PRASHO Foundation Granted The Dr. Aashrai Sai Venkat Gudlavalleti Memorial Award 2026 To Dr. Lokesh Saini
The felicitation event was held on 12th March 2026 at the Kapil Kavuri Hub, Hyderabad.
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Hyderabad, March 2026: The Gudlavalleti family and the Pragyaan Sustainable Health Outcomes (PRASHO) Foundation granted the Dr. Aashrai Sai Venkat Gudlavalleti Memorial Award (Neurological Sciences) 2026 to Dr. Lokesh Saini, MD, DM, Associate Professor of Pediatric Neurology and Assistant Dean (Research), AIIMS Jodhpur. The award was presented on March 12th, 2026, at a felicitation event held at the Kapil Kavuri Hub, Hyderabad.
Established in memory of Dr. Aashrai Gudlavalleti (1989-2024), a neurologist known for his compassionate patient care and dedication to scientific achievement, the memorial award honours and encourages young Indian neurologists and neurological researchers who demonstrate academic brilliance and major contributions to the field of neurological sciences.
During the event, Shri R. Govindhari, Chairperson of PRASHO Foundation, thanked the Gudlavalleti family and acknowledged their intent in establishing the award. He also emphasized the fact that the Dr. Aashrai Sai Venkat Gudlavalleti Memorial Award is designed not only as a tribute but also as a sustained platform to recognise and support young neurologists and researchers in India.
Dr. Tarak Nadh, CEO and Head of Neurology at the Amarvathi Institute of Medical Sciences in Guntur, spoke at the event about the historical obstacles of neurological research in India. He stated that in the 1980s, doctors frequently relied on Western data for neuroinfectious illnesses, despite India's huge disease burden. He stressed the growing relevance of locally generated research in guiding clinical practice, as well as the role that rewards like this have in supporting high-quality research in India.
Furthermore, the programme featured an inaugural address by Dr. Deborah Bradshaw (SUNY Upstate, Syracuse), who shared personal recollections of Dr. Aashrai Gudlavalleti. Dr. Lokesh Saini delivered the Dr. Aashrai Gudlavalleti Memorial Award Oration, presenting his research and work on movement disorders in pediatric neurology. The award and cheque were presented by Dr. P. Visalakshi, Dr. Aashrai’s mother and a member of PRASHO’s Board of Directors.
Dr. Guru N. Reddy, Chairperson, Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad, who attended the event as the Chief Guest, paid tribute to Dr. Aashrai Gudlavalleti in an emotional as well as proud way, describing him as an exceptional academic talent and a prodigious young clinician. He also saluted his parents for honoring their son’s legacy through meaningful initiatives such as this memorial award. The event also included addresses by the Guest of Honor, Dr. Hari Radhakrishna, Neurologist and Neurophysician at Medicover Hospitals, Hyderabad, and Dr. Ranga Reddy, Vice Chairman, PRASHO Foundation.
PRASHO Foundation can be contacted at [email protected] for information about award nominations or cooperation.
