Atlanta, GA, September 11, 2023: In a heartwarming display of dedication and resilience, Smt. Jyothi Chintalapudi, founder of Natya Jyothi Academy, orchestrated a mesmerizing Kuchipudi concert at the Gas South Performing Arts Center on September 3rd, 2023, titled “Kalyana Srinivasam” to celebrate her academy’s 25th anniversary and pay tribute to her Guru, Padma Shri awardee and Kuchipudi legend, Dr. Shobha Naidu. The event was organized in collaboration with Sankara Nethralaya USA (SN USA) to raise funds for the organization’s noble cause of providing eye care to the underprivileged.
Despite a tragic turn of events just a day before the program, when Jyothi Chintalapudi’s father, Shri. L.S. Raju, passed away, she chose to go ahead with the concert. She not only organized the event but also performed the lead role of Goddess Padmavati. The audience remained captivated throughout the dance performance until the end, when Jyothi Chintalapudi placed her father’s photo as a tribute. This poignant moment touched everyone, emphasizing her commitment to honoring her father and her Guru’s memory.
With this emotional tribute, Jyothi Chintalapudi is contributing to restoring the vision of hundreds of underprivileged patients, aligning with the mission of Sankara Nethralaya, which was founded by Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. S.S. Badrinath in 1978. Shri. L.S. Raju was renowned as a speech interpreter for the late Prime Minister of India, Bharat Ratna awardee Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Following the concert, SN USA team felicitated Chief Guest Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Jag Sheth and his wife, Smt. Madhu Sheth, and announced Dr. Jag Sheth’s appointment to the Sankara Nethralaya USA’s Board of Advisors.
In addition, the event recognized Dance Guru Smt. Jyothi Chintalapudi and other notable guests, including Shri. Gummadi Gopala Krishna, Dr. Anand Kuchibhotla, Smt. Lakshmi Babu, Smt. Anita Pallewar, and the 31 performers from various parts of the USA who made the concert a success.
Dr. Uday Chintalapudi, Jyothi Chintalapudi’s husband, praised her dedication and unwavering commitment to performing despite the challenging circumstances. In honor of her father, SN USA President Mr. Bala Reddy Indurti announced the establishment of a Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU) Adopt-A-Village camp in his native village, a touching gesture that resonated with attendees.
The event garnered significant funds, including the sponsorship of one Adopt-A-Village initiative and a generous contribution of USD 5,000 from Anand Kuchibhotla. The planning and preparations were meticulously executed by the SN USA Atlanta team, with support from the community’s prominent leaders and volunteers.
The SN USA Atlanta
team Moorthy Rekapalli, Srini Reddy Vangimalla, Meher Chand Lanka, Raj Aila,
Sridhar Julapally, Neelima Gaddamanugu, Dr. Madhuri Namuduri, Ramesh Chaparala,
Upendra Rachupally and Suresh Vemulamada helped in the planning and
preparations.
Community leaders Dr. Prasad Garimella, Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, Kiran Reddy
Pasham, Ravi Chander, Mohan Dev, Gokulnath, Balakrishna Nuli, Padmaja Kelam,
Shankar Narayana, Sairam Karumanchi, Jagadeesh Cheemarla also attended the
ceremony and extended help in organizing the event.
The Master of Ceremonies for the program was Dr. Anjali
Renukunta, while Venkat Kuttuva covered the video and Suresh Volam handled the
photography.
For those interested in supporting Sankara Nethralaya’s mission to restore vision to the less fortunate, please visit www.SankaraNethralayaUSA.org and consider making a generous contribution.
