Vibha DreamMile: 3000 Participants and 350 Volunteers Raise $330K for Children’s Education
“I’ve been running the Vibha DreamMile since it first started in 1998 at Georgia Tech. When the 10K Run was introduced in 2012, I ran my first 10K. That experience sparked my running journey, which has since grown to include several marathons. The DreamMile remains my favorite charity event,” said Dr. Madhu Kota, reflecting on the event’s personal significance.
[Left] Volunteers who helped smooth execution of DreamMile
Ramanan Rathin, a newer participant, shared, “What can you do when you’re 50+ and just became an empty nester? I signed up for my first-ever 10K race in 2023. That experience motivated me to complete my first Half-Marathon in 2024 and my first full marathon at the Publix Marathon in 2025. Thank you, Vibha, for opening doors not only for kids in India but also for the kid within me.” His story echoed the sentiments of 179 Half-Marathon runners at this year’s DreamMile.
Vibha’s free training program, Vibha Striders, helped many runners progress from 5K to 10K and Half-Marathon distances. Hemanth Pamidimukkala, lead trainer, said, “Training others for DreamMile and motivating them to embrace running has been incredibly fulfilling. I was inspired by fellow Vibha runners Rohini Jella, Srinivas Vemulapalli, and Rangaswamy Rajamanickam. Being part of the core leadership team is a mesmerizing experience.”
[Right] Vibha CEO Ashwini Kumar and Atlanta Executive Director Raj Vuchatu, handing over the check to Allison Sherman of CHOA, Vibha local beneficiary
With nearly 3,000 participants across all categories—5K Walk, 5K Run, 10K Run, Half-Marathon, and 1K Fun Walk—and 350 volunteers ensuring smooth execution, the Paramount Software Vibha DreamMile 2025, held on September 14 in Cumming, was a resounding success. It reaffirmed its place among Atlanta’s top ten races.
Vasantha Kandikuppa, Co-Lead for DreamMile, shared, “Volunteering with the Vibha family is always a pleasure. Leading the core team for DreamMile 2025 made the experience even more gratifying.” The event raised nearly $330,000 to support education for underserved children across India. Vibha operates in 16 Indian states and has MOUs with several state education departments to improve learning outcomes in math and language for primary school children.
Deputy Consul General Sreejan Shandilya emphasized the importance of supporting efforts in both India—the Janmabhoomi of many participants— and the USA—their Karmabhoomi. Vibha also supports two local projects with DreamMile funds. Raj Vuchatu, Executive Director of Vibha Atlanta, and Ashwini Kumar, volunteer CEO of Vibha, presented checks of $20,000 to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and $10,000 to the International Community School in Decatur.
Sheriff Ron Freeman of Cumming presided over the award ceremony, marking his tenth year attending DreamMile and applauding the participants and volunteers.
[Left] Organizing lead of DreamMile 2025, led by Vasantha Kandikuppa and Satya Vrid
Volunteer Awards
- Best Volunteer of the Year: Vasantha Kandikuppa
- Star Volunteer of the Year: Himani Shah
- Youth Volunteer of the Year: Kyle Yan (South Forsyth High School)
- Youth Star Volunteer of the Year: Abhinav Kolluri (West Forsyth High School)
Sponsors, including many first-time supporters, were also recognized.
Race Winners
- Female Marathon: Neha Mishra
- Male Marathon: Filipe Maul
- Female Half-Marathon: Vanessa Sanchez Monge (1st), Megan Wiese (2nd)
- Male Half-Marathon: Praveen Tyagi (1st), Ree Ha (2nd)
- Female 10K Run: Charlotte Cloyd (1st), Vian Farina (2nd)
Male 10K Run: Adhip Sundar (1st), Muthiah Chandrasekharan (2nd)- Female 5K Run: Prisha Das (1st), Kaya Patel (2nd)
- Male 5K Run: Suraj Edara (1st), Kazuki Kishida (2nd)
- Male 5K Walk (Masters): Surjit Singh, Sudhakar Ravella
- Female 5K Walk (Masters): Dvipal Chatrola, Christina John Bosco
DreamMile 2025 Participants
Sathya Vridachalam, Co-Lead for DreamMile 2025, noted, “We’re thrilled with this year’s turnout—Half- Marathon participation grew by 50 percent! Organizing an event of this scale takes extensive planning, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see the community unite for underserved children.”
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