The 17th annual celebrations of the Kalamandir Foundation were conducted with grandeur and emotional resonance this week in Hyderabad.
The event was a vibrant confluence of dignitaries from politics, cinema, business, and the social service community, all gathered to honor the Foundation’s enduring journey of service.
The event also marked the birthday of the Foundation’s founder, Shri Prasad Chalavadi, who has been a constant driving force behind this philanthropic mission.
Over the past 17 years, the Foundation has become synonymous with compassion, extending its support to countless underprivileged lives across the nation.
This year’s event stood out as a testament to the Foundation’s vision of blending business success with social good.
The celebrations were not just ceremonial but reflected the core values of empathy, inclusivity, and gratitude.
Notable film personalities graced the occasion with heartfelt words.
Actor-comedian Ali praised the Foundation's unwavering commitment to social service, saying, “It’s not about the number of stores, it’s about the number of lives touched.”
Screenwriter BVS Ravi hailed Prasad’s remarkable journey, especially acknowledging the women behind the Kalamandir success story — both in his family and organization.
Actor Manchu Manoj commended the brand’s exponential growth from a single branch to over 70 across the country, attributing it to the tireless efforts of Prasad.
Director Bobby Kolli emphasized that while many celebrate birthdays extravagantly, Prasad chooses to do so by serving the differently-abled and underprivileged — a reflection of his grounded values.
Actor Sree Vishnu echoed similar sentiments, calling Prasad’s selfless approach a true inspiration in today’s material world.
The Foundation announced multiple charitable initiatives during the event that showcased its ongoing commitment to uplift underserved communities.
Donations were made to several NGOs working at the grassroots level to empower the vulnerable.
A substantial ₹1.20 crores worth of merit-based scholarships were awarded to deserving students to support their higher education dreams.
In a special tribute to India’s rich handloom legacy, ₹5 lakhs was donated for the welfare of weavers. These contributions underline Kalamandir Foundation’s focus on education, livelihood, and heritage preservation as central pillars of its service model.
Every donation echoed a promise of hope and empowerment for a better tomorrow.
In a heartwarming highlight of the event, the Foundation honored six unsung heroes of society with the Seva Ratna Puraskar for their extraordinary grassroots-level service.
Each awardee also received a ₹50,000 contribution to further their cause. These stories of silent warriors moved the audience and served as a reminder that real change often begins with quiet acts of courage.
As the evening concluded, guests were left inspired by the scale and sincerity of Kalamandir Foundation’s mission.
With 17 years behind them, the Foundation continues to set a powerful example of how purpose-driven business can leave a meaningful legacy of social transformation.
