A Tribute to Visionary Philanthropy: Sankara Nethralaya USA Celebrates Its Adopt-a-Village Patrons
In a heartfelt tribute to compassion and community care, Sankara Nethralaya USA convened a distinguished gathering to commemorate the resounding success of its Adopt-a-Village eye care initiatives. The event served not only as a celebration of the many camps conducted across underserved regions but also as a strategic forum to capture invaluable insights from the sponsors whose generosity fuels this mission.
Presided over by Bala Reddy Indurti, President of Sankara Nethralaya USA, the meeting brought together an esteemed cohort of visionaries and benefactors. Among the honored attendees were Mr. Prasad Reddy Katamreddy and Mr. Shankar Subramonian — both revered as Mega Donors, Brand Ambassadors, and members of the Board of Advisors.
Their enduring commitment to the cause was echoed by the presence of trustees, senior leadership, and a host of Adopt-a-Village sponsors whose contributions continue to illuminate lives across rural India.
Sponsors shared firsthand accounts of their visits to the eye camps, where they witnessed the meticulous care, surgical excellence, and human dignity extended to each patient. Their feedback offered a treasure trove of qualitative intelligence—affirming the organization's unwavering standards and its deeply rooted ethos of service.
This collective reflection underscored the enduring legacy of Sankara Nethralaya, which for over 48 years has stood as a beacon of hope, restoring sight and transforming lives for the most vulnerable. The event reaffirmed the power of partnership, philanthropy, and purpose-driven leadership in advancing equitable eye care across generations.
In his opening remarks, SV Acharya, Founder and President Emeritus of Sankara Nethralaya, reflected on the enduring mission and values imparted by Dr. SS Badrinath, the institution’s visionary founder, and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the generous support of the Adopt-a-Village sponsors.
Prasad Reddy Katamreddy, the most generous individual donor in Sankara Nethralaya’s history, has contributed an extraordinary $500,000 toward the launch of a new Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU) and the execution of ten rural eye camps—four of which have already been completed in the villages Kalivelapalem, Kagulapadu, Annamedu, and South Mopur. His gift is not just financial; it is deeply personal and profoundly impactful.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Katamreddy shared, “Thank you for the opportunity—it is a great privilege and honor to be associated with Sankara Nethralaya.” He recounted the story of his own uncle, who tragically lost his vision. “In our villages, when someone loses their sight, they lose their livelihood. That reality drives my commitment.”
He praised the organization’s precision and dedication: “The great thing about Sankara Nethralaya is its schedule—everything runs like clockwork.” He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the team formed by his younger brother and nephew, whose tireless efforts have helped bring this mission to life. “To witness the joy on people’s faces when they receive their eyeglasses is indescribable. It’s a moment of dignity restored,” he said.
“As long as we live, we will support Sankara Nethralaya.” In closing, Mr. Katamreddy offered a poignant reminder: “We don’t thank the MESU staff enough—they are the true instruments of this noble cause. Prasad Reddy recounted a deeply moving story from the recent eye camp in South Mopur, Nellore District. A homeless man, who had lost vision in both eyes, arrived at the camp seeking help. Under the compassionate care of the local Sankara Nethralaya team, surgeries were performed on both eyes, and remarkably, his sight was restored.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, the man attributed his transformation to Goddess Kamakshamma, whose temple he had long visited in search of solace. His story stands as a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of Sankara Nethralaya’s mission and the spiritual hope that often accompanies healing.
Shankar Subramonian—Mega Donor, Brand Ambassador, and esteemed member of the Board of Advisors—has made a transformative contribution of $400,000 to establish a Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU) in Ettiyapuram, Tamil Nadu. The unit is scheduled to begin operations later this month, bringing advanced ophthalmic care directly to underserved communities.
Reflecting on his journey with Sankara Nethralaya, Mr. Subramonian shared, “The experience of working with Mr. Bala and the entire Sankara Nethralaya team has been nothing short of phenomenal. The impact of this initiative will be deeply felt across rural regions, and I’m honored to be part of this mission to eradicate preventable blindness.” His visionary support underscores the power of compassionate leadership and the enduring promise of sight for all.
