In memory of - Venkata Ramakrishna Kantamneni  

  Aug 6th, 1937 - Dec 26th, 2010

We take some time at the start of the New Year to remember Mr. Kantamneni,  who was an integral part of YICG for so many years. He passed away on Dec 26th, 2010 at home, in New York, after a valiant fight with liver cancer. He remained alert to the end, engaged with his life, making sure that everyone in his circle was least disturbed.  

To many he was known as Tanuja's father - to us he was Mama. Over the last ten years he cared for so many facets of running our program, not public but behind the scenes.  He was always there, willing to lend a hand in anything. We remember when he painstakingly took individual photographs for our 2005 yearbook, with prefabricated ethnic backgrounds. It was an extraordinary initiative and we could not have done it without Mama and his methodical approach. He was there for our annual functions taking detailed instructions on how he should photograph the show, with a cumbersome camera weighing at least 5 lbs. He was such a good sport.

There was a time when we had no banners and he offered to get many varieties made in India, during one of his trips. We have our lightweight banners now due to his efforts. His numerous trips to India always had some YICG shopping - table coverings, books, banners, posters, maps, saris, and artifacts. Our resource room would be incomplete without all these treasures. He was our first Telugu teacher, bringing  the books from India and embarking on a new curriculum.

He was amazingly artistic, able to work with precision on art projects. We have a beautiful picture of baby Krishna in our Resource room made by him with small glass beads. We will continue to cherish it.

He was truly willing to wear any hat to support us. Over the years he and his wife donated generously, mindful of our ongoing financial needs. He was part of our working team.

Undoubtedly his blessings form a key element of YICG's metaphorical foundation, based on generosity of thought, word and deed. May his soul forever be a source of joy to all whose lives have been touched by him.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti