Denver, Aurora, Colorado, October 25, 2026: Hinkley High School in Aurora, Colorado, came alive with the colors, rhythms, and traditions of Indian culture as Sankara Nethralaya USA’s Colorado Chapter hosted its maiden Music & Dance for Vision 2026.
The event brought together renowned dance academies, accomplished musicians, community leaders, volunteers, and families in support of Sankara Nethralaya USA’s mission to eliminate preventable blindness and restore sight to underserved communities through its Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU) and Adopt-a-Village initiatives.
The program began with a traditional Ganesh Vandana, followed by a warm welcome from Maruthi Nagaraju, Colorado Chapter Vice President, who emphasized the power of culture and community in advancing Sankara Nethralaya USA’s mission.
Representing some of Denver’s premier dance and music institutions, Anugraha Academy of Dance, Nandanalaya Dance Academy, Gaandharva Kshetram, Laya Dance Academy, Karthika’s Dance Academy, Sureela Denver, Natyang Nrityashala, Nrityangana Odissi Dance Academy, Kairali School of Dance, Team Taal, Shivoham School of Dance, and Mile High Melam delivered a captivating array of classical and semi-classical performances throughout the evening.
A highlight of the evening was the electrifying Chembada Melam performance by Mile High Melam, which showcased the power and grandeur of Kerala’s traditional percussion art form, captivating the audience with its dynamic rhythms and infectious energy. All the dance performers were recognized on stage with a medal, and their Gurus with a flower bouquet and a shawl.
Bala Indurti, President of Sankara Nethralaya USA, attended the event and highlighted the organization’s remarkable growth under his eight-year leadership, expanding from seven to thirty cities and growing the Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU) program from two operating units to five, with three more underway, bringing the gift of sight to thousands of underserved individuals.
The evening also marked a significant milestone as Chief Guests Dr. M. S. Reddy and Shyama Reddy pledged $25,000 to adopt two villages through the MESU program in memory of their parents, supporting eye-care camps in the Nellore district in 2027 and helping provide life-changing cataract surgeries and essential vision-care services to underserved communities. Past Trustee Dr. Jayasimha Sunku also attended the event.
The cultural festivities reached another high point with enchanting performances by renowned singers Ramu Maharajapuram and Anjana Sowmya. Their melodious renditions, artistic excellence, and engaging stage presence captivated the audience, adding warmth, vibrancy, and a memorable musical flourish to an already remarkable evening.
The success of Music & Dance for Vision 2026 was made possible by the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the Colorado Chapter’s volunteer team, including Chamu Adapa, Ravi Gaddam, Kranthi Gaddam, Laya Palutla, Raghu Palutla, Maithili Nandyal, Sudha Mehta, Neetu Sharma, Satish Kunchakuri, Sushma Singh, Aishwarya Reddy, and Hema Bantu.
Through their teamwork, commitment, and attention to detail, they coordinated registrations, managed stage and performance logistics, organized hospitality and refreshments, and ensured the seamless execution of the event from start to finish.
Special thanks to Vivian Noe and Laya Palutla for technical and audio-visual support, Divine Decor by Akhila for stage décor, Chaat and Curry for dinner boxes, MKK Photography for photography and videography services, and the staff and management of Hinkley High School for their outstanding support and cooperation.
Our heartfelt thanks to Moorthy Rekapalli, Dr. Reddy Urimindi, Shyam Appali, Vamsi Krishna Eruvaram, Ratnakumar Kavuturu, Meher Chand Lanka, Srini Guptha, Sreejith Sreenivasan, Dr. Priya Korrapati, Govardhan Rao Nidiganti, Karthikeyan, and Deenadayalan for their specialized technical expertise in producing and propagating the program’s audio-visual elements.
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, Maryland – 20855