Detroit, Michigan: Dr. Vemulapalli Raghavendra Chowdary honored and felicitated by St. Martinus University

A grand felicitation ceremony was held in Detroit under the auspices of St. Martinus University (SMU) to honor Dr. Vemulapalli Raghavendra Chowdary, a distinguished physician of Telugu origin who recently received the Henry Ford Health Distinguished Service Award.

The event recognized his remarkable contributions to both the medical and Telugu literary fields. Several eminent members of the Telugu diaspora — writers, physicians, and entrepreneurs — attended and lauded his decades-long leadership and service.

Former Member of Parliament Dr. Murali Mohan praised Dr. Vemulapalli as a visionary educator and humanitarian. Padma Vibhushan Dr. Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad reflected on their long-standing bond, rooted in a shared love for Telugu literature and education.

SMU Board Chairman Mr. Jay Talluri said Dr. Vemulapalli’s mentorship and intellect have been instrumental in shaping the university’s ethical standards and academic direction. SMU CEO Mr. Shrini Sajja highlighted that Dr. Vemulapalli’s support has been the cornerstone of SMU’s international expansion and institutional collaborations.

Board Member Mr. Niranjan Srungavarapu commended him as a beacon for the advancement of Telugu literature. Renowned scholar Avadhani Medasani Mohan sent his poetic blessings in the form of a Seesa Padyam, which members of the Detroit Telugu Literary Club recited during the event.

St. Martinus University Faculty of Medicine (SMUFOM) Chancellor Dr. Murali Ginjupalli offered a heartfelt tribute, describing Dr. Vemulapalli Raghavendra Chowdary’s life as an embodiment of humility, service, and brilliance.

The event was attended by SMU board members Suresh Puttagunta, Prakash Gera, Naveen Aale, Troy Telugu Association representatives Krishna Alapati, Prasad Bethancherla, Chenchu Reddy, and Venkatesh Babu, Detroit Telugu Association President Shubratha Gaddam, and several prominent physicians including Dr. Srinivas Kodali, Dr. Surya Nalapati, Dr. Pavani Jasti, and Dr. Babu Vadlamudi.

Born in India, Dr. Vemulapalli Raghavendra Chowdary earned his MBBS from Stanley Medical College, Madras in 1982 and pursued his residency at Henry Ford Health in Detroit in 1995. Expressing gratitude to the SMU team for organizing this honor, he stated that receiving the Henry Ford Health Award has deepened his sense of responsibility toward serving both his profession and community.