Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveBend it like Bhuta: US footballer Mia is kicking winning goals

Bend it like Bhuta: US footballer Mia is kicking winning goals

Written by: Team GI Youth

(December 16, 2022) As the FIFA fever reaches its peak, let us introduce you to a young footballer who has carved a niche for herself in the sports world at a very young age. Pittsburgh-based Mia Bhuta, recently scripted history by becoming the first Indian-American footballer to represent the USA in a FIFA World Cup game at any level. “I am an Indian girl living her dream and the girls here need to believe in themselves 100 percent. like I do. I want to do everything possible to inspire them to follow their dreams,” says the 16-year-old footballer, who dedicated her first international goal to her grandfather, who is, according to Mia, “her biggest supporter.”

Mia Bhuta first Indian-American footballer to represent the USA in a FIFA event

The footballer, who is also the current co-captain of the USA team, is one of the most experienced players on the team and has been playing the sport since she was quite young. Inspired by the Argentinian footballer, Lionel Messi, the youngster is currently pursuing a science course at the prestigious Stanford University, and hasn’t made up her mind if she wants to become a professional footballer going forward.

Mia and her team after winning the cup

Mia’s father, who was born in Mumbai and grew up in Rajkot, Gujarat, was a passionate tennis player, who moved to the USA at an early age to explore more opportunities. Speaking about her father, the young footballer said, “My father grew up in Gujarat, and moved to the USA as he was a keen tennis player and wanted to get better coaching. He was 16 years old at the time.” Interestingly, Mia found herself in her ancestral country soon after turning 16, to play in the World Cup held in Odisha. “For me to be here in India at 16 following my dream to be at a World Cup – it is special to me,” the Global Indian said.

Making it big in the soccer world

She was merely five when during an FC Barcelona match, she heard her father cheering for the GOAT, Messi. Completely mesmerised by the football legend, Mia started following him too and would try to copy his moves with her ball in the house’s backyard. When her father noticed Mia’s enthusiasm for the sport, he enrolled her in a local academy, where the youngster learned the nuances of the game. “Messi was the first soccer player that I looked up to. I was passionate about the game, but my parents are one of the main reasons why I’ve been able to make it here. They’ve sacrificed so much for me to be here, and honestly, if it wasn’t for them, I know I would not be here. My parents have done so much just to help with my development,” she said during a press interaction.

Interestingly, the young footballer made her FIFA debut against India’s U-17 team as the two sides are in Group A of the World Cup. However, India, the host nation, never stood a chance as the U.S. poured on goal after goal in an 8-0 rout. The midfielder scored the eighth and final goal in the 62nd minute, making her the first Indian-American to also score for the nation at any World Cup. “Playing for the World Cup is any player’s dream, and I am so excited that I was also able to score in my first match itself. The feeling was incredible, and the crowd was amazing. That goal was extra special to me. My grandfather couldn’t be here tonight because he just had a bypass surgery, and he’s recovering in the hospital,” the champion said after winning the match.

Speaking about her opponent, the Indian team, she said, “India has so much potential. There’s so much talent here. The world needs to invest in it more. They need to believe in young girls and give them opportunities to succeed. And I think they can go far. I hope to be an inspiration for the Indian team and all the young girls here. I hope that when they come to see us play, they can recognise the potential for their own story. I want them to dream big and know that if they work hard and have a real passion, they can achieve anything in their lives regardless of what society may say.”

Still connected to her roots, Mia also shared that her life journey has been heavily inspired by her ancestral connections. “I think that the Indian culture has had a real influence on me and my life. When I heard the stories of my father and other Indians who wanted to achieve more in life, the values of hard work, commitment to education and sport as well as the entrepreneurial spirit came out again and again. My Indian heritage taught me to have these values deep inside me and I think that this is the reason why I was such a dreamer, and I believe that regardless of where I’m from or what the circumstances are, I can achieve anything,” the footballer said.

