Leap to Shine’s fundraiser presented “Laughter Matters – A Standup for a Cause” Leap to Shine’s inaugural fundraising gala, Laughter Matters – A Standup for a Cause, held on November 9 at Phase Events in Alpharetta, raised $200,000 to support digital education initiatives for underserved children across India. The sold-out event blended comedy, community leadership, and philanthropy, showcasing an innovative format where business and community leaders performed stand-up comedy after training with professionals. The evening was hosted by comedian, writer, and actor Zain Sharif, with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Adam Graves serving as Guest of Honor.
“This night proved that when we combine purpose with joy, incredible things happen,” said DurgeshDas, Chairman of Leap to Shine. “These funds will directly provide tablets, laptops, and digital learning tools to hundreds of children who deserve every opportunity to shine.”
Eleven executive participants stepped outside their comfort zones to perform stand-up comedy:
- Dr. Aashish Patel, Emergency Medicine Physician
- Ashwin Patel, Financial Advisor, AB Patel Wealth Management
- Jasen Hayes, Board Advisor, Inspiredu
- Kanchana Raman, Founder & CEO, Avion Networks
- Mohan Lakshminarayan, Director, Leading Telecom Supplier
- Steven White, Innovation Strategist, U.S. Space Command
- Dr. Veena Bhat, Owner, North Fulton Smiles
- Murli Reddy, President & CEO, Charter Global
- Neelam Kamdar, Director, Microsoft
- Natasha Malhotra Bagchi, Consumer Marketing Consultant
- Rajiv Garg, Associate Professor, Emory University
Sharif, whose weekly sketches and live shows have earned him a loyal audience in Atlanta and be-yond, devoted more than two months to training the executive participants, helping each participant craft original comedy material, develop stage presence,and build confidence to perform in front of a sold-out audience.
In addition to his coaching role, Sharif served as the evening’s emcee and delivered his own
Leap to Shine presented Beacon of Hope Award to Aparna Bhattacharyya of Raksha.
stand-up set, keeping the audience engaged through-out the night with a unique voice that blends one-liners,storytelling, and insightful observations.
Leap to Shine brought together community and volunteers for its inaugural fundraising gala.
“Seeing our community come together with such enthusiasm and generosity reminds us why we started this journey,” said Keyur Shah, Co-Founder of Leap to Shine. Co-Founder Vindali Vartak added, “The energy in the room was electric. Our participants showed incredible courage, and our supporters showed incredible heart. Together, we’re creating pathways to education that will change lives for generations to come.”
A special highlight was a heartfelt video message from Michelin-starred Chef Vikas Khanna, a stead-fast supporter of Leap to Shine. Praising the organization’s efficiency, he highlighted that 95 cents of every donated dollar directly supports children’s programs. “Leap to Shine isn’t just charity,” Khanna concluded.“It’s dignity, it’s empowerment, and it’s a movement that says to every child: you matter, your dreams deserve a chance.” Neha Negandhi, Founder of Storytellers Table, conducted a spirited live auction and hosted red carpet interviews. Premium auction packages included:an exclusive Airbnb package donated by Moss and Moonlight; a luxury travel package from Tours Limited; and premium dining experiences from Bungalow, in-cluding meet-and-greet opportunities at Michelinstarred Chef Vikas Khanna’s NYC restaurant.
Leap to Shine presented its inaugural Beacon of Hope Award to Aparna Bhattacharyya, Executive Director of Raksha, in recognition of her more than two decades of service supporting survivors of violence. “Her efforts have brought light into countless lives,” said Co-Founder Vindali Vartak, presenting the award. Dozens of volunteers, balancing full-time jobs and families, executed every detail of the event. “Every detail—from the venue to the theme, table settings, AV, and logistics—was powered by passion and love,” said Gauri Vyawahare and Reetika Datta, Executive Directors of Leap to Shine Atlanta Community.
The evening featured the world debut of the Leap to Shine anthem, performed by Rythmspace, with lyrics and music by Niraj Sharma and guidance from renowned musician Preeti Uttam.
Sankara Nethralaya Atlanta chapter raises $1.65 million since August to enable 130 Adopt-a-Village Eye Camps
On November 30, 2025, West Forsyth High School in Cumming, Georgia, was transformed into a vi-brant stage of culture and compassion as Sankara Nethralaya USA (SNUSA) hosted the year end Music & Dance for Vision Grand Finale program, a philanthropic celebration to support the expansion of the Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU) initiative to maximize the reach of eye care in rural India. The event howcased the power of community, art, and service in the mission to eradicate preventable blindness in rural India. Bala Reddy Indurti, President of Sankara Nethralaya USA, emphasized, “Beyond a
Bala Reddy Indurti,President of SNUSA said, “Beyond a medical mission, MESU stands as a movement of empathy. Each mile traveled delivers the promise of sight restored and hope renewed.”
Ramesh Babu Lakshamanan, CGI Atlanta, accepted to be Honorary Board Member for SNUSA.
medical mission, MESU stands as a movement of empathy. Each mile traveled delivers the promise of sight restored and hope renewed.”
Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Consul General f India in Atlanta, attended as the Chief Guest and praised the SNUSA team, donors, and volunteers. He stated, “SNUSA has exceeded my expectations in advancing its mission to eliminate preventable blindness. I congratulate Bala Reddy Indurti for his leadership.” During the felicitation, Bala announced Honorable Consul General of India, Sri Ramesh Babu, as an Honorary Board Advisor ofSankara Nethralaya USA.
Prasad Reddy Katamreddy’s generosity and leadership have significantly strengthened the mission. A 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Southwest Award finalist and the driving force behind Twisted X Global Brands, he said, “Vision is not just seeing the future—it is shaping it. I am honored to support Sankara Nethralaya USA, whose dedication restores sight and hope. Innovation and compassion must progress together, and I am proud to champion this mission.” Director Sri Ch. Rama Rao garu, creator of the Ghantasala biopic “Ghantasala the Great”, was felicitated on stage for his exceptional tribute to the legendary singer. The following day, the film was screened at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta auditorium, beneath Lord Balaji’s sanctum, and was warmly received by the audience.
The event showcased performances by Atlanta’s leading dance academies.
The evening opened with a soulful musical invocation by Tollywood vocalists Mallikarjun, Parthu Nemani, and Sumangali, whose devotional and classical renditions set an uplifting tone and deeply moved the audience. This was followed by vibrant performances from leading Atlanta dance and music academies—including Nataraja Natyanjali Kuchipudi Dance Academy, Academy of Classical Music, Carnatic Strings Violin Studio, Bharathakala Natya Academy, and Vipanchi Music Academy. Their thematic presentations, rooted in tradition and storytelling, showcased exceptional artistry and captivated the audience with grace and devotion.
The Music & Dance for Vision Grand Finale program was a resounding success, generating $400,000 and bringing the total to $1.65 million (after successfully raising $1.25 million at an August fundraising event). This remarkable outpouring of $1.65 million generosity translates into approximately 130 MESU Adopt-a-Village eye camps, each one supporting many life-changing gifts of sight for underserved individuals suffering from vision impairment. President Bala Indurti stated, “Each Adopt-a-Village sponsor brings hope, compassion, and opportunity, illuminating villages with vision and hope. On behalf of Sankara Nethralaya USA, I extend my deepest appreciation. The evening honored the dance teachers, vocalists, and performers whose passion and dedication brought the cultural program to life, inspiring support for Sankara Nethralaya USA’s mission.
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