Fundraising Concert Raises $1.25 million, Supports 100 Adopt-AVillage Eye Camps
On August 10, the Sankara Nethralaya USA hosted a classical dance and music program at the West Forsyth High School in Cumming, Georgia. It was 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 showcased the power of community, art, and service in the mission to eradicate preventable blindness in rural India.
[Left] Nataraja Natyanjali dance performance.
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.”
[Right] SN Brand Ambassador Prasad Reddy with SN leadership.
The event commenced with a series of devotional and classical compositions performed by gifted vocalists and instrumentalists, resonating deeply with the audience. 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.
[Left] Mohiniattam by Laasya School of Dance.
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.
[Right] Leela Krishnamurthy honored with SN 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 Leela Krishnamurthy and Dr. Kishore Chivukula. In his address, CGI 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.”
Chief Guest CGI Lakshamanan at SN main stage.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Leela Krishnamoorthy, Past President and Board Advisor of SNUSA, in recognition of her years of unwavering dedication to the cause. Krishnamoorthy also contributed over $145,0000 in support of MESU Adopt-a-village eye camps.
[Left] SN President Bala Reddy Indurti with CGI Ramesh Babu Lakshamanan.
The classical dance and 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 individual donors. The funds raised will directly empower Sankara Nethralaya’s Mobile Eye Surgical Units (MESUs) to reach remote and rural communities, restoring vision and dignity to thousands who would otherwise remain in darkness. These visionary donors are enabling MESU units to reach some of the most underserved regions in India, funding hundreds of free surgeries and restoring sight to those in need.
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.
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