The United Pravasa Atmiyula Society of America (UPASA) was founded by a distinguished group of professionals from the Telugu states of India, including doctors, entrepreneurs, and IT specialists, who are united in their dedication to preserving Telugu heritage and culture. Our mission is to ensure that the Telugu legacy thrives for generations while empowering the community through education, health awareness, cultural events, and various support services.
UPASA is committed to addressing the wide-ranging needs of the Telugu-speaking community in the U.S., with a focus on:
At UPASA, we prioritize building strong unity and respect among our members, fostering a supportive network that encourages collaboration and collective growth. By connecting Telugu professionals across the U.S. through regional and city coordinators, we aim to create an environment where members can share resources, ideas, and opportunities.
Our vision is to create a vibrant and connected Telugu community in the U.S., where members can find guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for growth. By combining our rich cultural heritage with modern knowledge and practices, UPASA ensures a thriving future for the Telugu diaspora.
Additionally, UPASA celebrates the achievements
of Telugu individuals in various fields, recognizing their contributions through awards named after prominent Telugu figures.
These accolades honor excellence in medicine, business, education, and technology, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams.
Through dedicated platforms such as the Students Forum, Women’s Forum, Business Executives Forum, and Medical Forum, UPASA offers valuable resources, advice, and peer support. These forums address the diverse needs of the community, from educational counseling to professional and legal assistance.
Our vision is to create a vibrant and connected Telugu community in the U.S., where members can find guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for growth. By combining our rich cultural heritage with modern knowledge and practices, UPASA ensures a thriving future for the Telugu diaspora.
UPASA was founded by a group of distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions
to both the
Telugu community in North America and their respective fields.The founders include:
Dr. Kolla specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions involving
the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. He is affiliated with CarePoint Health facilities,
including Christ Hospital in Jersey City and Bayonne Hospital Center.
Dr. Kolla completed his medical education in 1973 and operates primarily from Union City, NJ.
He is recognized for accepting Medicare assignments and operates as a sole proprietor in his practice.
Although he does not currently participate in certain federal health incentive programs like electronic
prescribing or quality reporting, his extensive experience and service to the community remain notable
Dr. Venkata S. Nagireddi, MD, MRCP, FAAP, is a distinguished pediatrician with extensive
expertise in child health, preventive care, and chronic disease management. With advanced training and
certifications, including Membership in the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) and recognition as a
Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP), Dr. Nagireddi combines clinical excellence with
compassionate care. His approach emphasizes early intervention, immunization, and family-centered
collaboration to ensure optimal outcomes for children.
Beyond his medical practice,
Dr. Nagireddi actively contributes to community initiatives through his leadership in
UPASA (United Pravasa Atmiyula Society of America), promoting health awareness and well-being within
Telugu-speaking immigrant communities. He remains committed to both medical excellence and community service,
enhancing lives through education and outreach.
Dr.Ram Kolla, MD, is a dedicated specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, committed to
enhancing the quality of life for patients with physical disabilities and chronic pain conditions. With extensive
training in the field, Dr. Kolla employs a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, focusing on restoring function,
improving mobility, and promoting overall wellness. His expertise encompasses various rehabilitation techniques,
including exercise therapy, pain management, and functional assessments.
Dr. Kolla is passionate about working
closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals, fostering
recovery and independence. With a strong commitment to patient education, he empowers individuals to actively
participate in their rehabilitation journey.
He obtained his medical degree from Rangaraya Medical College in 1993 and completed his residency at Howard University Hospital.
Dr. Akula focuses on managing complex heart conditions, including heart attacks, arrhythmias, heart failure, and atherosclerosis.
He practices in New York and Pennsylvania, with affiliations to several hospitals, including Arnot Ogden Medical Center,
Corning Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Hospital. Dr. Akula is also part of Arnot Medical Services PLLC,
contributing to both inpatient and outpatient care.
His expertise extends to internal medicine and nuclear cardiology, using electronic health records to enhance patient outcomes.
Dr. Kumar Kothapalli is presently the Chief Medical Officer at Biophore Pharma Inc., Austin, Texas. He did his PhD and clinical training in the diagnosis and counseling of patients suffering from genetic diseases at the Institute of Genetics and Hospital for Genetic Diseases, Hyderabad and did his fellowship in Genetics and Genomics at the Ivy League Cornell University. He has been acknowledged in Marquis Who's Who in America and serves as an International Advisor at Osmania University, for reducing genetic diseases burden in India. He has done extensive research on various genetic diseases. He is globally recognized for his contributions to the biochemistry and genetics of lipids and fatty acids research. He organized several medical conferences, medical camps, health awareness events, chaired sessions and gave keynote addresses. He served as a medical chair and advisor for Indian community organizations in the US. He is one of the founders and core member of the mission uddanam initiative to solve chronic kidney disease problem in Srikakulam, India and is continuously working with Sri. Pawan Kalyan garu for permanent solution.
Krishna N. Yasa is an accomplished entrepreneur with a strong presence in the financial industry.
As a dedicated member of the United Pravasa Atmiyula Society of America (UPASA), he is deeply passionate about
serving the community and preserving Telugu heritage.
Krishna’s entrepreneurial spirit drives him to create
innovative solutions that benefit individuals and families, while his commitment to UPASA reflects his desire
to foster unity, empowerment, and cultural awareness among Telugu-speaking communities. Through his active involvement,
he plays a crucial role in organizing events and initiatives that promote health education, financial literacy,
and community engagement.
Krishna’s leadership and dedication make him a valuable asset to UPASA and a positive influence in the community.
