Audience at an MLK Celebration Event. (Credit: apollotheater.org)
By Mabel Pais
WNYC Radio (NYC Public Radio) in collaboration with The Apollo Theater of Harlem will host the annual MLK event at The Apollo (as it’s popularly called), honoring Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday while exploring Dr. King’s enduring legacy through the lens of belonging, reflecting on his vision for a just and inclusive society. This takes place on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 2 pm. Doors open at 1 pm.
PROGRAM
WHEN: Sunday, January 19, 2025 @ 2:00 PM
WHERE: The Apollo, 253 West 125th Street New York, NY
DURATION: 1 hour 30 minutes
Through powerful conversations with prominent public intellectuals, community and faith leaders, authors and artists the organizers will ponder democracy and civil rights under a second Trump administration.
Featuring appearances from organizers Michael Hill, Janae Pierre, Brian Lehrer and Terrance McKnight.
Join the team for this inspiring tribute as we honor Dr. King’s dream and engage in a timely dialogue on the ongoing project of forging an equitable society.
RSVP & TICKETS
This event is free with RSVP. RSVP @ ticketmaster.com/wnyc-the-apollo-present-apollo-uptown-new-york-new-york-01-19-2025/event/00006179B91A182C.
Free tickets will be available starting Tuesday, Jan. 7.
For the schedule updates, visit apollotheater.org/event/uptown-hall-25.
For those unable to attend in person, the event will air on WNYC on Monday, January 20 at 2 pm and 8 pm.
The Apollo
The Apollo is an American cultural treasure. It is a vibrant non-profit organization rooted in the Harlem community that engages people from around New York, the nation, and the world. Since 1934, The Apollo has celebrated, created, and presented work that centers Black artists and voices from across the African Diaspora. It has also been a catalyst for social and civic advocacy. Today, The Apollo is the largest performing arts institution committed to Black culture and creativity.
The Apollo is a commissioner and presenter; catalyst for new artists, audiences, and creative workforce; and partner in the projection of the African American narrative and its role in the development of American and global culture.
WNYC
On July 8th, 1924, WNYC began broadcasting at 570 AM. In battle with other stations and the FCC, the frequency shifted over the years to 810 AM, 830 AM and finally to its present location at 820 AM.
The station added an FM antenna and transmitter on top of the Municipal Building and on March 13, 1943 began full operation on the “static-less” FM band. During the WWII and into the 1950s, WNYC was the city’s primary clearing house for civil defense information.
It also expanded its child-oriented programming while continuing to be a leader in classical and American music programming. In March 1995, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani agreed to sell WNYC AM and FM to the WNYC Foundation for $20 million. On January 7, 1997 the City transferred ownership of the licenses to the WNYC Foundation and on March 11, 1997, the licenses were assigned by the Foundation to WNYC Radio. The station strives to continue a legacy of innovative programs under the distinguished leadership of President and CEO Laura Walker, the first non-mayoral appointee in WNYC’s history. With the launch of wnyc.org in 1998, the station extended its virtual community internationally.
In October 2009 WQXR joined WNYC as part of the New York Public Radio family followed two years later by WNJT FM-Trenton, WNJB FM-Sussex, WNJY FM-Netcong, and WNJO FM-Toms River comprising New Jersey Public Radio and WQXQ in 2013. WNYC Studios were launched in 2015 as a major new multi-million-dollar investment to incubate talent and double down on podcasts.
Today, WNYC Radio (93.9 FM and 820 AM) is the most listened-to public radio station in the United States. With extraordinary support from listeners, corporations and foundations WNYC Radio is now independent of city government having paid for its broadcast licenses. WNYC is a member station of National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Radio International (PRI). Since 1940 WNYC and WQXR have been honored with 22 Peabody Awards and citations.
WNYC’s history of providing innovative and award-winning news, educational, cultural and public affairs programming reflects the enormous diversity and cultural depth of the New York metropolitan area.
To learn more about WNYC’s rich broadcast legacy go to Archives and Preservation.
