Dr. Sharda Karuturi Bobba

Dr. Sharda Karuturi Bobba, the fourth child in a large family of seven daughters and one son, was born to Sri Ramamurty and Smt. Suryakanthamma in Kakinada, India. She received her MBBS from Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, before coming to the U.S. in the early 1970s to pursue her medical profession. After completing her residency in Buffalo, New York, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, she received her MD from the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville. Sharda, who made presentations at several medical conferences, worked at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center, where she was Chief of Psychiatry, and then went into private practice for three decades at the Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Sharda married Krishna Bobba in 1979, and is survived by her husband and their son, Neal Bobba, along with two sisters and a brother. She was a loving mother and wife, determined to do the best for her family. But her legacy of kindness and generosity extended well beyond her family, touching countless people in her personal and professional life. A dedicated physician, who started out at a time when Indian doctors in the U.S. were uncommon, she gained the trust of many patients with her empathy and competence as a healer. An ardent devotee of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Sharda volunteered her time, energy, and expertise through her counselling of numerous community members and contributions to charitable organizations.

Sharda was predeceased by three older sisters and a younger sister. Her peaceful demise in the early hours of August 3, 2025, surely reflects a lifetime of goodwill and good deeds.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family can honor Sharda’s passion for service, and pay it forward by contributing to local organizations of their choice to help people with Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and other physical or mental conditions. Om Sairam.

The Journey of Human Life—In the Light of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Words: “Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a game, play it. Life is love, enjoy it.”

Human life, according to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, is not a random occurrence, but a sacred journey, a divine pilgrimage—the individual self to the Universal Self.

“You are not the body, You are not the mind, You are the Atma—the Divine Self.”

The journey of life is, therefore, a process of remembrance—remembering our true nature. While we often get entangled in worldly pursuits, Baba calls us to rise above and look within.

“The end of education is character. The end of knowledge is wisdom. The end of life is liberation.”

Human birth is a rare gift, given not for mere survival or indulgence, but for self-transformation.

“Hands in society, head in the forest. Be active in the world, but keep the mind fixed on God.”

He also taught that the journey must be lived with courage and faith: “Do not be afraid of anything. Place your faith in God. His grace can transform any.”

REFLECTION    When we walk through life with Truth (Sathya), Right conduct (Dharma), Peace (Shanti), Love (Prema), and Non-violence (Ahimsa), we move steadily toward the life’s true purpose: realizing that we and God are One.

 “Start the day with Love, fill the day with Love, end the day with Love— that is the way to God"

Farewell Program

12:00 to 1:00 PM  Meet & Greet with Family, Viewing

1:00 to 1:15 PM  Homage to Sharda by Family & Friends

1:15 to 2:00 PM  SAI Ashtotram (Group Chant) & Bhajans

2:00 to 3:00 PM  Puja & Last Rites

3:00 to 4:00 PM Private Crematorium (Family Only)