1. You are the current vice president and co-founder of NE RISE, an organization for South Asian teens in New England, focused on embracing their culture with pride. You also coordinated the Baal Yuva Manch event that encourages children to speak Hindi, also embracing their culture. Why do you believe it is essential for people to embrace and celebrate their culture? How has promoting cultural pride through NE RISE and the Baal Yuva Manch event impacted the community?

I believe that embracing and celebrating our culture is essential because it helps us understand who we are and where we come from. Culture is something that has developed over time, and it connects us to our roots, especially for those of us living away from our country of origin. For teenagers in particular, celebrating our culture with pride fosters a deeper appreciation of our heritage and helps us understand our values and morals. Our traditional stories teach us about our customs and traditions, and as the generation responsible for carrying these forward, being proud of our culture helps us grow as individuals. It adds to our personality and makes us more well-rounded.

Growing up, my mom made sure I had a strong cultural foundation. She taught me about seva (service) by taking me to soup kitchens and sharing stories about its importance. Culture teaches us important morals, and for teenagers, understanding our cultural heritage provides valuable lessons about preserving good traditions. For instance, Hindi is spoken widely across India, and at the Baal Yuva Manch event, we encourage children to stay connected with the language. This helps them communicate more easily with family back in India and exposes them to rich literature.

Organizations like NE RISE and Baal Yuva Manch focus on preserving cultural values and passing them on to future generations. Living in America, we have a responsibility to keep our cultural heritage alive within our families and share it with others interested in learning about it. Promoting cultural pride through these organizations has emphasized the importance of understanding and celebrating one's roots. When we engage with younger children, it becomes easier for them to grasp the different facets of our culture.

These organizations promote cultural awareness not only among Indians but also among anyone interested in learning more. This has sparked curiosity and a desire to learn more about our culture among both kids and adults. By introducing people to different cultural aspects, NE RISE and Baal Yuva Manch have inspired the community to explore their heritage more deeply and use it for societal improvement. Understanding and taking pride in our culture broadens our perspective on humanity. It brings us together rather than separating us from where we live.

2. You express yourself through your dance. You practice Odissi dance and are preparing for your Manch Parvesh, or graduation ceremony, in 2026 for Odissi dance. You also recently received a student of the year award at Odissi Dance Academy. How did you discover that expressing yourself through dance is beneficial for you? When you first started Odissi Dance, could you imagine your Manch Parvesh and what it would be like? Now that it is approaching, how do you feel, and what advice would you give to other teens who are just beginning their journey in Dance?

I’ve always been a shy and quiet kid and never felt comfortable giving presentations or speaking in front of the class. I mostly kept to myself. But when I started dance classes, I instantly fell in love with it. I didn't know why at first, but I eventually realized that I felt most like myself on stage, dancing.

When I'm on stage, it's like I'm in a world of my own. I dance with complete freedom, not worrying about who's watching me. Dance gives me confidence, and I really enjoy expressing myself through movement. Over time, dancing became more than just a hobby—it became my passion, and I realized that dancing allows me to see my true self.

When I started learning Odissi at age 10, I never imagined having a Manch Parvesh. At the time, I just thought it was for fun. I only started taking it seriously in eighth grade when I realized how much I enjoyed learning new pieces and connecting with my culture through dance. I began thinking about having a Manch Parvesh when I entered high school, and now I'm planning it with my best friend, which makes the journey even more exciting. It feels surreal, and I'm both excited and nervous.

For teens just starting their dance journey, I’d say not to stress about any class or rehearsal; teachers can help with any struggles you have. But if you’re serious about dancing, make sure you practice and really listen to the music. Most importantly, just feel the music and dance your heart out.

3. You have also taught Bollywood Dance to younger children. What inspired you to share your talent with younger children? How do you hope to use your talent of dance to help make a positive impact on the community?

My passion for dance has always been a significant driving force in my life. I dance for my own pleasure, free from anxiety, and I find it incredibly fulfilling. When I was younger, I often found myself choreographing and teaching small dances to my friends just for fun, which made me realize my desire to teach dance.

The inspiration to teach younger children came to me when I saw my younger family friends dancing and enjoying themselves through music. I believed that teaching little kids could help them understand the importance of self-expression and boost their confidence.

Last year, I had the perfect opportunity to pursue this passion. After moving to Lexington, my mom suggested that I perform at the Indian Association of Lexington’s Diwali event with one of my closest friends. We decided to form a group of kids and teach them dance routines for the performance. My friend and I choreographed and taught the kids throughout the month leading up to the event. We also choreographed and performed our own songs with two other friends.

Through dance, I aim to make a positive impact on the community by fostering self-expression and confidence in young children. I hope that by teaching these kids, they gain new confidence on stage and find a new and unique way to express themselves. They can understand and appreciate music and express their feelings through dance.

Our music and dance traditions are very developed and evolved. They are soothing and provide a great sense of accomplishment when learned. Both singing and dancing require a lot of practice, dedication, and devotion, which ultimately leads to discipline—an essential life skill. By fostering these qualities, I believe I can make a positive impact on the community.

4. As a platform for women dreamers, what is your next big dream?
As a teenager, I'm still figuring out what my next big dream will be. I believe my dreams will become clearer as I grow older and experience more of life. Right now, my focus is on successfully completing my Manch Parvesh and continuing to teach dance to kids. I also hope to get into a good college where I can equip myself with a good education and that hones my interests in biology. Ultimately, I dream of a future where I am happy and can spread happiness to others.