IndiaParentMagazine

Vijaya Aasuri: What Makes This Lady So Wanted?

A Personal Rumination
By Meena Yeggina

The 40th BATA celebrations couldn’t have been what they were without one solid presence – Vijaya Aasuri. In spite of not being an official committee member of BATA (she’s is in the advisory board), nothing goes around without her final vote, be it the background shots on stage or the line up of food items in the dinner menu. Her approval is needed even on a trifle. The interesting point is more intriguing than this decision making power itself: It is the unanimous and unspoken willingness to take her advise with love, affection and trust. Members of BATA, both men and women equally, are happy to accept her as their undivided leader. In a world where a team of two is considered a threat to the other person’s power, what makes Vijaya so special that she is wanted so consistently for the past two decades? What is that one quality that makes her tick?

Kalyan Kattamuri, current secretary of BATA and co host (along with Vijaya Aasuri) of the popular telugu radio show Virijallu, had an immediate answer.

“I don't have to think much to answer this question. It’s her passion. I have not seen anyone who has put so many selfless years(20+) into art, culture and community and still gets excited at every new opportunity. Her passion and enthusiasm is contagious and really motivates people around her and that explains the solid team that rallies behind her for any event.”

Vijaya Aasuri
Sheʼs a bundle of energy – Venu Aasuri

I personally know Vijaya for about 20 years now. I dont remember exactly how I met her but she has been there as a positive background presence in my life. On a personal front, she helped and advised me on my son’s first birthday celebrations, 17 years ago. Both of us were young then, she not too much into BATA yet and me just on the verge of beginning my publication, with one common goal –– passion to do something different and worthwhile. Professionally, when she immediately agreed to my request to read news in my then radio show along with Venu Aasuri which was the Bay Area’s first Telugu radio show called Telugu Pracharam, I was thrilled and touched. This was even before I started this publication. Venu and Vijaya were our news readers and with their impeccable pronunciation made a big hit out of it. Even then Vijaya had a quality that I noticed was commendable: Commitment. And there is one other quality that is really rare and difficult to maintain for a long time these days – to forget, forgive and move on. In a world dominated by egotistical, empty, hierarchal and power-crazy people, Vijaya could manage the crowd with this one single surprising quality of letting bygones be bygones. In our 20 years of relationship with my two kids performing in BATA constantly, I had my ups and downs with her. Vijaya never looks back, only forward. I loved and learned from this quality of hers.

“When dealing with public constantly and living in the same space for a long time, what is the point of grudges and not maintaining relations with half the world?” she said once to me in relation to another incident. This philosophy is not an easy one to maintain but Vijaya managed. This is not to say Vijaya is flawless, but her aplomb and passion for what she’s doing bumps down her other weaknesses.

“My association with Vijayaji goes back to more than a decade,” says Srilu Veligeti, past president of BATA and a close friend of Vijaya. “It’s her dedication, energy and commitment to excellence that inspires me in every step of my journey in BATA. Her passion to serve the community, the time and effort that she puts to serve is astonishing. Her vivid vision and flawless execution ensure the BATA's continued vitality. She has been a strong pillar for BATA and thrives to bring the best in everything. Her love for Telugu culture, arts, music and dance plays vital role in events’ success. I am fortunate to have such an inspiring and great friend.”

Ramesh Konda, current president of BATA personally applauds Vijaya Aasuri’s passion and commitment to the community services and promoting India’s culture and heritage.

“Among several of her best qualities, somethings striking are her friendliness, tireless efforts, and unconditional support for the community," he enthuses.

She works with very young kids, patiently giving them an opportunity to work on stage, and this makes her a favorite with all young parents. No matter what their skill level is, she tolerantly trains them, works with them and gives them an opportunity to go on the main stage.

Kalyan Kattamuri
“It’s her passion. I have not seen anyone who has put so many selfless years(20+) into art, culture and community and still gets excited at every new opportunity.” – Kalyan Kattamuri

Agrees Ranjani Manda, artistic director of Aerodance. “Very young students and parents take keen interest in getting their kids trained to learning and understanding telugu music and dance as BATA provides venue and encourages competitions that promotes Telugu culture ranging from ethnic folk, devotional dances along with Tollywood. Coordinator Vijaya Aasuri is a dynamic woman entrepreneur who is to be praised for taking up the task of coordinating this event along with her team.”

She never forgets, according to Bharani Sanga, whose daughter Sonia Sanga is a very popular Kuchipudi dancer and performed at BATA a few years ago before she went on to medical college. “When I came to the 40th celebrations, the house was full and no tickets available. When Vijaya saw me almost going back, she came to me and made sure I got a place to sit,” said Sanga. “That way she is very sweet and never ignores anybody.”

It is not as if Vijaya has no critics. Many abound. Some behind some open. Some cruel some kind. But whenever I think of a woman in action and is being criticized for it I remember what my son said to me years ago when I was upset about one of my husband’s criticism (which he loves doing about me), “Mom, it’s only when you DO something you get criticized. If you DON’T do anything you are always safe.”

Vijaya Aasuri
“She plays a vital role in making BATA as one of the vibrant and well respected organizations
– Prasad Mangina

Agreed Karun Veligeti and Prasad Mangina who know her for almost ten years.

“Her passion and commitment to social and cultural activities are only growing with time,” said Karun Veligeti. “She has been an asset to all indians around the Bay Area and across the nation. Proud to have such a great and an amazing friend."

Added Prasad Mangina, “She plays a vital role in making BATA as one of the vibrant and well respected organizations. It really amazes me to see the amount of time she puts into BATA and various other organizations. That really makes a big difference. This quality of putting tireless efforts for a cause could be inspiration for anyone and certainly it is for me.”

Vijaya lives with her husband and son in Fremont. She works for Wells Fargo. She hails from Vijayawada and lived in several parts of Andhra Pradesh for more than 25 years before immigrating to the U.S. in 1980. She acted as Human Relations Commissioner, City of Fremont and as vice-President of FIA. As a community leader and advisor to various non-profit organizations, Vijaya Aasuri co-ordinates events for both Indian and non-Indian organizations across the US and is also a popular RJ in the San Francisco Bay Area. She successfully runs the Virijallu, a Telugu radio show along with Kalyan Kattamuri, another versatile performing artist.

Venu Aasuri, husband and friend, sums it up proficiently when he calls her a bundle of energy.

"Vijaya's energy levels are unparalleled. Her passion for what she does is fully reflected in the way she drives the various projects she undertakes. Her ability to keep several things going in parallel, while still keeping her poise and balance, has to be seen to be fully appreciated. In the middle of a crazy schedule, she is able to find the patience and energy to help a bunch of small kids with their rehearsals, welcome the constant stream of guests and make them feel at home, and quickly prepare the home for a late evening dinner with friends and family. She is a bundle of energy."