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Published on 16, Dec 2022

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Panthoi Chanu: Meet the first Indian football player to join an Australian club

(April 23, 2024) Growing up in the village of Keirak in Manipur, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu had no clue about football until she discovered the popular sport during a grassroots school sports festival at the age of 12. That got her instantly hooked. Cut to 2024, the 28-year-old has become the second goalkeeper from India to play for a club outside India, and the first Indian to play professional football in Australia. Excited for the opportunity, she said, "I've always dreamed of playing abroad and this is a great opportunity for me." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Women In Sports (@womeninsportsindia) Though she has begun her international inning with Metro United WFC in the South Australian League, she is set to undergo training with A-League outfit Adelaide United whose coach Adrian Stenta noticed her talent during the 'Women in Sports' elite footballs trials held in Kolkata in 2023. Serendipity led to her passion For someone who hails from a family that had nothing to do with sports, getting into football was a serendipitous encounter. It was the grassroots festival that turned out to be the perfect opportunity to try something new and she instantly knew

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A post shared by Women In Sports (@womeninsportsindia)

Though she has begun her international inning with Metro United WFC in the South Australian League, she is set to undergo training with A-League outfit Adelaide United whose coach Adrian Stenta noticed her talent during the 'Women in Sports' elite footballs trials held in Kolkata in 2023.

Serendipity led to her passion

For someone who hails from a family that had nothing to do with sports, getting into football was a serendipitous encounter. It was the grassroots festival that turned out to be the perfect opportunity to try something new and she instantly knew she had found her calling. Her coach had put her on the left wing but after the goalkeeper was left retired hurt, she decided to fill in her shoes, and that was the beginning of her journey in the world of football. Though she was new to the game and didn't understand the intricacies of it initially, her only aim on the field was to not let any ball through on her watch. "That was the beginning of my journey, and I have stayed on course since then. It has taken a lot of hard work and struggle, but that's what makes it worth it," she said in an interview.

[caption id="attachment_37329" align="aligncenter" width="708"] Panthoi Chanu[/caption]

Each day, she would take the 5 am bus from her remote village to travel 50 km to Imphal to reach the football academy for her training. A fast learner, she picked up the game quickly, and within a year of taking up the sport, she made it to the Manipur junior state team and the Indian junior national camp. Though she comes from a family of doctors and engineers, she found support in her parents and siblings. "I'm the only one who is in sports in my family. So, my father told me that it doesn't matter what I'm doing, that if I work hard at my profession, I will succeed and show the world what Manipur girls can do. My parents wanted me to be an example for the girls in my village," Panthoi had said.

Acing the game of football

Panthoi began her career at the Women's Football Academy in the Kakching district of Manipur, where she honed her skills for four years. Subsequently, she transitioned to Eastern Sporting Union in 2012 before joining Manipur Police. In 2014, she broke into the Indian national team, however, she had to patiently wait for a long time to find a permanent position because of the presence of other talented and experienced goalkeepers. But a shinbone injury in 2021 was a major setback as many had already written her off. But she was determined to return stronger. "Apart from the team training, I would do my individual training as well. Every day I reserve at least 30 minutes for running, and do my drills, conditioning, and training for two hours apart from the practice with the team," she said.

Over the past few years, Panthoi has risen as India's premier goalkeeper and was a key member of the team that secured the runner-up position at the Turkish Women’s Cup held in February. Her extensive experience in international football was a decisive factor for Metro United, who discovered her talent through the Women in Sports football clinic.

During her debut in Australia, Panthoi and her team conceded two goals. But she hopes to make a mark by the end of the season. "It is definitely exciting playing in Australia. This is a very important assignment for me and to do it well, I know I have to work hard. This is a stepping stone for me. But my dream is not restricted to playing in one country."

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Indore student Asmi Jain wins Apple Swift Student Challenge with groundbreaking healthcare app

(June 15, 2023) "She's already poised to make a profound impact on the world by helping people with their health, and we're excited to see what she does next," said Apple CEO Tim Cook, about Asmi Jain, a twenty-year-old developer from Indore, who is one of the three winners of the Apple Swift Student Challenge. Overnight, the quiet teen from Indore skyrocketed into fame, and the world learned Asmi Jain's name. Cook was all praise for Jain, saying that the ioS developer community in India has always fascinated him, and that the young girl's work exemplifies creativity. Jain's app playground was declared one of three winners from 375 entries received from around the world. Jain, who is a student at Medi-Caps University in Indore, found her call to action when a friend's uncle had to undergo brain surgery. The procedure left him with misaligned eyes and facial paralysis. It stirred her to action and she began working on an app that can track a user's eye movements as they follow a ball moving around the screen. According to the press note by Apple, "The playground's purpose is to help strengthen the eye muscles, and though it was inspired by her

ing around the screen. According to the press note by Apple, "The playground's purpose is to help strengthen the eye muscles, and though it was inspired by her friend's uncle, Jain hopes it can be used by people with a variety of eye conditions and injuries.

