BY MAHADEV DESAI
Atlanta, GA, October 23, 2026: What began as a small community health initiative in 2001 has grown into a 25-year tradition of providing free medical screenings, health education and consultations to thousands of people across metro Atlanta.
The Hindu Temple of Atlanta (HTA) celebrated the completion of its 50th SAI Health Fair on October 4 and 18, 2026, drawing more than 800 participants over two days. The milestone also marked 25 years of community healthcare service that organizers say has benefited more than 50,000 people.
The celebration recognized the contributions of physicians, healthcare professionals, sponsors and volunteers who have kept the initiative going for a quarter of a century. At the center of the occasion was Dr. Sujatha Reddy, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her 25 years of leadership and dedication to the health fairs.
The SAI Health Fair is guided by the principle “Love All, Serve All,” with an emphasis on making preventive healthcare accessible to the community.
More Than 800 Attend Two Days of Free Healthcare Services
The first day of the health fair, October 4, attracted more than 500 participants who received a variety of free health screenings and preventive services.
Organizers reported that 316 blood tests, 60 electrocardiogram (EKG) screenings, 55 bone density screenings and 70 flu vaccinations were provided.
EKGs check the electrical activity of the heart and can help doctors identify certain heart problems. Bone density screenings help assess bone strength and identify people who may be at risk of osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones weak and more likely to fracture.
Other services included health education, vision-related programs, homeopathy and wellness activities.
The second day, October 18, brought more than 300 visitors and focused primarily on free consultations with doctors representing 19 medical specialties.
Participants had the opportunity to discuss their health concerns, review medical reports and seek advice from physicians without the expense of a regular medical consultation.
The fair also provided 20 audiograms, or hearing tests, to help identify possible hearing problems.
An additional 30 flu vaccinations were administered on the second day, bringing the total to 100 flu shots across both events.
The two-day program emphasized the importance of identifying health problems early, before they develop into more serious conditions.
From a Small Initiative in 2001 to 50 Health Fairs
Speaking at the milestone celebration, Dr. Sujatha Reddy recalled how the initiative began with a simple goal: making preventive healthcare available to everyone.
“Our journey began in 2001 with a simple vision — to make preventive healthcare accessible to everyone,” she said.
According to Reddy, the first SAI Health Fair was sponsored by the Gandhi Foundation of USA and held at Global Mall. It was inspired by the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., both of whom emphasized service to others.
“What began as a small initiative has grown into a remarkable community effort,” Reddy said. “Through partnerships with temples, schools, and organizations including GAPI, TAMA, NATA, and many others, we have brought healthcare directly to the people.”
She also noted that the initiative helped establish free clinics through GAPI and TAMA, extending its impact beyond the health fairs themselves.
Over the past 25 years, the fairs and related community health programs have served more than 50,000 people, according to Reddy.
Services offered over the years have included comprehensive blood testing using SMA-18 panels, hemoglobin A1C testing for diabetes, EKGs, bone density and vascular screenings, hearing tests, flu vaccinations, blood drives, bone marrow donor registration and consultations with doctors from different specialties.
The programs have also included Ayurvedic wellness and homeopathy.
Hemoglobin A1C tests measure average blood sugar levels over approximately three months and are commonly used to screen for and monitor diabetes. Vascular screenings help assess blood circulation and identify certain problems affecting blood vessels.
Reddy said these services have helped thousands of people become more aware of their health and identify potential medical concerns early.
But she emphasized that the program’s impact cannot be measured by numbers alone.
“Our greatest accomplishment is not simply the number of health fairs conducted, but the awareness we have created. The lives we have touched, and the spirit of service we have inspired,” she said.
Dr. Sujatha Reddy Honored for 25 Years of Leadership
One of the highlights of the celebration was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Reddy, recognizing her role in organizing and sustaining the SAI Health Fair over the past 25 years.
Her efforts have helped bring together doctors, laboratories, healthcare organizations, sponsors and volunteers to provide services to community members.
