Dr. Bhanumathi Ivaturi, who has dedicated decades to serving communities in areas including healthcare, mental health, child welfare, family court services, domestic violence, senior welfare and dialysis services, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her remarkable social service.
For decades, Dr. Bhanumathi has supported individuals and families through organizations and institutions including Parkland Hospital, Dallas County Family Court Services and Dallas County Child Welfare, extending assistance both personally and through various community organizations.
She was felicitated by former IANT president Dr. Prasad Thotakura, Shabnam Madgil, Tayyab Kundawala, Sushma Malhotra and Satyan Kalyan Durg; TANTEX president Madhavi Lokireddy and several former presidents; ATA North America president Satish Reddy; former NATS president Bapu Nuthi; former TANA presidents including Dr. Prasad Thotakura, former TANA board secretary Murali Vennam; and community leaders M.V.L. Prasad, Rao Kalvala and Dr. Jagadishwaran Pudur, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Prasad Thotakura praised Dr. Bhanumathi for being a guiding light between problems and solutions, disputes and understanding, confusion and clarity, and despair and hope.
He noted that building a new life in America can be challenging, particularly for immigrant families navigating differences between the cultural values of parents and the environment in which their children grow up.
Dr. Prasad said Dr. Bhanumathi has deeply understood such family challenges and has consistently emphasized that parents should not end up losing their children because of expectations and misunderstandings.
He further observed that true success in life is not measured merely by degrees, positions or titles, but by how many families one has helped and how many lives have been positively impacted. He described Dr. Bhanumathi’s life and service as a strong example of that philosophy.
Dr. Prasad also appreciated her decision to spend more than five decades in the United States and, after crossing the age of 90, to plan to spend her future years in her motherland. He conveyed his best wishes for her continued happiness and well-being.
Several people who worked closely with Dr. Bhanumathi over the years, including M.V.L. Prasad, Rao Kalvala, Satyan Kalyan Durg, Dr. Krishnababu Chunduri, Dr. Kishore Sunkara, Radhika Kodela, Ramakrishna Noone, Doris Marshall, Sue Ann Ruth and Avyam Ramani, praised her longstanding contributions to the community.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bhanumathi Ivaturi expressed her gratitude to everyone who attended the gathering. She thanked the organizers and the more than 100 people who came together at Maitri Indian Restaurant in Irving despite the short notice and the event being held on a weekday.
She said the occasion would remain one of the most memorable days of her life and expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported her throughout her long journey of social service.
