Sankara Nethralaya USA – Austin Chapter Annual Music & Dance for Vision Program

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, St. Philip’s United Methodist Church in Austin, TX hosted the Sankara Nethralaya USA Annual Music & Dance for Vision fundraising event—an evening celebrating distinguished music, dance, and service. More than 300 attendees joined us, enjoying over 30 talented performers, including renowned guest artists and students from leading local dance schools.

From 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM, the audience experienced a vibrant lineup of performances, all dedicated to supporting Sankara Nethralaya’s mission of restoring sight for individuals affected by preventable blindness in rural India through Mobile Eye Surgical Units (MESU) and free eye camps.

The program opened with remarks on Sankara Nethralaya’s mission by Tanuja Bhattiprolu, followed by an overview of Sankara Nethralaya USA by NRU (Board of Trustees – Dallas) and a presentation on MESU’s outreach by Jagadish Jonnada (Austin Chapter Lead). Jagannath Vedula (Board of Trustees), Karun Reddy (Austin CVP), and Austin Chapter Leads Jagadish Babu Jonnada and Mallikarjuna Rao Chintakunta coordinated donor engagement and shared updates on ongoing camp activities.

Guest Speaker Dr. Kumar Kothapalli, former Associate Professor of Medicine at Dell Medical School, delivered an insightful overview of Sankara Nethralaya’s services and his personal experiences—remarks that deeply resonated with the audience.

Dance performances by students of Natyalaya School of Dance (Mrs. Vinitha) and Arohana Natyalaya Academy (Mrs. Arosha Pattnayak), along with music presentations by Medha and RMA artists, enriched the evening and strengthened support for Sankara Nethralaya’s mission. All participants received medals and certificates presented by out‑of‑town guests NRU Garu (Dallas) and Vamsi Rasamallu Garu (San Antonio).

Donors supporting the MESU Adopt‑A‑Village initiative—including Sri Jagannadh Vedula & Sri Tirumala Reddy and Sri Tirumala Reddy & Sri Karun Reddy—were honored on stage for their vital role in sustaining mobile eye camps across rural India. Donors expressed deep appreciation for Sankara Nethralaya’s mission and commended the collective efforts of the Austin team. The chapter also raised funds for hundreds of cataract surgeries.

The evening featured exceptional vocal performances by Sri Ramu Garu and Smt. Anjana Soumya Garu, whose artistry and heartfelt appeals further advanced the noble cause.

The event concluded with acknowledgments to the Board of Advisors, President Sri Bala Indurti Garu for arranging the singers, visiting chapter guests, the Executive Committee, MESU sponsors, Adopt‑A‑Village donors, cataract surgery sponsors, and all patrons whose generosity fuels vision‑restoration initiatives in India.

Our sincere gratitude goes to the dedicated volunteer team: Tanuja Bhattiprolu (MC), Kumar Savitala (Sound & Coordination), Aparna Vaidyanathan (Event Video), Girish (Photography), Deepthi Kalidindi (Decoration), Sasiteja Gunukulla (Food Coordination), Prasad Kalidindi (Event Assistance), Krishna Dullipalla, Priyanka, Sneha Surya Jonnada, Akhil, Pradeep Meruva, Phanindra Talasila, Seshu (Registration & Front Desk), Janardhan (Pre‑Event Setup), Subba Rao Nagulapati, Taruni Bangaraju, Naga Yatam, Sai Kale (Facility Arrangements), and youth volunteers Niharika Jonnada, Adhvithi Garlapati, Arvini Garlapati, Mahith Meruva.

A special thank you to Arun of The Pulao Factory Leander for generously providing delicious food that added warmth and hospitality to the evening.