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An Astounding $1,300,000 Raised for Vision-restoring Charity Work

January 2025

Sankara Nethralaya USA Classical Dance Fundraiser will enable 20,000 cataract surgeries for the needy

[Left] Sankara Nethralaya Atlanta team led by president Bala Reddy Indurti felicitating Chief Guest Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan.

On November 17, Sankara Nethralaya USA (SN USA) organized a remarkable classical dance program in Atlanta to raise funds to restore the vision of underserved patients. Thanks to the dedi

cation and generosity of all involved, the event raised an astounding $1,300,000, with which 20,000 cataract surgeries can be done.

Academy of Kuchipudi Dance.

The event’s success was made possible by the active participation of four renowned classical dance academies from Atlanta and about 100 talented students. Each dance received roaring applause from the audience—a true testament to the dedication, discipline, and artistic excellence displayed by all performers.

[Right] From Nataraja Natyanjali Academy: Swagatam Dora Suswagatam song.

On the theme of Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari, the Academy of Kuchipudi Dance performed with 17 dancers under the guidance of their guru, Sasikala Penumarthi. On the theme of Saranam Ayyappa, Kalaivani Dance Academy performed with 13 dancers under the guidance of their guru, Padmaja Kelam. On the theme of Naada Brahma Sankara, SriVaani Kuchipudi Academy performed with 13 dancers under the guidance of their guru, Revathi Komanduri. On the theme of Panchabhuta Prasasthi, Nataraja Natyanjali Kuchipudi Academy performed with 50 dancers under the guidance of their guru, Neelima Gaddamanugu.

[Top] Sankara Nethralaya USA team with CGI Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan

Felicitations started with sacred mantras from priest Pavan Kumar Kristapati of the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, who sought God’s blessings for all the volunteers and donors working for the noble cause of restoring the vision of poor patients.

[Left] Srivaani Kuchipudi Dance Academy

Though the mega donor, Prasada Reddy Katamreddy and his wife, Sobha Reddy, could not join due to the recent passing of Prasada Reddy’s beloved mother, their unwavering support and generous contribution of $500,000 was inspiring. This contribution will support 11 eye camps and establish one Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU) in the most needed place in India. SN USA announced Prasada Reddy as a Brand Ambassador.

Mangalam from all four academies with 100 participants.

Dr. Kishore Chivukula, a member of the SN USA Board of Advisors, made a generous contribution of $100,000. This significant donation will further support thousands of patients who will be able to receive vision-restoring surgeries.

Dr. Jagdish Sheth, a member of the SN USA Board of Advisors and a Padma Bhushan Awardee, delivered an inspiring speech that moved all in attendance. Dr. Sheth’s unwavering support for the cause was further demonstrated through his generous contribution of $12,500, which will sponsor a MESU Adopt-A-Village eye camp and will enable hundreds of poor patients to receive sight-restoring surgeries.

[Right] Nataraja Natyanjali Dance Academy: Pancha Bootha Prasasthy

[Left] Srivaani Kuchipudi Dance Academy

T. Ramachandra Reddy from Augusta GA pledged $100,000 to support 8 eye camps and successfully completed one eye camp in Nandi Vaddeman village of Nagar Kurnool District in Telangana.

SN USA President Bala Reddy Indurti and Executive Vice President Moorthy Rekapalli explained how the MESU operations are currently going on in India and the future vision of expanding this service to entire India and to reach the rural remote villages to serve poor patients who can’t afford to go to towns and cities.

Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Consulate General of India in Atlanta, was graciously present as the Chief Guest. He presented plaques to the participants and organizers as a token of appreciation for their dedication and support in making this event a grand success.

Throughout the evening, everyone expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the leadership and vision of Bala Reddy Indurti, President of SN USA. Under his guidance, the event not only raised significant funds but also successfully raised awareness for this noble cause. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, all the organizers congratulated Bala on receiving the prestigious Sankara Ratna Award.

[Right] Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan felicitates SNUSA Board of Advisors, Dr. Kishore Chivukula.

Atlanta Chapter Vice President Rajesh Tadikamalla along with Chapter Leads Chinmay Dasmohapatra, Hemanth Varma, Penmetsa, Sudhir Patro, and Vijay Garlapati spearheaded the effort to make this event a grand success.

[Left] Dr. Jagdish Sheth and his wife, Sangeeta Sheth, as he is resented with Lifetime Achievement ward by Sankara Nethralaya.

Atlanta SN Adopt-A-Village sponsors Bala Reddy Indurti, Srini Reddy Vangimalla, Dr. Madhuri Namuduri, Meher Chand Lanka, Rajasekhar Aila, Neelima Gaddamanugu shared their experience about how these MESU camps restored vision of hundreds of patients in their native places.

Dr. Narasimha Reddy Urimindi (NRU) and SN USA Secretary Shyam Appali were the Masters of the Ceremony and did an excellent job in explaining about Sankara Nethralaya and the classical dance performances.

SNUSA Atlanta Team felicitated the following community leaders: Dr. Shankar Krishnan, Dr. Sujatha Reddy, Srinivasa Chandu, Rajeev Menon, Dr. Paul Lopez, Subash Razdan, Antony Thaliath, and Veena Rao (NRI Pulse).

[Right] Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, CG Atlanta, addresses the gathering at the event.

SNUSA Team felicitated Atlanta singers Phani Dokka, Ram Durvasula, Srinivas Durgam, Sandeep Kowtha, Durga Gora, Srivalli Sridhar, Shilpa Uppuluri, Usha Mocherla, and Shanti Medicherla for their continued support for presenting classical light music songs to virtual TV programs. SNUSA Felicitated Prashant Kolliparra ( Bytegraph ) for excellent AV and Photography.

—Moorthy Rekapalli

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