Sharada Velamuri Prasad Memorial Fund

Ms. Sharada Velamuri Prasad lived a life defined by intellect, grace, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Her untimely passing left a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. While her professional accomplishments were significant, those closest to her remember most her warmth, humility, generosity, and unwavering support for others.

Sharada was a proud graduate of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A ‘93), one of India’s most rigorous and respected management schools. IIM-A held a special place in her life — it was where many of her professional aspirations took shape, where she formed lifelong friendships, and where she met her husband and life partner, Mr. Sudhir Prasad (IIM-A’92). The values of excellence, curiosity, and service that she embraced there remained with her throughout her life.

Over the course of her career, Sharada held leadership and strategy roles with organizations including Titan, AT&T, Philips, and Reliance Communications. At Titan, she was part of the pioneering team that helped launch Tanishq, contributing to what would become one of India’s most trusted and recognizable jewelry brands. Colleagues admired her sharp intellect, thoughtful leadership, and ability to bring people together. Whether building brands, shaping strategy, or mentoring others, she combined analytical rigor with genuine empathy. Yet she measured success not by titles or achievements alone, but by the positive impact one could have on the lives of others.

This conviction guided her work beyond the corporate world and into public health and social development. While working for the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and John Snow India, she contributed to initiatives focused on HIV prevention, tuberculosis care, family planning, and healthcare system strengthening, including advisory work with India’s Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. She approached these efforts with purpose and practicality, driven by the belief that those with knowledge and access have a responsibility to extend both.

To honor her memory, an endowment is being established in Ms. Sharada Velamuri Prasad’s name to provide every year, one scholarship for a deserving female student admitted to IIM-A with demonstrated financial need. This scholarship seeks to create opportunities for young women to pursue their education and realize their potential, values that Sharada championed throughout her life. Through it, her legacy will continue to inspire and empower future generations.
Family, friends, classmates, colleagues, and well-wishers are warmly invited to support this effort through donations or pledges.

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