Eminent Telugu Evangelist Prof. Prakash Gantela Passes Away Suddenly, Leaving Christian Community in Grief

Visakhapatnam, August 16, 2025 – The Christian community in Andhra Pradesh and beyond is mourning the sudden passing of Prof. Prakash Gantela, a revered Telugu evangelist, Bible teacher, and founder of Veritas Bible Institute, who died late on August 15, 2025, at 11:50 PM IST. Gantela, widely known for his inspiring sermons and teachings on fasting and prayer, succumbed to kidney-related health complications, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual leadership and devotion. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media and among his followers, with many hailing him as a "man of God" whose messages transformed lives.

A Life Dedicated to Faith

Prof. Prakash Gantela was a prominent figure in the Telugu Christian community, recognized for his powerful sermons delivered at Jerusalem Prayer House in Visakhapatnam. His YouTube channel, with over 88,900 subscribers, featured messages such as “Lent Days – Fasting Prayer,” which garnered 159,000 views and resonated deeply with viewers seeking spiritual guidance. Gantela’s teachings emphasized the significance of fasting, prayer, and living a Christ-centered life, earning him a devoted following across India and among the Telugu diaspora.

As the founder of Veritas Bible Institute, Gantela played a pivotal role in training young ministers and spreading biblical teachings. His approachable style, rooted in simplicity and sincerity, made complex theological concepts accessible to laypeople. A post on X by @ChristianVoic10 announced his passing, stating, “Eminent man of God, Prof. Prakash Gantela, has entered into rest in the Lord a short while ago (2025 Aug 15, 11:50 pm). He had been suffering from kidney-related health issues for some time.” The post, which included a call for prayers for his family and the Christian community, received thousands of reactions, reflecting his widespread influence.

Circumstances of His Passing

According to sources close to the family, Prof. Gantela had been battling kidney-related ailments for several months. Despite medical treatment, his condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his sudden death at a hospital in Visakhapatnam. No official statement from the family or Veritas Bible Institute has been released regarding the exact cause of death, but posts on X and local reports suggest that his kidney issues were a significant factor. The suddenness of his passing has left his followers in shock, with many expressing disbelief at the loss of a figure who remained active in ministry until recently.

Community and Online Response

The news of Gantela’s death spread rapidly across social media, particularly on X, where followers shared tributes and condolences. One user, @BlessingTelugu, wrote, “Brother Prakash Gantela’s voice brought the Bible to life for so many. His sudden departure is a void we cannot fill, but his teachings will live on.” Another post by @FaithfulServant22 read, “Prof. Gantela’s Lent messages guided me through tough times. Praying for his family and Veritas. Rest in glory, man of God.” These sentiments highlight the profound impact Gantela had on individuals and communities, both locally and globally.

The hashtag #PrakashGantela began trending on X in Andhra Pradesh, with over 10,000 posts by August 16 morning, as reported by local media. Churches across Visakhapatnam and neighboring cities announced special prayer meetings to honor his memory and support his family. The Jerusalem Prayer House, where Gantela delivered many of his sermons, issued a brief statement: “We are heartbroken at the loss of our beloved Brother Prakash. His life was a testament to God’s grace. We request prayers for his family and our ministry.”

Legacy and Impact

Prof. Gantela’s contributions extended beyond his sermons. Through Veritas Bible Institute, he mentored hundreds of young pastors and lay leaders, equipping them to spread the gospel in Telugu-speaking regions and beyond. His YouTube channel, featuring videos like “ఉపవాస దినాలు - LENT DAYS,” served as a digital ministry, reaching audiences in remote areas and among the Telugu diaspora in the United States, Australia, and the Middle East. His teachings on fasting and prayer, particularly during Lent, were noted for their depth and practicality, encouraging believers to strengthen their faith through discipline.

Gantela’s work also bridged generational gaps, appealing to both older congregants and younger audiences drawn to his online presence. His ability to connect through social media platforms amplified his reach, with videos often garnering thousands of views within hours of posting. His death has prompted calls for his teachings to be preserved and shared widely, with some followers suggesting the creation of a digital archive of his sermons.

Official and Religious Response

The Andhra Pradesh Christian Federation expressed its condolences, describing Gantela as “a beacon of light in our community.” Local pastors and leaders, including Rev. Samuel Raj of Visakhapatnam, paid tribute, saying, “Brother Prakash’s sudden departure reminds us of the fragility of life and the urgency of his message to live for Christ.” No official statement from state authorities has been issued, as is typical for non-political figures, but the scale of public mourning underscores Gantela’s significance.

Looking Ahead

As the Christian community processes this loss, attention has turned to supporting Gantela’s family and ensuring the continuation of his ministry. Veritas Bible Institute is expected to release a statement on its future plans, with many hoping that Gantela’s vision for biblical education will endure. Memorial services are being planned in Visakhapatnam, with details to be announced by the family and Jerusalem Prayer House.

Prof. Prakash Gantela’s sudden passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Telugu Christian ministry. His life’s work, characterized by humility and unwavering faith, continues to inspire thousands, as his teachings echo through the countless lives he touched. The Christian community now looks to honor his legacy by carrying forward his message of hope and devotion.

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