The Detroit Telangana Community.

A registered 501(c)(3) non-profit uniting the Telangana diaspora across Michigan — a story of culture preserved, families brought together, and service given freely.

In 2010, a group of Telangana families in the Detroit area came together to give their culture a home in Michigan.

They founded the Detroit Telangana Community (DTC) as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich cultural, spiritual, and literary heritage of Telangana. Its mission was clear: to unite the Telangana diaspora by providing a common platform for cultural festivals, educational initiatives, charitable activities, and literary events — nurturing togetherness and meaningful connection across generations.

More than a decade later, DTC has grown into a thriving hub for Telangana families — hosting iconic celebrations, developing youth leadership, running health and wellness programs, and giving back through community service.

The Journey

Growing, decade by decade.

From a handful of founding families to one of Michigan's most active Telangana organizations.

2010

The Founding

Telangana families establish DTC as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit to preserve and celebrate their heritage in Michigan.

Early Years

Taking Root

DTC builds its identity around signature Telangana festivals — Bathukamma, Bonalu — and becomes a gathering point for the growing diaspora.

Growth

Culture at Scale

Events grow to gather thousands of families. The Telangana Mela emerges as a cultural and commerce hub; Bathukamma Vaibhavam becomes a flagship celebration.

Service

Seva & Youth

DTC deepens its charitable mission — hunger relief with Forgotten Harvest, youth volunteers earning the PVSA, and support reaching back to rural Telangana.

Today

A Thriving Community

Led by President Ravi Ellendula with Shashi Kumar Ellendula as President-Elect, DTC stands as a vibrant home for Telangana families across Metro Detroit.

2027

The Next Chapter

Shashi Kumar Ellendula steps into the presidency, carrying DTC's mission forward with a clear vision for youth, culture, and community.

Signature Events

Culture you can gather around.

Telangana Mela

A cultural and commerce hub at the TOCA Soccer & Sports Center in Novi — showcasing local fashion, jewelry, food, and businesses.

Bathukamma Vaibhavam

The vibrant floral festival at the heart of Telangana identity — one of DTC's most cherished annual gatherings.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Kalyanam

A sacred community celebration — bringing families together in devotion and tradition.

Family Diva Night

An evening of togetherness, light, and celebration for the whole community.

Walk for Light & Service

Charity walks and volunteer days — including hunger relief with Forgotten Harvest across Metro Detroit.

Youth & PVSA

Youth Council programs and the pathway for young volunteers to earn the President's Volunteer Service Award.

Looking Ahead

The road ahead, in Shashi's words.

“For more than a decade, this community has carried something precious — the culture, language, and togetherness of Telangana families in Michigan. That inheritance was handed to us; it is now ours to protect and to grow.

As I prepare to take on the presidency, I want DTC to reach every young member and make this community theirs. I want our finances open, our doors open, and our partnerships stronger than ever. I want us to give more, welcome more, and celebrate more — together.”

Note on sources: Historical and organizational details reflect publicly available information about the Detroit Telangana Community, including its 2010 founding, 501(c)(3) status, stated mission, leadership roster, and events as listed on dtcusa.org. Decade summaries are illustrative and should be reviewed against DTC's official records before publication. This page is part of an independent portfolio and is not an official DTC publication.