MSMF is very grateful to Bala for coordinating on a volunteer basis our annual picnic in Ottawa for the last 22 years. The main purpose of the picnic – which generally attracts over 300 people – is to raise funds for our projects in Kakinada and to raise awareness about MSMF. 

Bala arrived in Canada in 1991 and became aware of the work of MSMF through volunteers he met, starting in 1995. He was particularly impressed by the dedication of Sarma Vishnubhatla who had taken early retirement to direct and manage MSMF as a “full time” volunteer. Bala attended several MSMF picnics, first in Sarma’s backyard and later at Andrew Haydon Park. Sarma was impressed by his commitment and asked him to coordinate the picnic starting in 2004. 

The most challenging part of organizing such a large picnic is to recruit approximately 80 volunteers to set up the tents, prepare food, etc. and to pray that this outdoor picnic doesn’t have to be cancelled at the last minute due to a thunderstorm. 

The first few years were a major challenge, but the ongoing success of the picnics encouraged Bala to also volunteer to create and organize the Great India Festival in Ottawa which now attracts about 18,000 people every year. Gradually, Bala, like Sarma, also became a “full time” volunteer following his retirement from Bell Northern Research. 

Bala met Chandra during his annual fundraising and public awareness visits to Canada. Bala first visited the Sankurathri projects supported by MSMF in Kakinada during 2010. The visits greatly encouraged him to continue his valuable support. He was particularly impressed by the fact that MSMF administration costs were so low, mainly because of the complete absence of paid staff in Canada. 

Bala, who acquired a PHD in engineering in Kharagpur, regularly returns to visit family in Andrah Pradesh and is proud of his long-term association with MSMF. We thank him and his numerous volunteers for their valuable support which has greatly benefitted thousands of poor and destitute people in the Kakinada region who have regained their sight! 

Bala would like to personally thank the long-term volunteers who have provided essential support. 

Photographs from the 2024 Picnic