BY DR. REDDY URIMINDI and GIRI KOTAGIRI
Cumming, GA, August 15, 2025: West Forsyth High School, in Cumming, Georgia, was transformed into a vibrant stage of culture and compassion as Sankara Nethralaya USA hosted a Classical Dance & Music 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 began at 4:00 PM and showcased the power of community, art, and service in the mission to eradicate preventable blindness in rural India. In their opening remarks, Rajesh Tadikamalla, Chapter Vice President–Atlanta, shared, “Atlanta’s heart beats for service. Tonight, we didn’t just gather—we united for a cause that brings light to lives.”
Moorthy Rekapalli, Treasurer, reflected, “When people come together with purpose, the impact is profound. This evening proves that generosity and culture can walk hand in hand.” Bala Reddy Indurti, President of Sankara Nethralaya USA, emphasized, “MESU is more than a medical mission—it’s a movement of empathy. Every mile it travels carries the promise of restored vision and renewed hope.”
Where Soul Met Stage: A Graceful Beginning to a Cherished Evening
The event commenced with a soul-stirring musical segment that set a reverent and uplifting tone for the evening. A series of devotional and classical compositions, performed by gifted vocalists and instrumentalists, resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting the spirit of service, gratitude, and unity.
A special tribute goes to the talented singers—Shanti Medicherla, Sandeep Kowtha, Usha Mocherla, Janardhan Pannela, Sravanthi KT, Shilpa Uppuluri, Srinivas Durgam, and Ram Durvasula—whose captivating performances infused the program with emotion and grace. Their artistry, seamlessly coordinated by Neelima Gaddamanugu, Cultural Chair, added a profound and memorable dimension to the evening, earning heartfelt applause and admiration from all in attendance.
Following the musical prelude, the stage came alive with a dazzling array of classical Indian dance performances. Dance academies from across the Atlanta area—Mohiniattam by Guru Sridevi Ranjit of Laasya School of Dance, Bharatanatyam by Guru Sobiya Sudeep Kishan of Naatyaveda Dance Academy, Kathak by Guru Mital Patel of Kalaxya Institute of Performing Arts (KIPA), and Kuchipudi by Guru Neelima Gaddamanugu of Nataraja Natyanjali—presented thematic pieces rooted in tradition and storytelling. Each school brought a unique flavor to the stage, from mythological narratives to vibrant folk expressions, captivating the audience with their grace, discipline, and devotion.
Honoring Leadership and Service
Due to a prior commitment to attend Veterans of Foreign Wars, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting U.S. military veterans, Mr. Prasad Reddy Katamreddy, Brand Ambassador and Board of Advisors, could not attend the Classical Music & Dance program.
However, President Bala Reddy and Madhavi Indurti graciously hosted a luncheon honoring Mr. Katamreddy, SN Advisors SV Acharya, Mrs. Nirmala Acharya, Mrs. Leela Krishnamurthy, Mr. Nat Krishnamurthy, Dr. Kishore Chivukula, and the core SN Atlanta team—Moorthy Rekapalli, Srini Vangimalla, Raj Aila, Ramesh Chaparala, and Dr. Kishore Reddy Rasamallu.
During the luncheon, Mr. Katamreddy felicitated SV Acharya, Leela Krishnamurthy, and Dr. Kishore Chivukula for their unwavering support and guidance. A 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Southwest Award finalist and the dynamic force behind Twisted X Global Brands, Mr. Katamreddy exemplifies innovation, sustainability, and compassion in equal measure.
“True vision is not just about seeing the future—it’s about shaping it with purpose. I’m deeply honored to stand alongside the dignitaries and supporters of Sankara Nethralaya USA, whose tireless commitment continues to restore sight and hope across communities. Innovation and compassion must walk hand in hand, and I’m proud to support a mission that embodies both,” he said during the felicitation ceremony.
A Tribute of Gratitude: Honoring the Past President with a Lifetime Achievement Award
The event was honored by the presence of Hon’ble CGI Shri Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Consul General of India in Atlanta, who attended as the Chief Guest. The evening also welcomed Founder Shri S.V. Acharya and Board Advisors Smt Leela Krishnamurthy and Dr. Kishore Chivukula.
In an emotionally stirring address, CGI Shri Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan called the eradication of blindness “nothing short of giving someone a second life.” He praised Sankara Nethralaya for its relentless pursuit of this mission and thanked the organization for bringing hope and healing to countless lives. He offered special appreciation to President Bala Reddy Indurti for his tireless efforts in rallying the Atlanta community behind this noble cause, noting, “Tonight is proof that when good hearts unite, miracles happen.”
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mrs. Leela Krishnamoorthy, Past President and Board Advisor of SNUSA, in recognition of her years of unwavering dedication to the cause.
“Philanthropy is not just about giving—it’s about believing in the power of collective compassion. I feel deeply humbled to support a cause that continues to transform lives with dignity and purpose. Sankara Nethralaya has always been close to my heart, and I’m proud to stand with its mission,” said Mrs. Krishnamoorthy, who contributed over $1,450,000 in support of MESU Adopt-a-Village eye camps.
Guardians of Sight: $1.25 Million Raised
The Classical Dance & Music program was a resounding success, generating over $1.25 million in vital funding through the unwavering support of 100 MESU Adopt-A-Village sponsors and numerous compassionate donors.
