Vamshi Reddy Kancharakuntla
Founder, Washington Telangana Association (WATA)

When I first came to the United States, like many immigrants, I arrived with hope, determination—and very little else. I had no extended network, no familiar faces, and no roadmap to navigate this new land. The challenges were real: cultural isolation, long work hours, financial constraints, and the emotional toll of being far from home.But through every challenge, one truth became clear to me: community matters. In moments of need, it’s not systems or structures that respond first—it’s people.

In my early days in the USA, I was part of multiple organizations and served them in multiple capacities. I observed that existing Telugu organizations catered broadly to all Telugu speakers but did not spotlight Telangana’s unique identity especially during the days of Telangana’s fight for statehood.

Over the years, I witnessed fellow Indian origin people silently struggle—some facing medical emergencies, others dealing with immigration issues, and many just needing someone to guide them through life in a new land. Whenever a community member called me in the hour of crisis, I didn’t hesitate. I answered, and I acted. That wasn’t an exception—it became a pattern. I found myself being the first person people turned to in distress, and with each call, I felt a growing sense of duty to build something larger than one person’s help.

That sense of responsibility led to the founding of Washington Telangana Association (WATA)—a platform built not just on celebration, but on compassion, connection, and continuity. WATA is my answer to every unanswered call, every isolated festival, every youth drifting away from our roots.

Our mission is clear:

• To support our community in times of joy and crisis alike.
  
• To be the first to respond, no matter the hour or the challenge.
  
• To preserve our culture, language, and traditions—not just for ourselves, but for those born here who may never set foot in Telangana.
  
• And to empower the next generation to carry forward our identity with pride, confidence, and clarity.

WATA is more than an organization—it’s a reflection of what we believe in: unity, service, and heritage. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, and deeply grateful to everyone who has walked this path with me.

Together, let’s continue to stand for each other, preserve who we are, and shape a stronger future for those who come after us.

With gratitude,

Founder, WATA