Radha Pandya: Taking forward the traditional art form of Bharatanatyam in the US
Compiled by: Team GI Youth
(November 11, 2023) Kohl-rimmed eyes, with beautiful mudras, and nuanced facial expressions, there’s a story unfolding on the stage at Piscataway in New Jersey. The 18-year-old Indian American is bringing to life the story of Krishna, an Indian god, who helped protect Draupadi after her husband lost her in a game of dice. This is her 40th performance on stage, ever since she began learning the traditional dance art form of Bharatanatyam at the age of four. In these years, she has dedicated herself to honing a 3,000-year-old Indian dance, ensuring that the legacy of her culture is passed on through the generations.
“When we are growing up in America, away from our origins of India or other areas around there, I think we sometimes lose our connection with our culture,” said Radha, adding, “This is what keeps us tied to that… dancing and teaching this to young kids is a way of preserving this legacy, especially this super old and ancient dance form.”
A senior at Piscataway High School, Radha started learning Bharatanatyam in Greensboro, North Carolina with Veena Argade, and later with Priya Gopal. She later began training under Guru Srimathi Selvi Chandranathan, who trained Radha at Bharata Kala Nrityakshetra dance school in Piscataway. Her Guru got a glimpse of her talent even when she was a kid, and knew that she had the potential to make it big.
With over a million Asians that live in New Jersey, Indian Americans make up the largest ethnic group. And it’s this Indian community in New Jersey that has helped cement the tradition and infuse the culture and history of India in the natives.
It’s been rigorous training for the last 14 years for Radha, and is keen to carry the legacy of Bharatanatyam forward through her art. For her, everything comes alive as she takes the centrestage, and immerses herself in the art form. Growing up, she heard stories and now portraying those stories on the big stage, she feels honoured. Bringing to life the story of Krishna, she considers it a responsibility that she needs to uphold with dignity. “Performing this scene (protecting Draupadi) was very emotional because you are playing these different roles. You are playing the bad king, the good king, and then you are playing the woman who’s trying to save herself and her dignity. And then you are playing the saviour,” the Global Indian added.
At a time when most kids her age prefer dancing to Bollywood tunes, she wants to keep the tradition of Bharatanatyam alive through her performances. “For me, I have been wanting to do this forever,” added Radha, who says that her art form is completely different from what her friends have opted for. “A lot of them do Bollywood dances or things that are seen on TV and commercialized, but this is a completely classical dance, so it is a little different from what you normally see,” said the teenager.
In the last 14 years, Radha’s dance journey has helped her develop a greater appreciation for her culture and heritage. Radha, who is interested in pursuing the sciences in the future, and has also been part of the Princeton W.E.B Du Bois Accelerated Learning Academy, is keen to take the art form to the next level. Her love for Bharatanatyam goes beyond performances as she is also mentoring young students in the art form.
(Aug 13, 2023) Indian-origin filmmaker Bishal Dutta boasts an impressive creative repertoire spanning diverse mediums, including short films, digital series, music videos, and broadcast commercials. His short film 'Life in Colour' gained recognition as an official selection at the American Pavilion’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase during the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. With his cinematic accomplishments celebrated at nearly two dozen international film festivals - including esteemed events in Italy, Austria, and France, Bishal has secured six Best Director awards for his proficiency in both narrative and documentary filmmaking. Adding another milestone to his career, the US-based filmmaker marked his debut feature film 'It Lives Inside' with a world premiere at SXSW 2023, receiving rave reviews and an audience award. The horror movie, set to hit theatres in September, has ignited intrigue with its trailer. In an interview, Bishal shared, "Horror is the most expressive of all the genres." [caption id="attachment_32523" align="aligncenter" width="566"] Bishal Dutta[/caption] As both the director and writer of the film, he draws inspiration from a blend of sources. The twenty-six-year-old has included elements of Indian folklore, a ghost story that he heard from his grandfather, and his own Indian American background, to shape the film's thematic essence. Making an Indian
piration from a blend of sources. The twenty-six-year-old has included elements of Indian folklore, a ghost story that he heard from his grandfather, and his own Indian American background, to shape the film's thematic essence.
Making an Indian horror film in America
'It Lives Inside' is not solely about ghosts but also a reflection of the Indian American experience. The narrative revolves around Sam, a young girl of Indian American descent, navigating the challenge of harmonising her cultural identity with the dynamics of her peers. The plot takes a darker turn when her close friend, Tamira, falls under the sway of a Pishach (a mythological demonic spirit). "Making this movie was a surreal experience. I was fortunate to have incredible collaborators and partners throughout the entire process," the Global Indian revealed in an interview.
