Celebrating Telangana's Past: New Book Unveiled at ATA Conference in Baltimore

The 19th American Telugu Association (ATA) conference turned into a literary celebration on August 1, when archaeologist and Pleach India Foundation CEO E. Sivanagireddy unveiled his freshly minted book, Milestones in the History of Telangana. Held at the bustling Baltimore Convention Center, the event felt a little like a cultural bridge – a piece of the Deccan plateau making its way to the East Coast of the United States.

The volume, a labour of love spanning more than forty years, brings together landmark discoveries, painstaking excavations and stories that have shaped Telangana’s identity. From stone-age tools unearthed near Warangal to medieval inscriptions that whisper of forgotten dynasties, the pages are peppered with photographs, maps and thoughtful commentary. As someone who’s spent a lifetime chasing fragments of pottery and stone, Sivanagireddy’s tone is both scholarly and warm – you can almost hear the excitement in his voice as he describes a 3,000‑year‑old burial site.

Launching the book were two key figures: Venu Nakshatram, Chair of the ATA Literary Wing, and Enugu Narasimha Reddy, Director of the Department of Language and Culture, Government of Telangana. Their joint release underscored the collaborative spirit that runs between diaspora organisations and the home‑state agencies. “It’s a prideful moment when our history travels abroad and finds eager listeners,” Nakshatram remarked, his smile reflecting both humility and pride.

ATA President Jayanth Challa, along with President‑elect Satish Reddy Ramasahayam and senior member Sridhar Banala, congratulated Sivanagireddy. Their words echoed a common sentiment – that the book not only records the past but also paves the way for future scholars, students and curious readers alike. “For four decades you’ve stitched together pieces of a puzzle that many thought was lost,” Challa said, “and today you give us a picture worth a thousand lectures.”

Beyond the ceremony, the launch sparked lively conversations among conference attendees – many of whom are second‑generation Telugu Americans. They swapped stories of family heritage, asked about the challenges of fieldwork, and even debated which artefact deserved a place on their coffee tables. It was a reminder that history, when told well, becomes a shared experience, no matter where you sit.

‘Milestones in the History of Telangana’ is now available in major Indian and international bookstores, as well as online platforms. For anyone keen on tracing the layers of civilization that have shaped this vibrant state, the book offers a compelling, accessible gateway.