp on his father Dr. ANR.

AFA Board of Directors - Murali Vennam, Rao Kalvala, Dr. C.R. Rao, Chalapathi Rao Kondrakunta, Dr. Alla Srinivasa Reddy, Ravi Kondabolu and Dr. Prasad Thotakura thanked ANR family for launching the same stamp in Hyderabad also on the same day of Dr. ANR 's Birthday and 'Manam' 100 day celebrations.

AFA screened the super hit movie 'Manam' for the community as a complimentary which was well attended.