This could have been another success story of an Indian who has made a mark here in America and living an enviable life. But for this man the word ‘success’ had a different meaning – being loyal to his profession by serving the underprivileged, giving back to the community and his motherland, and working relentlessly for a mission. This is how one can define Dr. V.K. Raju, one of the leading ophthalmologists in the US, who is committed to combat avoidable childhood blindness at home and abroad and has helped restore sight to hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide. Dr. V.K. Raju was born in Rajahmundry, AP, India. He completed both his ophthalmology residency and fellowship at the University of London. Dr. Raju is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons.
He is a founding patron member of AAPI. He is a Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University, Adjunct Professor of Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University and director of the International Ocular Surface Society. He is also founder and president of The Eye Foundation of America, a non-profit organization dedicated to realizing a world without childhood blindness.
Dr Raju’s humanitarian work began in 1977, shortly after he got a faculty position at West Virginia University. He went on a vacation to India, and a farmer came to get his eyes examined by him. and he did not have any instruments to treat him. The lack of medical care available around his hometown of Rajahmundry prompted Dr Raju to return to India the next year with personnel and equipment, and offered his first eye camp near his hometown; this was the inception of the Eye Foundation of America (EFA).
The Goutami Eye Institute in India has a wing dedicated exclusively to children
The Eye Foundation of America he founded has been rendering services since 1977 in India and 21 other developing countries. The mammoth works the EFA team has done could be the envy of any humanitarian organization. When education and preventative measures are insufficient, medical and surgical interventions are performed. With the aim of permanently providing world-class state-of-the art services to populations with poor access to health care, the EFA helped to build 2 hospitals in rural India: Srikiran Eye Institute and the Goutami Eye Institute. The Goutami Institute has a wing dedicated exclusively to children, and the EFA has future plans to build a service and research eye hospital in India where no child will be denied treatment and children from around the world can come to receive services.
Dr. Raju is founder and president of The Eye Foundation of America, a non-profit organization dedicated to realizing a world without childhood blindness
Dr. Raju and the EFA are also committed to finding new cures for age-old eye disease among children. These institutes are committed to providing innovative and compassionate care to the patients, by incorporating new technology and through patient education. His mission was to protect, preserve and restore the treasured gift of sight for improving quality of life by providing caring service, irrespective of the socio-economic status, with due emphasis on education and research.
Madhu Rachakulla, Past President, Telugu Fine Arts Society, shared his experience at Goutami while accompanying his. mother for her cataract surgeries. “Encouraged by my friend, Mr. Sekhar Vemparala—a staunch supporter and fundraiser for the institute—I took my mother to Gautami Eye Institute. Her initial fear of undergoing surgery for both eyes was quickly replaced by a sense of comfort and confidence, thanks to the compassionate care and professionalism of the Gautami Eye Institute team.
“Mr. Vemparala’s recommendation was well-founded, as the experience surpassed our expectations in every way. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the staff, and Dr. V.K. Raju himself took the time to introduce us to the Managing Director of the hospital. Their personal touch and commitment to patient care immediately put my mother at ease. A skilled surgeon was promptly assigned to her case, and her treatment was carried out with exceptional precision and care”, recalled Madhu Rachakulla.
“Beyond my personal experience, what truly left me in awe was the institution’s unwavering dedication to service. Gautami Eye Institute performs an astonishing 100 free cataract surgeries every day, bringing the gift of vision to those who might otherwise remain in darkness. For underprivileged individuals, the institute goes a step further by helping them secure financial assistance through government programs like Arogyasree cards. Additionally, the team conducts vision camps in rural areas, offering free eye screenings and cataract surgeries to those in need.
Family time
“Dr. V.K. Raju’s vision for the institute is nothing short of inspiring. A renowned ophthalmologist with a heart for service, Dr. Raju has built a team that embodies his motto of selfless care. By combining top-notch medical expertise with a genuine commitment to uplifting the underprivileged, he and his team have created a model of healthcare that is both impactful and sustainable. Their work not only restores sight but also restores hope and dignity to countless individuals.
As the Past President of the Telugu Fine Arts Society (TFAS) in New Jersey, I have had the privilege of witnessing many acts of service within our global Telugu community. However, the work being done by Dr. V.K. Raju and the Goutami Eye Institute stands out as a shining example of how expertise, compassion, and a service-driven mission can transform lives.”