[caption id="attachment_31082" align="aligncenter" width="453"] Asmi Jain, winner of Apple Swift Student Challenge.[/caption]

Driven by empathy

Jain is one of the three, first-time winners of the Swift Student Challenge, an annual competition organised by Apple during the Worldwide Developer's Conference. The program is intended to provide young developers with a platform to showcase their coding abilities and creative ideas. The challenge requires participants to create interactive playgrounds and apps using Swift, Apple's programming language.

Always driven to make a positive impact on society, the Global Indian found that the healthcare sector was the ideal place to put her coding skills to use. She had also spent years volunteering to help people in her community. She is also part of a forum at university for students to collaborate and work through coding problems.

"When you feel as though you're part of something bigger, it motivates you and drives you to do better," she remarked. "Coding lets me create things that help my friends and my community." It also gives her a sense of independence, she says, which is "very empowering."

Asmi's plan involves getting feedback to make sure the app is "effective and user-friendly, then release it on the App store," she says. "Ultimately, I want to expand it so that it helps strengthen all of the muscles in the face, and I hope it can one day serve as a therapy tool that people like my friend's uncle can use at their own pace."

Asmi is among a group of elite, AI-savvy young coders around the world who are harnessing cutting-edge technology to create social change. Developers like Asmi Jain are at the forefront of creating innovative solutions that address healthcare challenges. Technology has helped enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems, benefiting healthcare professionals and patients alike.

Through intuitive user interfaces and secure data handling, as is the case with Asmi’s app, patients are empowered to actively participate in their own healthcare, while healthcare providers can access critical information in real-time, leading to better decision-making and more personalized care.

What is the Apple Swift Challenge?

The Apple Swift Student Challenge is an annual competition organized by Apple during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). It is specifically designed to provide young developers with an opportunity to showcase their coding abilities and creative ideas using Swift, Apple's programming language.

The challenge invites students from around the world to submit their interactive playgrounds or apps created with Swift. Participants are encouraged to think innovatively and solve real-world problems through their projects. The entries are judged based on various criteria, including technical accomplishment, creativity, and the overall design of the project.

Winners of the Swift Student Challenge receive a range of exciting prizes, including a WWDC21 jacket and pin set, a one-year membership in the Apple Developer Program, and access to future WWDC events. Moreover, their projects are showcased on the Apple Developer website and in the App Store.

The Apple Swift Student Challenge not only recognizes the talent and potential of young developers but also provides them with a platform to gain exposure, connect with industry professionals, and kickstart their careers in app development and software engineering.

Scaling new heights: Meet young Indian mountaineers who are climbing their success peaks

(January 13, 2023) When mountaineer Avtar Singh Cheema first decided to be a part of the Indian Army mission to scale Mt Everest in 1965, many in his village came to see him off, thinking they wouldn't meet him again. He went on to become the first Indian to conquer the world's tallest mountain, inspiring many Indians to undertake challenging expeditions. However, the last few years have seen a steep rise in the number of young mountaineers who are not afraid to scale the heights of these ice monsters. Global Indian takes a look at some of these young mountaineers, who are flying the nation's tricolour very high - quite literally! Arjun Vajpai Snowed in for seventy-two hours at 7,000 metres, Arjun Vajpai lost sensation in the left side of his body. His Sherpas had long since abandoned the teenager – his first attempt to scale Mount Cho Oyu in Nepal in 2012 had resulted in catastrophe. Arjun is no ordinary kid, however, two years prior, in 2010, he had achieved the ultimate mountaineering feat – scaling Mount Everest – and becoming the youngest Indian ever to do so. In 2011, he became the youngest person to climb Lhotse and the

ount Everest – and becoming the youngest Indian ever to do so. In 2011, he became the youngest person to climb Lhotse and the youngest mountaineer to scale Mount Manaslu. No stranger to adversity, therefore, Arjun began the agonising descent from Mount Cho Oyu, crawling for 17 hours using only his right arm and leg.

