Sankara Nethralaya Alabama Chapter Hosts Devotional & Light Music Fundraising Concert at Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama: The Sankara Nethralaya Alabama Chapter, in collaboration with the Indian Cultural Association of East Alabama (ICAEA), successfully hosted a devotional and light music fundraising concert, bringing together the local community in support of Sankara Nethralaya’s vision care mission.

The event took place on December 13th at Goodwin Hall, Auburn University, and welcomed  attendees for an intimate yet impactful evening of music, culture, and philanthropy. The program began with a traditional invocation to Lord Ganesha, setting a spiritual tone for the evening.

Distinguished dignitaries in attendance included Chief Guest Dr. Kishore Chivukula, Board of Advisors and Benefactor of Sankara Nethralaya USA, and Board of Trustee and President of ICAEA, Dr. Shweta Tripathi, who gave the welcome address, setting the tone for the evening and highlighting the importance of community support for Sankara Nethralaya’s vision care initiatives. Cultural and technical support for the event was provided by Sri Vivek Vishal.

The organizers emphasized the shared journey of compassion, empathy, and service, highlighting the importance of community participation in advancing accessible vision care initiatives. The concert featured an extraordinary lineup of esteemed artists, creating a divine musical atmosphere that resonated with the diverse Auburn audience, comprising attendees from across India and the Western community alike.

The musical journey began with devotional compositions, blending traditional and modern instruments, followed by raga-based songs, transitioning seamlessly from an Annamacharya kriti to a patriotic Bollywood number. A lively Bollywood segment showcased popular songs from both South and North India, and the concert concluded with “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara,” symbolizing unity in diversity through varied rhythms and melodic patterns. The entire program was enthusiastically received by the audience.

Featured & Accompanying Artists:

Smt. Chaitra Gururaj – Virtuoso vocalist and classical music luminary

Shri Anjaneya Sastry – Multi-talented tabla artist and esteemed disciple of Ustad Zakir Hussain

Shri Vikash Achutaramaiah Ryali – Renowned Harikatha exponent, Jal Tarang virtuoso, percussionist, composer, dancer, and inspirational speaker

Violin: Govinda Madhava

Piano: Siddharth Bachoti

Guitar: Tanvir Hasan Shaon

Chief Guest Dr. Kishore Chivukula delivered an inspiring address emphasizing the importance of community engagement and Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU) adoption. He was honored for his long-standing commitment and philanthropic leadership. All participating artists were felicitated for their exceptional cultural contributions and dedication to the cause.

The Alabama Chapter expressed heartfelt gratitude to:

The Chapter expressed sincere gratitude to Sri Bala Reddy Indurti, President of Sankara Nethralaya USA, along with Sri Moorthy Rekapalli, Dr. Reddy Urimindi, Sri Vamsi Eruvaram, Sri Shyam Appali, Sri Ratnakumar Kavuturu, Sri Giri Kotagiri, and Sri Goverdhan Rao Nidiganti for their leadership and logistical support in making the event a success.

Sponsors, Donors, and Volunteers

Sincere thanks were extended to Auburn families and anonymous donors for their generous support in 2025. The event’s success was made possible by the selfless volunteer efforts of the Sankara Nethralaya Alabama Chapter team, whose dedication ensured seamless planning and execution. For more details about the organization and to donate for the noble cause, please visit www.SankaraNethralayaUSA.org

Inspired by a 1974 speech by the Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt, Dr. S. S. Badrinath founded Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai in 1978 to provide world-class eye care free to the poor and at affordable cost to others. Beyond hospitals, it conducts eye camps, school screenings, and runs an eye bank.

A flagship initiative is the Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU)—the only Government of India–approved operation theatre on wheels—developed with IIT Madras. Each MESU comprises three vehicles: a preparatory unit, a sterile operation theatre, and a transport vehicle. MESUs are currently operational in Chennai, Jharkhand, Hyderabad, Puttaparthi, and Ettayapuram, with three more units planned to expand rural eye care across India.