BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Stockbridge, GA, July 25, 2025: The Subra Anu and Kiran Bhat Foundation hosted its Annual Banquet Dinner on July 12 at the exquisite Eagles Landing Country Club in Stockbridge, Georgia. The event was a vibrant celebration of community spirit, philanthropy, education, and the arts—bringing together leaders, supporters, and changemakers from across the region. This annual gathering serves as a cornerstone of the Foundation’s efforts to recognize excellence, foster partnerships, and invest in the potential of future generations.
A core mission of the Foundation is to provide health and education services to underserved communities both locally and internationally. At this year’s banquet, the spotlight was on education, as the Foundation proudly presented a series of scholarships to exceptional students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community service.
The evening opened with a warm welcome and reflections on the Foundation’s impact over the past year. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner and were treated to a well-curated program that blended celebration with cultural richness. One of the evening’s memorable highlights was the inclusion of live music and dance performances, which added vibrancy and joy to the atmosphere. These artistic interludes served as a reminder of the Foundation’s support for not only education and healthcare but also for cultural and literary endeavors that enrich community life.
Among the scholarships awarded was the prestigious Smt. Shankari and Narasimhaiya Muteri Scholarship, named in honor of two individuals whose values of learning, resilience, and service continue to inspire. The first-place recipient was Sheona Diwakar, recognized for her exceptional academic record and service. A tie for second place honored Kushi Kashyap and Parineetha Chowdry, while third place was shared by Nidhi Gadekar and Aarush Mathad—each of whom has shown great promise in both academics and leadership.
The Drs. Anna & Subra Bhat Henry County School District Scholarship further demonstrated the Foundation’s dedication to local education initiatives. These awards were presented to high-achieving students from Henry County schools, with Nailab Lewis Phillips receiving first place, followed by Alex Agbaere in second and Emma Fletcher in third.
A Special Recognition Scholarship was also presented to Arya Upadhya, honoring her unique dedication, character, and academic drive. Her award was met with enthusiastic applause and admiration from the audience.
“It gives me immense pleasure to see the sparkle in the eyes of scholarship recipients who are ready to step into a positive, exciting future. Education is the best gift one can give,” Anu Bhat, co-founder of the Foundation, told NRI Pulse.
Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of exceptional individuals and organizations who have made a meaningful impact through service and leadership. Awards for Community Service were presented to five outstanding honorees: Subhash Razdan, Myrna White, Pramod Sajja, Gina McCombs, and Paddy and Chandler Sharma, all of whom have demonstrated unwavering commitment to bettering their communities through action and compassion.
The Foundation also presented its most prestigious honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, to two extraordinary visionaries: Dr. Jagdish (Jag) Sheth and Madhu Sheth to recognize their decades-long dedication to education, global thought leadership, philanthropy, and cultural bridge-building has inspired countless individuals and institutions.
In addition to recognizing students, the Foundation also honored several nonprofit organizations and community leaders who are making a significant impact in health, education, and social welfare. These recognitions reflect the Foundation’s belief in collective progress and meaningful collaboration with other reputable charitable institutions.
The inclusion of cultural performances added depth and beauty to the event. The music and dance segments brought energy and elegance to the evening, creating moments of reflection and celebration that touched the hearts of everyone in attendance.
With continued support from the community, the Subra Anu and Kiran Bhat Foundation hope to carry forward its mission to uplift underserved populations, nurture young minds, and celebrate the power of service and creativity.
