Irving, TX, October 13, 2026: More than 300 people gathered at the Irving Arts Center for Sankara Nethralaya USA’s Music & Dance for Vision 2026, an evening of Indian classical dance, community engagement and fundraising to support the fight against preventable blindness in rural India.
The event, which began at 4 p.m., highlighted the community’s support for Sankara Nethralaya’s Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU) program, which provides cataract surgeries to underserved communities in India.
The program opened with a welcome from Dallas Chapter Vice President Chinasatyam Veernapu and Board of Trustees member Dr. Reddy Urimindi. Sirisha Kotamraju served as master of ceremonies, guiding the evening’s proceedings.
Following the U.S. and Indian national anthems, performed by Samanvitha Mada, the stage came alive with a colorful array of classical Indian dance performances.
Dance academies from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Center for Kuchipudi Dance-Texas, Natyom Dance Academy, Guru Parampara School of Arts, Natyanjali Kuchipudi Dance School, Raagaleena Dance Academy, Tandavam School of Kuchipudi and Ragamayuri School of Dance, presented performances rooted in Indian tradition and storytelling.
From mythological narratives to vibrant folk expressions, the performances showcased the dancers’ grace, discipline and dedication. All participating dancers were recognized on stage with medals, while their gurus were honored with bouquets and shawls.
The event also highlighted Sankara Nethralaya USA’s growth and expanding outreach. Under Bala Indurti’s eight-year leadership as president, the organization expanded its presence from seven to 30 cities and increased its Mobile Eye Surgical Unit program from two operational units to five, with three additional units in development.
Dr. Reddy Urimindi provided an overview of the Adopt-a-Village program and the MESU initiative, sharing the latest performance metrics from the five operational units.
The organization recognized the generosity of benefactors Prakash Bedapudi, Thirumal Reddy Kumbum, Srini Veeravelli, Sunitha and Dr. Raju Kosuri, and Arjun Madadi, who contributed in loving memory of his late wife, Bhanu Madadi.
New MESU Adopt-a-Village sponsors Dr. Krishnababu Chunduru, JK Reddy, FCA, Bhima Penta, Sudhakar Garlanka and Prem Kalidindi were also acknowledged.
According to the organizers, the sponsors’ contributions are expected to support approximately 2,000 cataract surgeries, helping restore sight to underserved patients experiencing vision impairment.
Community leaders and sponsors were honored on stage by chief guest and Sankara Ratna Award recipient Prasada Reddy Katamreddy, along with Dr. Reddy Urimindi and Dallas Chapter Vice President Chinasatyam Veernapu.
The Dallas chapter committee played a central role in organizing the event, supported by master of ceremonies Sirisha Kotamraju and a dedicated team of volunteers.
Special recognition was given to ushers Samanvitha Mada, Srilakshmi Chakravarthula, Prathishta Bhat, Anirudh Kondury, Saanvi K., Vibha Sriven, Ishira Burra, Meghana Darimadugu and Neha Darimadugu for their service.
The organizers also thanked Moorthy Rekapalli, Shyam Appali, Vamsi Krishna Eruvaram, Ratnakumar Kavuturu, Govardhan Rao Nidiganti, Karthikeyan and Deenadayalan for their technical expertise and support with the program’s audiovisual production.
Additional acknowledgments went to Spice Rack for providing dinner, Sampradaya Décor for the decorations, Elite Live Productions for video and photography, and the staff and management of the Irving Arts Center for their support.
For more information about Sankara Nethralaya USA or to make a donation, visit www.sankaranethralayausa.org or call toll-free at (855) 463-8472.
Tax-deductible donations may also be mailed to Sankara Nethralaya USA, 7238 Muncaster Mill Rd., No. 522, Derwood, MD 20855.