[caption id="attachment_17559" align="aligncenter" width="582"] Arjun at the Kangchenjunga Base Camp, in 2018[/caption]

Today, the youngster holds the title of being the world’s youngest mountaineer to summit six out of the total 14 highest mountains in the world. Born to Col. Sanjeev Vajpai and Priya Vajpai in 1993, Arjun’s fascination for trekking and mountaineering goes back to his childhood. He started young and began training at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi. The mountaineer who loves exploring the routes of new peaks, however, doesn't feel are records are endgame. "It makes me feel super happy but I’m not someone who chases records. It’s a moment of pride, not just for me but for the country, to hold a title and each time motivates me to climb more and take India’s flag to some of the highest peaks on earth. I want to be the youngest in the world to do all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres," he shared during a press interaction.

Anvitha Reddy

The youngest daughter of a farmer from a small district of Telangana, Bhongir, Anvitha was always good at sports. She got to know about mountaineering while pursuing her graduation and was motivated by her physical education trainer to join a group training to climb Mt Kilimanjaro - the highest peak in the African continent. There was no looking back for this mountaineer after she conquered the African giant in January 2021. The same year, Avnitha scaled Mt Elbrus and Mt Khadey.

In 2022, Anvitha became the first Indian woman to reach the True Summit of Mount Manaslu - the world’s eighth-highest mountain (8,163 metres) - in Nepal. "I was ecstatic on reaching the top of the world, a moment I aspired for the last eight years had come true. It was this moment which kept me going despite enormous challenges," the mountaineer shared during a press interaction, adding, "I’ve planned to climb seven mountains in the seven continents in one-and-half years. Now that I’ve already climbed three, the next treks will begin in December."

Virat Chandra

When a five-year-old Virat first told his parents that he wanted to climb mountains, his parents thought that it was just one of those things kids say while growing up, and forget about the next day. But when Virat persisted, they had no choice but to introduce him to a local mountaineering trainer. Exactly two years later, Virat Chandra Telukunta became one of the youngest mountaineers to summit Mt Kilimanjaro in 2021. And just one year later, Virat won the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.

"I remember when we stepped out for the last leg of climbing Kilimanjaro, the visibility was very low. I was frightened because it was still dark and whistling winds with a snow downpour. With support from our guides, we could make it to the summit. It took almost eight hours to reach the summit," the mountaineer shares, adding, "I am very happy and proud that I was honoured by the Prime Minister of India. I have just started my mountaineering journey and there are many other peaks I want to scale."

Piyali Basak

A young primary school teacher from the small village of Chandernagore in West Bengal, Piyali Basak created history by becoming the first Indian to scale the highest mountain in the world, Mt Everest, without any supplemental oxygen in 2022. The mountaineer, who has been passionate about this adventure sport since she was a young girl, had attempted the record in 2019 as well, however, had to drop the plan due to bad weather conditions. But that is not where it ends. After conquering Everest, she climbed Mount Lhotse - the world's fourth-tallest mountain - in just two days. In 2021, the young mountaineer also climbed Mount Dhaulagiri in Nepal without oxygen supplementation.

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A post shared by Piyali Basak (@piyali.basak.90)

The mountaineer, who was inspired by legendary Tenzing Norgay, shared with the press, "I started my journey when I was just five. I could climb mountains easily without any support. I started going for treks at an early age and developed a passion for them. Mountaineering is my life and I will continue climbing new peaks, and making my country proud."

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Veruschka Pandey: Teen helping save lives through CPR training invited to UN

(March 13, 2024) Losing her grandmother to no first aid, Bengaluru teen Veruschka Pandey knew she wanted to do something in the field of public health. Her determination solidified when she saw people losing their lives to cardiac arrest during covid. Upon research, she found that many weren't trained in CPR, leading to the loss of many lives. This prompted her to start Surya Nayak, a project that helps give CPR training to ASHA workers, bus drivers, factory workers and security personnel in Karnataka. "Now I want to make it a mass movement," said the 15-year-old. International recognition Recently, she became the first teen from Karnataka and the second from India to have participated in the 1M1B Activate Impact Youth Summit held at the UN in New York. It was here that she got a chance to present her project which showcased her contribution to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India. [caption id="attachment_36552" align="aligncenter" width="729"] Veruschka Pandey is the founder of Project Surya Nayak.[/caption] During the summit, she emphasised the need to create awareness and make it a mass movement among health workers and the Indian youth to achieve the SDGs by 2030. "I believe it's our

is the founder of Project Surya Nayak.[/caption]

During the summit, she emphasised the need to create awareness and make it a mass movement among health workers and the Indian youth to achieve the SDGs by 2030. "I believe it's our responsibility to educate people about CPR." Comparing hearts to vessels filled with empathy, love, and life, she highlighted the importance of teaching CPR to save lives and prevent untimely deaths.

