Dr. Sivananda Nyayapathi, a well known artist in Atlanta bagged yet another coveted honor as Maitri bestowed its first ever ‘Dr. Pemmaraju Venugopala Rao-Maitri Award for Excellence in Arts and Literature’

Ms. Lakshmi Rao wife of late Dr. P V Rao presenting the award to Dr. Sivananda Nyayapathi

DR. SIVANANDA NYAYAPATHI CONFERRED
‘DR. P. VENUGOPALA RAO-MAITRI AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN ARTS AND LITERATURE’

Atlanta, GA: Dr. Sivananda Nyayapathi, a well known artist in Atlanta gets another feather in his hat as maitri bestowed the first ever ‘Dr. Pemmaraju. Venugopala Rao-Maitri Award for Excellence in Arts and Literature’ to Dr. Nyayapathi. Dr. Sivananda is a winner of more than three dozen awards. He won 10 awards in 2013 that included the current one.

‘Maitri’ paid a fitting tribute to Dr. P. Venugopala Rao Pemmaraju, a legendary figure of the Indian-American community in the US, by organizing a cultural evening on Saturday, September 21. In remembrance of Dr. Rao, Maitri has initiated the ‘Dr. P. Venugopala Rao-Maitri Award for Excellence in Arts and Literature’, an annual award that includes a gold medal and a plaque’ presented to Indian-American artists or writers living in the US.
Maitri is an organization catering to visiting parents and seniors. Started in late 2009, Maitri meets twice a month at the TAMA office in Alpharetta. Activities of Maitri include group discussions, visits to temples, special sessions on yoga, preventive health care, etc. Maitri recently published a book ‘Janani’, a collection of stories and poems written by its members.
The cultural show, held at Berkmar School in Lilburn, showcased several Indian classical dances and music. Kuchipudi dances Garudadhwani Tillana and Parama Prushudu Gopala Baaludainaadu by students of noted dancers Sasikala Penumarthi and Revathi Komanduri were well-received and applauded by the audience. Select melodious Telugu songs by singers led by Ram Durvasula and Srinivas Durgam kept the audience glued to the seats. A dance by Vishwadha Gunda to the song ‘Om Namo Siva Rudraya’ was a highlight. A Bharatanatyam dance, Pushpanjali by Srinidhi Vangala was appreciated by dance lovers. The event was inspired by Lakshmi Vedala, who connected India Home in New York to Maitri. Lakshmi Vedala, who earlier visited India Home, felt that Atlanta deserves such a home for seniors.
The show was held as a fundraiser to help two other voluntary organizations – one is Shantiniketan – a rehabilitation center for handicapped children in Adilababd district in Andhra Pradesh, India while the other one is ‘India Home’ a center for senior citizens in New York City. Funds were raised as donations from the community and sales of tickets for the show. Raised funds were split into half and given away to the organizations. Janardhan Pannela, the coordinator for Shantiniketan said, “I am overwhelmed by the support our people have showed to the kids back home. He hoped that the funds collected will be useful to buy a van for the kids”. Aditya Patel, who flew from New York City to attend the program, said he was very proud and happy to be part of the program. He gave a presentation about India Home highlighting its activities.
The program was attended by community leaders like Dr. Ravi Sarma, Narender Reddy, Dr. B.K. Mohan and Dr. Sreeni Gangasani. Dr. Ravi Sarma and Dr. B.K. Mohan spoke on the occasion. Dr. Saleena Dakin, younger daughter of Dr. Rao, who flew from Virginia remembered her father and said, “My dad was a true guiding spirit to the next two generations and several more to come. Dr. Rao always loved and encouraged people in following Indian arts and literature in the US”.
Mrs. Lakshmi Rao, wife of Dr. P.V. Rao, presented the Award to Dr. Nyayapathi in the presence of several people on the stage.
Ravi Ponangi, Atlanta editor of India Tribune recalled the good deeds of Dr. Rao. Mr. Ponangi appreciated and congratulated Maitri, especially Viju Chiluveru for organizing a memorable tribute and instituting an award to Dr. Rao’s memory. Maitri had a special place in his heart, he said.
Mr. Ponangi said it’s an honor and privilege to speak about Rao on the occasion of presenting Dr. P. Venugopala Rao – Maitri award for excellence in Arts and literature 2013. He expressed his happiness to know that his esteemed artist friend Dr. Sivananda has been chosen to receive the first award.

Then Mr. Ponangi presented his ideas, impressions and his perceptions about Dr. Rao’s contributions, accomplishments and about his varied interests. He said rarely, we come across a multi faceted personality like Dr. Pemmaraju Venugopala Rao who was well known as Dr. PV Rao. He was a man of many talents rolled into one. He was the practitioner of Bhakti yoga, Jnana yoga and karma yoga. All three rolled into one. Dr. Rao is a yogi in disguise of a house holder.

His many accomplishments and decades of community service is a rare saga in Indian community. His monumental contribution to the society, culture and literature is a reminder of his greatness. He is regarded as one of the principal architects of many Indian organizations of Metro Atlanta. Dr. Rao is a veritable storehouse of knowledge on Hinduism and spirituality.

He is a fatherly figure to many institutions and youngsters in USA and they turn to him for guidance in times of crisis. He impacted many lives by his outstanding leadership. Institutions and individuals in Atlanta frequently refer Dr. Rao as a wise man of Atlanta and turn to him for his wisdom words and advice.
Dr. Rao many a time said as immigrants we have to pool our resources and create an atmosphere of India. We are transplanted from another country and we have to keep our roots alive and connect our children to those traditions and values to follow. We have to create a strong, nurturing atmosphere, they will appreciate our heritage. At the same time we have to move with the times and teach them appreciation of other cultures.
This distinguished son of India and Andhra by many of his accomplishments as well as equally great qualities of his heart such as modesty, gratitude and philanthropy left a great legacy of his life.

In conclusion, Mr. Ponangi joined audience in paying his humble homage to the patriot of Indian community and hoped that his memory may continue to inspire the generations to come. Mr. Ponangi had closely interacted with Dr. Rao in the past decade and has produced a short video film on him as well.
Viju Chiluveru, coordinator of Maitri said that he is very proud to have associated with Dr. Rao who attended the club regularly. He also said that the Atlanta Indian American community always comes forward to help noble causes.
Earlier Narasimha Rao Oleti, Mrs. and Mr. Satyanarayana Murthy and Rathnakar Elugunti received awards for their contribution to Maitri Club. Dr. Tangirala Satyanarayana Reddy proposed the vote of thanks.