The EFA not only trains medical practitioners to join the global fight against blindness through exchange programs, but also provides workshops and training opportunities for medical students and physicians. Dr. Raju’s charisma and vision inspire the EFA’s trainees return to their native countries to prevent and/or alleviate blindness in the field.
For the past 5 decades, Dr. Raju and the EFA have been actively and tirelessly on a crusade to eliminate avoidable blindness in areas plagued by poverty and poor access to medical care. Because Dr. Raju feels so incredibly thankful for his personal and professional gifts, he makes great effort to share those gifts with those in need of his services.
He believes that medical professionals in the United States are afforded many material comforts, and as such, only voluntary service can alleviate the feeling of intellectual poverty. He gives freely of his own time, money, and
medical expertise to help the less fortunate.
Dr. Raju contributes to society in his home country of India and his adopted home state of WV. In WV, Dr. Raju accepts patients who do not have medical insurance and performs surgical procedures that are not covered. If a patient is unable to pay for the costly services rendered, he asks for a small donation to the EFA. Dr. Raju performs free procedures that amount to an estimated $25,000–45,000 per year. This allows many of these patients to remain functional members of society.
The execution of his vision, affordable and accessible healthcare, has provided innumerable individuals with the invaluable gift of sight. In children, this gift results in 75 years of a full and productive life. These children, who would be considered a burden to society, are then able to contribute to their families and to society.
Dr Raju has received numerous awards, including the Academy’s Outstanding Humanitarian Award, the Melvin Jones Fellowship from the International Lions Foundation, the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International, the Distinguished Community Service Award from the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Achievement Award from West Virginia University.
Dr. Raju has published two books, seventeen chapters, and over 100 publications in scientific journals.
Dr. Raju has a vast interest in medical history, establishing lectureships (Susruta and Charaka lectureships in USA) to enhance teaching and the prevention of blindness through service, research and most importantly, making people educated. Dr Raju firmly believes that there are three solutions for every problem – first is education, the second is education, and the third is education.
As a physician, he has worked untiringly to educate patients as he feels patient education is one of the biggest challenges he faces both in the US and the developing countries. And this man is not ready to give up until he reaches the goal. With all of Dr. Raju’s momentous achievements, he has also ensured that his life’s work and vision are self- sustaining.
Dr. Raju has passed on his knowledge, plans, and vision to the future leaders of this movement: Dr. Leela Raju, Dr. Raju’s daughter and fellow ophthalmologist
Dr. Raju has passed on his knowledge, plans, and vision to the future leaders of this movement: Dr. Leela Raju, Dr. Raju’s daughter and fellow ophthalmologist, is the EFA’s Secretary and Coordinator for Education and actively participates in its mission. “Our work is only just beginning,” affirms Dr. Raju.
“The work of the Eye Foundation of America started in 1977. Rotary clubs and Rotary international have been an integral part of our goal of ‘A world without childhood blindness.” The Rotary international president said this year “imagine Rotary”. Eye foundation of America with Rotary said, “imagine a world without childhood blindness.”
“There is (almost) no more Polio on the planet; this incredible achievement is because of the Rotary international bringing together the three wills: political will, professional will, and people’s will. Anything is possible today when these three wills come together, especially with today’s resources and technology. Now as part of our five-year plan, we are embarking on an ambitious project to screen premature babies (who are at high risk for blindness) by telemedicine in India and beyond”, said Dr Raju, and we all know that this man is not going to stop until the goal is achieved.
Dr. V.K.Raju, Founder-President of the Eye Foundation of America.
Dr. V.K. Raju is the Founder and president of the Eye Foundation of America and a clinical professor of ophthalmology at West Virginia University in Morgantown. He received his medical degree from Andhra University in Visakhapatnam, India. He completed both his ophthalmology residency and fellowship at the University of London. Dr. Raju is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons.
The Eye Foundation of America he founded has been rendering services since 1977 in India and 21 other developing countries. The mammoth work the EFA team has done could be the envy of any humanitarian organization. Close to 400,000 eye surgeries, 2.5 million + outpatients- it is a colossal work. It helped found 2 Eye Institutes – Goutami and Srikiran in AP, India in 2005. These institutes have committed to provide innovative and compassionate care to the patients, by incorporating new technology and through patient education. His mission was to protect, preserve and restore the treasured gift of sight for improving quality of life by providing caring service, irrespective of the socio-economic status, with due emphasis on education and research.