ALSO READ | Syamantak Payra: The young scientist using technology to solve healthcare challenges

Her impactful work and thoughts were showcased through a documentary titled 'Heart is a Vessel' at the UN, followed by a panel discussion featuring her mentor Manav Subodh and acclaimed filmmaker Amit Madheshiya. Additionally, a documentary on Veruschka by Madheshiva was screened at the event. Veruschka's efforts also gained recognition beyond the summit. She recently presented her project at UC Berkeley, San Francisco, under the 1M1B programme and secured the second prize. Her project, Surya Nayak, focuses on training ASHA workers in CPR, leveraging their significant presence in rural India to create a domino effect of awareness.

Saving lives

"My project Surya Nayak aims to train ASHA workers in CPR because currently there are 1.5 lakh ASHA workers in India and one per 1,000 population. I thought teaching this substantial population predominant in rural India would help me advocate my cause and raise awareness like a domino effect because these ASHA workers are well-knit within their local community" said the student of The International School Bangalore.

[caption id="attachment_36553" align="aligncenter" width="751"] Project Surya Nayak[/caption]

It all began after she lost her grandmother, and wanted to create an impact on public health. For cardiac arrests, she found the loophole in the initial first aid - CPR, and decided to learn herself and soon felt the need to impart the education to others. However, many eyebrows were raised when they realised her age. She was only 14 when she started working with ASHA workers. "When I started training, they weren't sure and confident of their own capabilities if they could learn and really perform CPR. Finally, they realised that they could do it properly after training sessions," she added.

Over the last year, she has expanded her project to different parts of Bengaluru. Sharing her experience of carrying out the project in Kolar, she said, "I reviewed their first aid material and went for a five-hour course on CPR myself, to review what they would teach. After this partnership, I collaborated with them for my first training in Kolar."

Proud to have presented her project at the UN and in front of the UC Berkeley faculty, she said that she feels motivated and appreciated. "My efforts require bigger hands to join in to make this a successful mass movement. I feel that to achieve UN sustainable goals by 2030, each one of us has to join hands and work hard to achieve the goals and make them a possibility," she said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efq3WjuQCqc

Veruschka Pandey has undoubtedly made a significant impact on public health with Project Surya. Her initiative to train ASHA workers and bus drivers in CPR not only empowers these essential frontline workers but also has the potential to save countless lives. By spreading awareness and providing crucial training, Veruschka's work addresses the critical need for timely intervention in medical emergencies, ultimately enhancing survival rates. Furthermore, her recognition at the United Nations not only acknowledges her remarkable efforts but also amplifies the importance of youth-led initiatives in addressing global health challenges. Veruschka's dedication and passion serve as an inspiring example of how individuals, regardless of age, can drive meaningful change and make a tangible difference in their communities and beyond.

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The Yale scholar integrates Bharatanatyam with mindfulness

(October 14, 2022) Yale scholar Shruti Parthasarathy, who has been learning Bharatanatyam since the age of five, has introduced the ancient Indian dance form to the people of Middleton, Wisconsin where she grew up and now to students at Yale where she is currently an undergrad student. With cultural workshops and a new app launch she combines her love for dance with the growing need for mindfulness, helping people discover the spiritual potency of Bharatanatyam, which originated in India thousands of years ago. Shruti, who has performed at many concerts in the US and also a few in India, founded Mindful Kala to bring Bharatanatyam into the spotlight and make the ancient dance form’s cultural history visible through the lens of social well-being, the need of the hour in modern society. She has been collaborating with Yale University to expand the reach of this novel approach, using Bharatanatyam to reduce stress and mood disorders and mitigate the effects of increasingly sedentary lifestyles.The youngster has bagged several awards in dance competitions and volunteer work, including the President's Volunteer Service Gold Medal in US. She has also written a book to help children build an interest in the dance form. Bharatanatyam at

ale University to expand the reach of this novel approach, using Bharatanatyam to reduce stress and mood disorders and mitigate the effects of increasingly sedentary lifestyles.The youngster has bagged several awards in dance competitions and volunteer work, including the President's Volunteer Service Gold Medal in US. She has also written a book to help children build an interest in the dance form.

