By: Dr Avi Verma

Dr. Prakasarao Velagapudi was presented with the “Cultural Heritage Ambassador Award” by the Adopt a Village Global Foundation (AAVGF) on September 5, 2026, recognizing four decades of his involvement in community service and efforts to preserve and promote Hindu cultural heritage.

The award was presented during a fundraising gala organized by AAVGF Founder and Chairman Dr. Bhupati Raju Pandeti in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. The event brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, professionals, philanthropists, academicians, physicians, community leaders and supporters to raise funds for village adoption initiatives in Bharat.

Several individuals were recognized during the evening for their contributions in different fields. The gathering also provided an opportunity for community members and supporters to network and support AAVGF’s village-focused initiatives.

AAVGF presented a three-minute video documenting Dr. Velagapudi’s four decades of community and cultural involvement. It highlighted his participation in temple construction, promotion of Sanatana Dharma, educational activities and the development of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF).

Among the projects featured was the construction of a Hindu temple in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1990, followed by another traditional temple project in 2019. His involvement in planning and organizing the construction of the Hanuman Temple in Frisco, Texas, was also highlighted.

The video also featured several recognitions received by Dr. Velagapudi, including the Vishwa Hindu Award presented by Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji in Mysore in the presence of Dr. Subramanian Swamy, and a Distinguished Service Award presented by Sri Viswamjee in Dallas in 2024. His participation in a Short Film Festival in Hyderabad in 2012, attended by Sri China Jeeyar Swamiji, was also included.

According to the program materials, Dr. Velagapudi received a Lifetime Achievement recognition from U.S. President Joe Biden in 2023. The presentation also noted a “Lead America Community Champion” certificate presented by Sri Rajesh Gooty, along with a U.S. flag that had been hoisted at the U.S. Capitol on July 4.

The documentary highlighted GHHF’s grassroots activities in villages across Bharat, including programs aimed at creating awareness about protecting village traditions and cultural heritage. Bala Samskar Kendras are being conducted in villages to introduce children to Sanatana Dharma and traditional values.

Other activities include community meetings and programs in which students perform Pada Puja for their parents, emphasizing respect for parents and family values.

The presentation comes as GHHF marks its 20th anniversary. Founded in 2006, the organization is documenting its work through a documentary covering 16 ground-level initiatives carried out in villages across Bharat.

The anniversary effort has received messages of support from several prominent personalities, including Sri Raghu Ramakrishna Rayu, Deputy Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly; Sri Sanjeev Khanna, entrepreneur and former Chairman of the US India Chamber; Sri Lalit Sharma, entrepreneur associated with Kailman Capital Fund; Sri L. V. Gangadhara Sastry, Sangeeta Nataka Academy Award recipient and Chairman of the Bhagavad Gita Foundation; Dr. H. R. Nagendra, Padma Shri awardee, yoga scientist and educator; Dr. Manjunath Sharma, Chancellor of SVYSA University; and Sri Sree Iyer, engineer, inventor, entrepreneur and associated with PGurus Broadcasting Company.

The GHHF anniversary documentary, prepared with the support of Suchetan Enterprises, will be screened during the foundation’s 20th anniversary celebration on September 20 at 6 p.m. at Meridian, 351 Southwind Ln., Fairview, Texas 75069.

GHHF’s team includes Nandini Velagapudi, Laxmi Tummala, Chandra Movva, Shakuntala Movva, Prashant Nanganuiu, Suchetan Vaidyanathan, Lalith Sharma and Ramakant Kancharla, along with other volunteers and supporters.

The award and documentary presentation highlighted Dr. Velagapudi’s long involvement in community initiatives and GHHF’s continuing grassroots efforts focused on cultural heritage and traditional values in Bharat.