The Hindu Temple of Atlanta facilitated and hosted the 49th Sai Health Fair at the temple in Riverdale on Saturday, April 18, and Saturday, April 25, 2025. Held with the blessings of Sri Balaji and Sri Ramalingeswara Swami, the health fair promoted the enduring philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including nonviolence, community service, and social justice.
The event drew a large turnout and served as a celebration of service, wellness, and community spirit. Free consultations were provided by 22 experienced physicians representing 13 specialties, along with GAPI nurses and more than 20 volunteers.
More than 300 people registered online for comprehensive blood tests, offered at a nominal fee of $15 on Saturday, April 18. The tests were provided by Health Soft USA’s Kintu Shah, with assistance from eight skilled phlebotomists.
Specialists offered consultations in cardiology, endocrinology, pediatrics, dentistry, dermatology, gastroenterology, OB-GYN, orthopedics, physical therapy, ophthalmology, audiology, and bone-density testing. Dr. Pradip Kamat provided a CPR demonstration and stroke prevention guidance.
Certified nutritionist, health and wellness coach, and RN Rajitha Bommakanti offered advice on healthy lifestyles. Homeopathy consultations and a bone marrow drive were also conducted. Dr. Rupali Bistdar, MD, provided Ayurvedic wellness medicine guidance, while Swati Kumari conducted holistic wellness and yoga sessions. Beena Patel shared information and guidance on Medicare.
Atlanta cardiologist Dr. Lalitha Medepalli, immediate past president of the Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, said she was grateful to be part of the Sai Health Fair, calling it “a truly impactful community initiative led by Dr. Sujatha Reddy.”
“It was inspiring to witness young scholars and medical students actively contributing while learning alongside dedicated physicians, reflecting the strong spirit of mentorship and service within our community,” Medepalli said. She noted that a highlight of the fair was the inclusion of Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), testing, aligned with the latest dyslipidemia guidelines to enhance cardiovascular risk assessment and preventive care. She also thanked the HTA leadership for its support.
Mini Nair, who attended the fair, praised Reddy’s dedication to the community and said the two-day event offered comprehensive blood tests, multi-specialty doctor consultations, and free screenings, including EKG, bone density, CPR awareness, and more. Nair also highlighted the Consulate General of India in Atlanta’s segment, where Swati Kumari, teacher of Indian culture, ICCR, and yoga instructor, conducted an engaging yoga session.
“Overall, the health fair stood as a wonderful example of community collaboration, bringing together medical professionals, volunteers, and organizations to promote preventive healthcare and holistic well-being,” Nair said.
Shanmugam generously offered donuts and orange juice, which were appreciated by volunteers and attendees. HTA Kitchen Chair Kishore Puttagunta provided breakfast and lunch for all participants.
HTA President Ravi Kari thanked the participating doctors, nurses, nutritionist, yoga instructor, alternative medicine specialist, and bone marrow awareness advocate, saying their efforts made the event impactful, memorable, and life-enhancing. He also expressed gratitude to the 20 volunteers who supported both days of the health fair with courtesy and cheerfulness.
Kari offered special appreciation to Reddy, who initiated the first Sai Health Fair and has remained the driving force behind all 49 fairs. He said she is already planning the next one in October 2026 and thanked her for her leadership, energy, and coordination.
Kari also thanked HTA Executive Committee members Sairam Surapaneni, Srikanth Kari, Vasudha Edara, Aruna Kailasa, Raja Potluri, and past president Prashanthi Asireddy for their support. He also acknowledged media outlets for event publicity, Krish Photography, and Mahadev Desai for event coverage.
The Hindu Temple of Atlanta remains dedicated to promoting health, service, and spiritual well-being through ongoing health fairs and outreach programs.
-By Mahadev Desai
[Photos by Krish Photography]