Dr Raju has received numerous awards, including the Academy’s Outstanding Humanitarian Award, the Melvin Jones Fellowship from the International Lions Foundation, the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International, the Distinguished Community Service Award from the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Achievement Award from West Virginia University. Dr. Raju has published over 300 presentations, articles and chapters. He has authored 2 books , and more are in the pipeline. Along with his clinical work, his interests include medical history, establishing lectureships to enhance teaching and the prevention of blindness in children through teaching, service and research.
The Indian Panorama editor Prof. Indrajit S Saluja caught up with Dr. Raju who was in New York as a guest at the Diwali at Times Square, and had a conversation with him on his favorite subject of prevention of blindness among children.
TIP: What is your message to readers of The Indian Panorama?
I was born in India but lived in West Virginia most of my life. People often say that I am working so hard for a long time. Actually 45 years now since this work began. When you like and do the work, it’s not work anymore. I do believe in that. Today we are living in an incredible age with the advancement of medicine. But for children, I think it’s not fair. I have worked in 30 countries but our main nucleus is India. As my mentor used to say in London ‘there are three solutions for every problem involved – first is education, second is education, and third is education.’ So, if you educate people, problems will be minimum. If we can give education and health to children, they will build the nation. I feel there is need for charities for them.
Dr. V.K. Raju examines children at Goutami Hospital in Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh.
TIP: What is your vision and mission about Goutami?
Our work starts with ‘eye camp’ which is a wonderful concept. The concept is: screening, seeing the patients outside the hospital. In rural areas people don’t want to come to the hospitals because it’s threatening. Even today, even in the United States, people are somehow concerned about coming to the hospitals. We treat people outside the hospital. Screen them, advise them and some of the treatments we give outside the hospital. In 1979 we started a temporary facility outside the hospital with screening, advising the patients and giving minor treatments which are quite safe outside the hospital. You have heard about health fairs where we set up all facilities by screening people and if needed ultimately sending them to the hospitals to complete the procedure. But 30-40 years back there was a problem. After you finish the camp where will patients go for follow up? So, we started two institutions – and the latest one is Goutami. Giving continuous care is the main thing. Our priority is children, children, and children. We talk about education and 80% of our education is through vision and if the children miss that chance, it’s not only problem to the child, it’sa problem to the community, society, and to the country. In eyecare, if you catch them early, treat them early, problems can be resolved. Goutami has excellent telemedicine facility – biggest program in Andhra Pradesh. We screen every baby who is prematurely born – 8% to 10% of them need special attention. Fifteen to thirty minutes treatment can save them from blindness.
The Rotary Clubs helped us a lot in organizing the eye camps. Goutami does a camp a day. Anything can be done today but we have to do it together. If the will is there it can be done. Political will, professional will, and peoples’ will togethercando anything.
TIP: Have you launched a project on eyecare in Rotary Club in Morgantown?
Yes we did. In United States there is a problem with nutrition. What people eat in West Virginia is not good for health, and obesity is the major issue. We really try to educate parents and their children in the farmers market about what to eat properly. In ancient Ayurvedic system of India, it is not the medications. The principles of Ayurveda are – eat right, exercise right, fix your lifestyle and then if it’s not enough then take medication. We are trying to make people conscious about that. Mindset is important. Forget what you have done. Think about what you have to do.
TIP: The lifestyle in America, does it cause any eye ailment?
Yes. Children spending too much time with cellphone or video game can suffer from Myopia. But we can check that. They should take a break from screens every 30 or 45 minutes. It’s up to the parents because children learn what they live.
TIP: Do you have any plans to extend the work of Eye Foundation of America in Central American countries?
I am so glad you have asked this question. The Eye Foundation of America will go where the need is the highest. We’re planning to go to Guatemala end of this year or early next year. The Green Goutami project is coming up. Once the new building starts we will extend our reach in Guatemala.
Children receive expert care at Goutami Hospital.
TIP: Tell us about the new Goutami Building
We have all facilities with the latest and greatest equipment. There will be treatment for a rare cancer of the eye called ‘Retinoblastoma.’ Cancer in the eye is very rare but important aspect of eye cancer is tumor in the eye in the back of retina. We want to make people aware of this. We are planning to do some projects with Nargis DuttMemorial Cancer Foundation.