Bharatanatyam at Yale

Through Mindful Kala, Shruti offers small as well as longer intensive workshops at the Good Life Center at Yale, where she is enrolled as an undergraduate scholar. Her interactive app allows people of all ages to learn about the benefits of the integration through activities and informational slides.

“I aim to empower people through interactive and easily accessible educational tools to elevate well-being and foster inter cultural sensitivity through Indian dance forms,” says the youngster, who was introduced to Bharatanatyam by her mother, Hemalatha when they moved from India to Madison 15 years ago.

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Pupil in US, guru in India

While staying in Middleton, Shruti was trained in Bharatanatyam by her guru, Medha Hari, who lives in Chennai. The two communicated online using Skype video conferencing on their computers. Although they were sceptical about Skype as medium of learning, they learned to make it well.

Both student and teacher were extremely dedicated and together, managed to overcome the challenges of learning and teaching through a computer screen, as well as navigating the significant time difference. In the process the guru and her pupil developed a lifelong bond, from a distance of 8,400 miles away from each other.

The discovery…

As a middle-schooler, Shruti was frequently stressed. She would retreat to her basement and dance, finding that it brought her great relief. As she grew up, she noticed how many people around her are stressed and wondered if dance could help them too. She began teaching Bharatanatyam to both children and adults in her vicinity. “The dance form demands that every part of the body remain active at all times, from the facial muscles right down to the toes. It’s a good workout option as well,” Shruti says. Physical benefits aside, Shruti is a firm believer in the dance form’s capacity to offer mental calm, too.

Her initiative of integrating Bharatanatyam with mindfulness had taken off, even before she joined Yale. The university supported her efforts, helping her greatly increase her scale of reach. And to Shruti, giving back in some way feels like a personal responsibility. “It’s my identity and passion and I wouldn’t want to lose it for anything,” she tells. Shruti loves everything about the dance form, from the stories to the make-up and costumes.

Bharatanatyam findings published in health journal

When Shruti began her initiative in school, it worked well with students. This led her to turn her project ‘Calm with Kalaa’ into a larger study on decreasing cultural bias. She started an experiment with 46 freshmen at her high school and put them through an eight-week intensive program of learning what Bharatanatyam is and its connections with well-being.

The pilot study provided evidence of improvements in emotional and physical health of adolescents. A statistical decrease was found in anxiety, fatigue, depressive symptoms, and pain intensity. There was a significant statistical increase in body appreciation, embodiment, peer relationships and mindfulness.

The findings of her study were published in the Advances in Global Health and Medicine Journal. She later presented her findings at the Academic Consortium of Medicine in 2021, receiving state and national media attention. She was also thrilled to find a decrease in bias in the students who were part of her study.

More experiments at Yale

Once Parthasarathy joined Yale, she continued to grow her organisation Mindful Kala and its initiative collaborating with the Good Life Centre, there. She got in touch with various cultural organizations and other clubs at Yale to scale up her initiative. Shruti has held virtual and in-person workshops with hundreds of students since then.

With help from her professors and psychology researchers, Dr Laurie Santos and Dr Elizabeth Goldfarb, Mindful Kala is conducting a randomized control trial of 53 students and educators at Yale. They are participants of a four-week Mindful Kala intensive course to study the levels of increase in well-being, mindfulness and anti-bias notions in them.

Integrating technology with art

Shruti and her team of experimenters at Yale have created an app to help people of all backgrounds get an insight into the ancient Indian dance form as well as into the principles of mindfulness. They are hoping to make an impact not just in the US but around the world. At the moment, the app is being offered as a campus initiative programme from the Yale Student Mental Health Association.

Transforming research into innovation

The ace dancer plans to take up cognitive science and sociology as a double major. She has deep interest in researching the psychosocial underpinnings of the relationship between mental wellbeing and interdisciplinary movements. She aims to translate her research into innovation so that accessibility to mental health resources increases and there is greater sense of intercultural sensitivity to a diverse array of communities.

Some of Shruti’s Bharatanatyam performances have been at:

Tamil Sangam (WITS), Madison
Dance Festival, Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Chicago
Hindu Temple, Fitchburg
Lawrence University, Appleton
Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai

Follow Shruti Parthasarathy on Facebook, LinkedIn and her website

Follow Mindful Kala on Instagram and Facebook

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