Reddy also received two additional honors from organizations that have supported community healthcare initiatives.
The Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage presented her with its Tree of Life Award in appreciation of her leadership and contributions to the 50th SAI Health Fair.
Sankara Nethralaya USA presented a commemorative plaque recognizing her longstanding dedication to community service.
In her speech, Reddy shared credit with the many people and organizations involved in the initiative.
“Whatever we have achieved is due to our collective efforts. We share the credit according to our individual efforts and contributions,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to laboratory partners Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp and Soft Health Laboratory for their support over the years.
She also thanked physicians, specialists, nurses, healthcare professionals, students, volunteers, sponsors, community organizations and media partners who helped make the health fairs possible.
Kintu Shah Recognized for Community Service
The Hindu Temple of Atlanta also honored Kintu Shah with its Excellence in Community Service Award.
Shah, representing Healthsoft Foundation and Doctors General Laboratory in Chicago, Illinois, was recognized for his contributions toward making blood testing more affordable and accessible.
Organizers said his generosity and support have helped community members obtain preventive healthcare services.
His recognition highlighted the importance of partnerships between nonprofit organizations, laboratories and healthcare professionals in providing services that might otherwise be difficult or expensive for some families to access.
Inspired by Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
The SAI Health Fair’s 25-year history is closely connected to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Organizers said the initiative draws inspiration from Gandhi’s emphasis on compassion and selfless service and King’s vision of equality, dignity and shared responsibility.
The Indian concept of seva, meaning selfless service, has been central to the program since its beginning.
In Atlanta, the birthplace of Dr. King, organizers see a special connection between these traditions of community service.
Over the years, the health fairs have brought together people from different backgrounds, professions and generations, united by the goal of improving community health.
Dr. Reddy said the mission continues to be guided by the values represented by the letters SAI: Selflessness, Awareness and Integrity, together with the Embodiment of Truth.
“These values, together with the Embodiment of Truth, remind us of our responsibility to serve humanity,” she said.
She concluded her remarks with a call to make service a part of everyday life.
“Let service become not just something you do, but a value you cherish and live by.”
Temple President Praises Volunteers and Community Partners
Ravi Kari, president of the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, described the 50th health fair as a proud moment for the temple and the broader community.
“The completion of our 50th SAI Health Fair is a moment of immense pride and gratitude for the Hindu Temple of Atlanta. For 25 years, this initiative has demonstrated what a community can accomplish when compassion becomes action,” he said.
Kari praised Reddy’s leadership and the recognition she received from GAPI and Sankara Nethralaya USA.
“We are especially grateful to Dr. Sujatha Reddy for her extraordinary leadership and commitment to community health. The additional recognition she received from GAPI and Sankara Nethralaya USA is a wonderful acknowledgment of her dedication and the lasting impact of her service,” he said.
He also thanked Kintu Shah, the participating physicians, healthcare professionals, sponsors and volunteers who contributed to the program.
The HTA Community Services team, trustees and coordinators were recognized for their work in planning and organizing the two days of activities.
Kari said the temple intends to continue the initiative in the years ahead.
“Inspired by the values of service and humanity championed by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we remain committed to carrying forward this legacy of compassion for generations to come,” he said.
Continuing a 25-Year Tradition
For the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, the 50th SAI Health Fair represented more than an anniversary. It demonstrated how a volunteer-driven initiative can grow into a lasting community healthcare program.
From its beginnings at Global Mall in 2001 to its 50th edition in 2026, the program has expanded its medical services, built partnerships with healthcare organizations and reached more than 50,000 people.
The temple, located in Riverdale, Georgia, plans to continue promoting preventive healthcare, strengthening partnerships and encouraging volunteer participation.
As Reddy reminded those gathered for the celebration, the real measure of the health fair’s success lies not only in the screenings conducted or the number of people served, but also in the health awareness created and the community’s continuing commitment to helping others.
-Additional reporting by Veena Rao.