T.R. Reddy, a dedicated philanthropist from Augusta, GA, continues to uplift the Palamuru region of Nagar Kurnool through his Palamuru Foundation. In 2024 and 2025, he sponsored eye camps in his native village, Nandi Vaddeman, and now plans a third in Kosgi, expanding his mission. To encourage broader participation, he’s pledged a 50% matching grant for future sponsors.
Reflecting on the experience, he praised Sankara Nethralaya: The devotion I witnessed in the President and team was truly inspiring. Sankara Nethralaya is the finest organization I’ve ever worked with. Leela Krishnamoorthy, Past President and respected Board Advisor, was honored with Sankara Nethralaya’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Demonstrating her enduring commitment, she contributed $145,000 to the Adopt-a-Village eye camps, including the transformative camp in Tirukoilur, Tamil Nadu. She expressed deep gratitude to the President and Atlanta team for their warm support and issued a heartfelt call for the community to champion these camps and bring the gift of sight to those in need.
Murli Reddy, Founder and President of Charter Global, commended the leadership of Sankara Nethralaya, calling the President “truly exceptional.” He shared that the team’s preparedness and dedication far exceeded expectations, especially given the challenges of rural outreach. Encouraging broader impact, he proposed expanding eye camps to neighboring villages through regional mobilization.
Dr. Priya Korrapati, Chair of the CME Committee for Sankara Nethralaya USA, led a major eye camp in Marripadu, Nellore District, where 162 sight-restoring surgeries were performed. She reflected: “Of all the camps I’ve been part of, this brought unparalleled satisfaction—a truly meaningful and humbling journey”
Banu Ramakrishnan, Past Treasurer and Audit Committee Chair, partnered with KG Venkatraman to organize two impactful eye camps, including Mahimaluru, Nellore District and Ariyalur Tamil Nadu. She highlighted the urgent need for care in underserved villages. She praised the initiative’s efficiency: “It’s a high-impact investment in human dignity and health—many complex cases would’ve gone untreated otherwise.”
Vamsi Madadi, a recent sponsor of Sankara Nethralaya’s Adopt-a-Village initiative, enabled 111 surgeries, delivering vital eye care to underserved communities. After 11 days on the ground, he and his family expressed deep gratitude for the organization’s compassionate outreach. “It was immensely gratifying—an invaluable experience with instant emotional reward,” he shared. Inspired by the impact, he has pledged to sponsor a camp every other year, continuing his journey of service and sight.
Dr. Shankar Krishnan, Board Advisor to Sankara Nethralaya, sponsors three eye camps annually, including a recent one in Madanapalli, delivering vital care to underserved communities. Through the ARSR Foundation, he directs $450,000 yearly to charitable causes, with 10% supporting SN’s mission.
Continuing a family legacy of service, his relatives’ estate now sustains 15–20 schools across the region. “We are ever grateful,” he shared. “My sister saw the camp firsthand—we were both moved by the remarkable service. Sankara Nethralaya truly delivers the biggest bang for the buck.” Jyothi Chintalapudi, founder of Natya Jyothi Academy, has been championing classical dance for over 25 years.
In a heartfelt tribute to her roots in Waradannapeta, Warangal—where her father once was a community leader and Hindi translator, the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee —she organized a fundraising event for Sankara Nethralaya. “The gift of vision is the greatest gift,” she shared, praising the team’s compassionate care.
She recalled a moving moment: an orphaned grandchild bringing their grandmother for treatment—“a reminder of the human stories behind every screening.” Moorthy Rekapalli, Treasurer of Sankara Nethralaya, has served the organization for over 15 years, notably partially contributing to the establishment of the Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU) in Puttaparthi.
Dr. Mohan Mallam adopted Thondavada village near Tirupati, leading a successful cataract camp with 96 surgeries. He praised Sankara Nethralaya’s proven model and thanked Mr. Bala for introducing the initiative. Calling it a noble effort, he encouraged others to adopt and support villages in need.
Goutham Nellutla and Smitha, being the granddaughter of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, were deeply moved by Sankara Nethralaya’s outreach, which delivered 120 successful surgeries and exceptional post-operative care. “Every donation transforms lives,” they shared, praising the unforgettable joy on patients’ faces and the outstanding counseling provided. Their reflections underscore the spirit of service and the lasting power of collective compassion.
