Columbus, Ohio: A Philanthropic Celebration on a Vibrant Stage of Culture & Compassion – Sankara Nethralaya USA

Columbus, Ohio, March 15, 2026: Hyatts Middle School was transformed into a vibrant stage of culture and compassion as Sankara Nethralaya USA hosted its first event of the year, Music and Dance for Vision. Attended by nearly 400 community members, the event was a philanthropic celebration supporting the Adopt-A-Village program, which provides eye surgeries to underserved communities in India.

Beginning at 3:00 PM, the program showcased the power of community, art, and service in the mission to eliminate preventable blindness in rural India. In his opening remarks, Amar Amireddy, Board of Trustees, stated, “Columbus, OH thrives on a spirit of service.

Tonight, we came together to illuminate lives through a shared purpose.” Bala Reddy Indurti, President of Sankara Nethralaya USA, added, “Sankara Nethralaya USA empowers its volunteers and is encouraged by the strong support from the 29th Columbus, Ohio Chapter in advancing its mission to serve the underprivileged with vision care.”

A Vibrant Showcase of Classical, Folk, and Film Dance

Following the opening remarks, the stage came alive with captivating classical Indian dance performances by leading Columbus, Ohio academies, including Trinayani Arts, Sai Nritya Sangam, Mayaz Masti Dance Academy, Sri Venkateshwara Dance Institute, Natiyalayam Dance School, Sai Art Group, and Style N Grace.

Each presentation beautifully blended tradition and storytelling—from mythological themes to vibrant folk expressions—mesmerizing the audience with grace and devotion. The program concluded with an impactful skit highlighting the importance of eyesight, followed by a vibrant finale led by Rajni Kanth Anantoji, showcasing style, confidence, and creativity.

Guardians of Sight: Honoring the Volunteers and Donors

Mr. Prasad Reddy Katamreddy, Brand Ambassador and Board Advisor of Sankara Nethralaya USA, served as the Chief Guest. He remarked, “It is a privilege to be part of a mission that restores sight and renews dignity and hope, reflecting the profound impact of collective compassion.”

The evening honored the dedicated performers whose passion and artistry brought the cultural program to life, reflecting Sankara Nethralaya USA’s mission. Months of preparation, creativity, and commitment transformed the stage into a vibrant celebration of service and culture.

Away from the limelight, the SNUSA Columbus, Ohio team, worked with unwavering dedication—meticulously planning, seamlessly coordinating, and refining every detail to perfection. Smt. Sush Upputuri and Rohit Mandala served as the evening’s master of ceremonies, guiding the program with grace and poise.

Sincere appreciation goes to the Columbus, Ohio core team, led by Amar Amireddy, RK Reddy, and Raja Bommana, along with dedicated volunteers Sush Upputuri, Rohit Mandala, Ramakrishna Kasarla, Gangaraju Bethina, Vijay Sunkad, Yella Reddy Chitti, Srini Padala, Venkat Duripala, Bhupesh Maddu, Shankar Ravula, Ranganath, Swathi Maddu, Mahitha Maddu, Nikita Padala, Shrika Duripala, Mahesh Velidandi, Raj Muddana, Vinay, Sharandeep, Vamshi Nimma, Vishnu Thoomula, Shyam Duddela, Lohith Sai Burugupalli, Rishith Bethina and Keerthan Muddana.

We would also like to thank our local community leaders and organizations for gracious presence and support – Venkat Kollipara CPA , Niraj Antani (former Ohio State Senator), Neil Patel (Ohio Congressman contestant), Federation of Indian Associations (Rajnikanth Katte), Telugu Association of Central Ohio (Raj Vantipalli), Andhra People of Central Ohio (Jagadeesh Arumalla, Nageshwara Rao Manne), Columbus Telangana Association (Pranitha Aileni), Brundavan Kannada Kootami (Manjunath Gowda), Chinmaya Mission (Venkat Menta), Saibaba Temple (Satya Yarramshetty, Sudheer Kopparam, Vasantha Tumu), Gujarati Mandal GMOCO (Anuj Patel), ITServe Columbus (TP Reddy), SV Temple, Columbus Tamil Sangam, Columbus Malayalee Association (COMA), Priest Chaitanya Sharma, and presidents and trustees of many other local organizations.

Heartfelt thanks to the out-of-town SNUSA guests, Treasurer Moorthy Rekapalli, Board of Trustees Dr. Reddy Urimindi and Adi Morreddy, and Women’s Committee Chair Rekha Reddy for their invaluable support. Special recognition is due to Sri SV Acharya, Dr. Surendran, Dr. Girish Rao, Suresh Kumar, Theagarajan, and Deen Dayalan for their unconditional support.

Gratitude is also extended to EVP Shyam Appali, Secretary Vamsi Krishna Reddy Eruvaram, and Publicity Committee Chair Ratnakumar Kavuturu, Giri Kotagiri for managing audio, video, and media promotion with excellence. Together, this remarkable team exemplified dedication, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to Sankara Nethralaya USA’s mission of service.

SNUSA Columbus event Photo Galley: https://sankaranethralayausa.org/snusa-music-dance-for-vision-march-15th-2026/index.html For more information or to donate, please visit www.sankaranethralayausa.org or call toll-free at (855) 463-8472. Tax-deductible donations (Tax Exempt ID No. 52-1611548) can be mailed to:
Sankara Nethralaya USA, 7238 Muncaster Mill Rd, No. 522, Derwood, MD – 20855.