Our sincere appreciation goes to the Benefactors—Dr. Govinda Visvesvara, Kash Butani, Prakash Bedapaudi, TR Reddy, Dr. Veena Bhat, Arvind Krishnaswami, Jalandhar Reddy, and Raghu Sunki—and the MESU Adopt-A-Village sponsors, including Murli Reddy, Karunakar Asireddy, Bhuvanesh Bhoojala, Thirumal Reddy Kumbum, Dr. BK Mohan, Sridhar Reddy Thikkavarapu, Kiran Reddy Pasham, Venkat Kannan, Dr. Laxman Kalvakuntla, Buchiureddy Goli, Srini SV, Dr. Madhav Durbha, Venkat Chundi, Prasanna Kumar, Prabhakar Reddy Eragam, Jayanth Neelam, Dr. Priya Korrapati, Srinivas Munukutla, JC Shaker Reddy, Ravi Kandimalla, Anil Jagarlamudi, Dr. Prasad Garimella, Vamsi Madadi, Bharath Madadi, Swarnim Kanth, Kodanda Devarapalli, Tiru Chillapalli, Jagadeesh Cheemarla, Srinivas Surapaneni, Narayana Rekapalli, Dr. Manjula Mangipudi, Pratap Jakka, Dr. Neetha Sukthanker & Vish Emani, Vara Akella, and Rajni Puvvada.
This remarkable generosity will fund approximately 100 MESU Adopt-a-Village eye camps, each supporting life-changing gifts of sight for underserved individuals suffering from vision impairment.
“The commitment of each Adopt-a-Village sponsor goes far beyond financial support—it is a powerful act of compassion that restores sight, dignity, and opportunity to thousands. Together, we are not just changing lives—we are illuminating villages with the gift of vision,” said President Bala Reddy Indurti.
Where Art Meets Heart: Honoring Our Performers and Dedicated Volunteers
In a spirit of deep gratitude, the evening paid tribute to the dedicated dance teachers, vocalists, and performers whose passion and artistry made the cultural program a resounding success. Their months of tireless preparation, creative vision, and unwavering commitment transformed the stage into a powerful expression of Sankara Nethralaya USA’s mission. Through every note and movement, they inspired not only admiration but also awareness and action in support of sight-saving care.
Behind the scenes, the SNUSA Atlanta Team worked tirelessly, dedicating countless hours to make the evening a success. From planning and coordination to ensuring every detail was perfect, their teamwork was a testament to what can be achieved when people come together for a noble cause.
Thanks are due to Sankara Nethralaya Treasurer Moorthy Rekapalli, Trustees Srini Reddy Vangimalla, Meher Chand Lanka, Raj Aila, Chapter Vice President Rajesh Tadikamalla, Chairs Neelima Gaddamanugu, Ramesh Chaparala, Dr. Kishore Reddy Rasamallu, Giri Kotagiri, Committee Members, Chapter Leads & Singers Padmaja Kelam, Paddy Rao Atmuri, Venkat Kuttua, Subba Rao Maddali, Srinivas Durgam, Ram Duvasula, Dr. Janardhan Pannela, Venky Neelam, Sandeep Kowtha, Sobiya Sudeep, Biju Das, Shanti Medicherla, Usha Mocherla, Mallika Venkatramani, Shravanthi KT, Sridevi Ranjit, Mital Patel, Amsh Gaddamanugu, Chaithra Julapally, and the master of ceremonies Ayshwarya Sridharan.
A Tribute to the Hearts and Hands That Made It Happen
Special thanks to Treasurer Moorthy Rekapalli for meticulously managing all event logistics, including standees, banners, badges, plaques, and expense reimbursements. Cultural Chair Neelima Gaddamanugu ensured seamless coordination with the venue, decorations, priest, academies, and performers. Chapter Vice President Rajesh Tadikamalla oversaw food arrangements with the restaurant and delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks. Trustee Meher Lanka facilitated hotel bookings for out-of-town guests, while Sports Chair Ramesh Chaparala and Chapter Lead Venkat Neelam coordinated transportation.
EVP Shyam Appali is curating a compelling video for upcoming TV programs. Trustee Dr. Reddy Urimindi and Media Chair Giri Kotagiri have diligently prepared the press notes in both English and Telugu. Secretary Vamsi Krishna Eruvaram, Ratnakumar Kavuturu, and Goverdhan Rao Nidiganti amplified the event’s reach through social media promotions.
Thanks are due to the SN Family Srini Reddy Vangimalla, Dilip Tunki, Ramesh Chaparala, Sreedhar Nagireddi, Neelima Gaddamanugu, Raj Aila, Meher Lanka, Paddy Rao Atmuri, Radha Atmuri, Giri Kotagiri, Srinivas Vuppu, Sathish Inavolu, Sai Kethu, Sandeep Kowtha, Biju Das, Venky Neelam, Janardhan Pannela, Srinivas Durgam, Venkat Kuttua, Venkat Maddi, Subba Rao Maddali, and Amsh Gaddamanugu. Everyone enjoyed the delicious food from Tandoori Tavern Restaurant.
A special shoutout to the Chennai team—Theagarajan, Deen Dayalan, and Suresh Kumar—for their creative contribution in designing the event’s stunning flyers. Together, this incredible team exemplified dedication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to Sankara Nethralaya’s mission of service.
The program concluded with a warm dinner gathering where guests laughed, shared stories, and celebrated a shared purpose. It was a true reflection of the spirit, unity, and generosity of the Atlanta community—a moment where every handshake, every smile, and every shared meal carried the silent joy of knowing they had made a difference.
Please find the event photos at: https://sankaranethralayausa.org/sn-usa-classical-dance-music-program-august-10th-2025/index.html
For more information or to donate, please visit www.sankaranethralayausa.org or call toll-free at (855) 463-8472.
Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to:
Sankara Nethralaya USA, 7238 Muncaster Mill Rd, No. 522, Derwood, MD 20855