Sridhar Reddy Tikkavarapu, Board of Trustees member from Pennsylvania, sponsored two Adopt-a-Village eye camps, including one in Jagadevipeta, Nellore District, which he called “something god-sent.” Moved by the life-changing results, he reaffirmed Sankara Nethralaya’s role in restoring sight and dignity to rural communities. He also helped raise $375,000 during Dr. Prem Reddy’s Meet ‘n Greet at the 2023 NATA convention in Dallas, significantly expanding the initiative’s reach.
Neelima Gaddamanugu, Cultural Chair of Sankara Nethralaya USA and Director of Nataraja Natyanjali, has been an unconditional supporter of the Atlanta chapter’s efforts. She sponsored an Adopt-a-Village eye camp in Kuchipudi, resulting in 133 surgeries. “Bala garu inspired my commitment,” she shared. “Visiting the camp was deeply meaningful—I’m grateful to be part of this mission.”
Adi Moreddy, Trustee of Sankara Nethralaya USA, and Rekha Moreddy, Chair of the Women’s Committee, led an eye camp in Kesavapuram near Puttaparthi, resulting in 138 successful surgeries. With support from local schools, the camp brought renewed vision and hope to the community. Grateful for the opportunity to serve, the Moreddys reaffirmed their long-term commitment to Sankara Nethralaya’s mission.
Dheeraj Pola energized the eye camp with strong community engagement, leading to 166 successful surgeries through Sankara Nethralaya’s MESU. “There’s always a need—even in areas previously served. Every dollar spent is worth it,” he shared, praising MESU’s life-changing work in remote villages.
Dr. Reddy Urimindi (NRU), Board of Trustees member, played a key role in inspiring the Dallas team and celebrating the success of raising $400,000 at a recent musical fundraiser, which brought in numerous Adopt-a-Village sponsors. He highlighted four pillars essential to mission-driven success: Organizers, Donors, Volunteers, and Advisors—a framework that continues to guide Sankara Nethralaya’s journey through collaboration and visionary leadership.
Shyam Appali, Executive Vice President of Sankara Nethralaya USA, uses his video skills to create compelling event recaps that connect chapters and engage supporters worldwide. Mallik Banda, a well-known community leader and driving force behind Sankara Nethralaya USA’s Los Angeles chapter, has been a game changer in expanding outreach and donor engagement across Southern California. “Through Sankara Nethralaya, I’ve found the purpose for my life,” he shared, praising the support he received and the precision of the Mobile Eye Surgical Units (MESU).
His leadership continues to strengthen community ties and elevate the mission’s impact. Vamsi Krishna Eruvaram, Secretary of Sankara Nethralaya USA, has helped strengthen the Phoenix chapter, contributing to its growth and community engagement. “It’s a privilege to be part of this journey,” he shared, reflecting the collective spirit behind the organization’s expanding impact.
President Bala Reddy Indurti closed the meeting with inspiring examples of creative fundraising—from Ramesh Chaparala’s anniversary donations to a laddu auction, Prithika Jakka’s outreach, and birthday checks in Atlanta—each reflecting the spirit of service. He emphasized that the success of Adopt-a-Village MESU camps depends on strong coordination and dedicated stakeholders.
He thanked MESU coordinators Raju Byrum, Ujwal Sinha, Kaushik, Ranjith Kumar, Bhanu Prakash Reddy, and Chennai staff Arul Kumar and Suresh Kumar, with special appreciation for Dr. Girish Rao and Dr. T Surendran. These collective efforts continue to restore sight and hope across rural India.
The Adopt-a-Village sponsors Meet ‘n Greet program video is available at the link ---> https://youtu.be/ofk2ja8ahZk?si=EkjSxWDhL8o7SR99
Answers to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Adopt-a-Village Program in multiple languages (English, Telugu, Tamil & Hindi) are available at the following link: ---> https://www.sankaranethralayausa.org/pdf/adopt-a-village-faq-flyer-11092025.pdf
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
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