NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Cumming, GA, August 2, 2025: A packed hall erupted in applause as ten neurodiverse individuals took the stage at the LuckyWe2 Georgia USA 2025 pageant — the first event of its kind in the state designed to celebrate the unique talents and personalities of neurodiverse participants. Held at Celebrations Banquet Hall, the event marked a groundbreaking step toward building inclusive spaces within Georgia’s South Asian and broader community.
From heartfelt dance performances to spontaneous song, participants lit up the stage with joy and confidence, cheered on by a roomful of friends, family members, and supporters. The evening broke away from traditional pageant models, focusing instead on visibility, acceptance, and self-expression for those with neurological differences such as autism and ADHD.
“This wasn’t about competition,” said one attendee. “It was a celebration — of courage, diversity, and community support.”
The event was organized by LuckyWe2, an event management company founded by Indian American entrepreneur Lakshmi Mandavilli. Inspired by her experience at a neurodiverse event last year, Mandavilli envisioned a platform where neurodiverse individuals could be seen, heard, and honored for who they are. She and her team — Chalamayya Batchu, Priya Dharmendran, Priya Kumar, and Sneha Kalvakota — worked behind the scenes to bring that vision to life.
The pageant drew the support of prominent community leaders, including Johns Creek Mayor Pro Tem Dilip Tunki, Georgia Board of Examiners member Kartik Bhatt, cultural ambassador Mustafa Ajmeri, and representatives from the Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta and Indian Friends of Atlanta, among others. Their presence signaled growing institutional support for inclusion and representation.
Musical performances by Manisha Mehta and Beena Gajjar added to the celebratory tone of the evening. But the true stars of the night were the participants, who left the audience teary-eyed and inspired with their uninhibited joy and fearlessness.
Organizers expressed gratitude to the parents of all participants, whose trust and encouragement made the event possible. Special thanks were extended to the many volunteers and supporters who stood behind the effort — a testament to the community’s collective commitment to building a more inclusive future.
Plans are already underway for more such events in the future, with LuckyWe2 pledging to continue creating platforms that spotlight underrepresented voices. Saturday night’s pageant was more than a first — it was a reminder that when inclusion takes center stage, everyone wins.