TIP: What’s your call on Govt of India’s child welfare programs?
Indian government has done incredible job in this regard but after getting about 80% success there is relaxation. They have achieved whatever, but there are problems in implementation. In villages and rural areas there is still vitamin deficiency and vitamin A deficiency is not only bad but it can make you blind. There is a problem of immunity. If a vitamin A deficient child gets measles, it can cause death. Not a single child be left behind.That should be the attitude. We should not stop until we reach the last post.
NEW YORK (TIP): Dr. Martin Luther King Visionary Awards were presented on February 27 at a Human Rights Commission Gala honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & Black History Month. A number of New Yorkers were presented the awards for their services to community. 12 persons received Lifetime Achievement award while 11 persons were presented award for community service. Among other awards were 3 Humanitarian awards, 2 Wellness awards , besides 2 Medals of Honor awards.
Among the awardees was Malini Shah, a well-known personality of New York. She is a prominent community leader and Activist who is currently President of her diamond company, Difference Inc. In addition to running a successful jewelry business, she is also the Founder of Nritya Kala Kendra Inc., and Indo-American Arts and Cultural Forum. Co-Founder, Indian American Association of Queens. Co-Chair Felicia’s Promise, Vice President of the Center for the Women of New York.
Malini has dedicated over 40 years as a cultural ambassador to many organizations across the world. Malini is involved with many significant New York City cultural institutions. Her passion for helping others and community service Volunteered and Served as a Community and Cultural Liaison for Council Member Paul A. Vallone. She also volunteered and served as representative for NYC Speaker Melissa Mark-Vivirito, NYC Speaker Corey Johnson to the Museum of Arts and Design Board of Trustees in Manhattan and continues to volunteer and serve as a representative for the NYC Speaker to the Museum of Arts and Design. Malini also serves on The Clinton Democratic Club, Executive Board as Secretary and Membership Chair , she also sits on Board of Directors as Vice President for – Center for Women of New York and is a member of Queens Council on the Arts and Women’s Jewelry Association.
Malini has received many prestigious awards such as “Jewel of India Award. City Council Citations, Positive Indo-American Image Award, Citation from Councilmember Peter Koo for “Recognition and honor for years of Service to the community”, “Leadership in the Arts and Culture from Assemblyman Nick Perry, “Exceptional women Award”, Citations from New York City Council”, Outstanding Entrepreneurial Leadership Award in recognition of Extraordinary Achievements and commitment to Strengthening Economic Development as well as Innovation in New York from Deputy Majority Leader Assemblyman Phil Ramos to name a few. Most recently Malini has been awarded “Queens Ambassador Award 2016″ (January 26th, 2017) from Times Ledger Newspapers.
On March 2nd, 2017, she was honored for exceptional Community Service “celebrating women leaders on International women’s day” by the Society of Foreign Consuls at Bohemian National Hall. She also received citation from Hon’ble George Maragos office of comptroller Nassau County, New York as an outstanding individual who renders significant contributions for the enhancement of our community. “Outstanding Mother Award” by C.A.P.S.C, Hind Ratan Award for Outstanding Service,
On April 29th 2017 she received “Women of Distinction in Leadership Award” from Center for the Women of New York . Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi. Received Bayside- Whitestone Lions Club Community Service Award May 7th , 2018.
She received recognition on 19th July 2018 as South Asian Community Leader of the Year.
Recipient of many citations, Malini has received a whole lot of them.
New York State Assembly Citation from Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein.
Certificate of Merit from Senator Toby Ann Stavisky.
City Council Citation from Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik.
City Council Citation from Council Member Paul A. Vallone.
New York State Assembly Citation from Assembly woman Nily Rozic .
Received certificate of Recognition from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. NYC Proclamation in “celebration of South Asian Leadership” for her outstanding service to our community”. Honorable Judge Andrea C. Phoenix was the Keynote Speaker while Dr.Nayeema Khan and Mireille Jumeau were guest speakers . Keria Blue,Nassau County Human rights Commissioner was the Master of Ceremonies. The event was hosted by Rev.Emmanuel Asse ,Executive Director Lincoln-King Center
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