The filmmaker artfully incorporates elements of his upbringing and cultural heritage, including the unique superstitions prevalent in Indian society, into his debut feature. Through the horror genre's prowess, he makes his film a medium to establish cultural connections while highlighting the distinctive aspects that set cultures apart.
Among the film’s cast are actors such as Megan Suri from 'Never Have I Ever,' Betty Gabriel, known for her breakout role in 'Get Out,' and Indian Canadian actress Neeru Bajwa.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5xUbuYHdi8
Inspired by his grandpa’s ghost story
In interviews, Bishal has credited the story idea to his grandfather, who used to narrate stories to him when he was a child. Many scenes of 'It Lives Inside' stem from his favourite ghost story, which was based on his grandfather's actual experiences. The tale involved encountering a young girl who carried a jar and appeared to converse with an unseen presence in it. Bishal reminisces, "This story was a favourite of mine growing up.”
The jar and other elements like eerie noises, the sound of a galloping horse, and other unsettling occurrences in the darkness of the night have all found a place in Bishal’s cinematic narrative.
As a filmmaker, he has used the concept of being influenced by an evil spirit to metaphorically depict inner turmoil. The Pishach embodies the inner conflict of Indian-origin teenagers growing up abroad. "They feel torn between their Indian culture and their new life in America," Bishal remarks.
The spirit symbolizes a hidden aspect of the protagonist Sam's identity that she conceals, mirroring her apprehension that being from a different culture might hinder her acceptance.
[caption id="attachment_32526" align="aligncenter" width="511"] Poster of 'It Lives Inside'[/caption]
Love for horror
“After I moved to North America from India at the age of four, a lot of my social education came from watching American horror films,” the filmmaker shared.
He watched his first horror movie ‘Terminator 1’ as a five-year-old. In it, I saw a guy’s heart getting ripped out in the first two minutes. That really stayed with me.” Later movies like ‘Alien’, ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’, ‘Poltergeist’ and ‘The Conjuring’ built his appetite for horror movies in his growing-up years.
Now as a horror filmmaker himself, Dutta even managed to scare his parents with his own film. “They watched the whole thing and now my dad doesn't go in the basement anymore when it's too dark. But it's a dual experience because while they're scared, this film in so many ways is so personal, and I think it meant a lot to them to see these moments that are really from our life.” Bishal shared adding, "It Lives Inside’ is a story about what happens when you change who you are to fit in. It makes you think while also giving you chills.”
The filmmaker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Media Studies from the University of California, Berkley.
(July 21, 2023) Whether it is former vice president of India, M Venkaiah Naidu, or Kiran Bedi, the first woman to join the officer ranks of the Indian Police Service, Sagarikka Sivakumar has had the privilege of presenting her debut book, My Unskooled Year to them, and receiving their blessings. Her book is a testament to the courage of taking a different path, allowing oneself the time and freedom to explore personal growth and find clarity in life's direction. It encapsulates Sagarikka’s explorations in her gap year. A gap year between high school and college is a common choice, but Sagarikka Sivakumar took it a step further by opting for a break right after completing class 10. Initially met with disapproval from relatives and friends who believed she was ‘wasting a year,’ Sagarikka found unwavering support from her entrepreneur parents. "Why not?" they said. "Just go and explore whatever you want to do." “They were encouraging,” recalls Sagarikka in a conversation with Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_32033" align="aligncenter" width="857"] Sagarikka Sivakumar with Kiran Bedi[/caption] "After completing my class 10 exams, I realised that our education system only provides a minimal perspective of the world beyond school. This prompted me to take
[caption id="attachment_32033" align="aligncenter" width="857"] Sagarikka Sivakumar with Kiran Bedi[/caption]
"After completing my class 10 exams, I realised that our education system only provides a minimal perspective of the world beyond school. This prompted me to take a year-long break and explore what I truly wanted to pursue in life," Sagarikka shares. "Standard 11 is the most crucial year in a student's life as one has to choose subjects according to the path one wants to pursue. I wasn't sure about that," she admits. "I wanted to take a step back and have some time to read and learn about things that school doesn't teach," she says.
Making use of time
During this break, Sagarikka meticulously documented her diverse experiences, later compiling them into the book - My Unskooled Year. "It is a book about my transformation," she reflects. "I wrote every day during that time."
Her book has sold over 8,000 copies, receiving praise from readers. Encouraged by the positive response, Sagarikka decided to have it translated into Tamil. With her unconventional decision and the publication of her book, she began receiving invitations to speak at schools, colleges, and organisations. "I carried 300-400 copies wherever I went," Sagarikka shares, highlighting the success she achieved by selling a substantial number of copies during her speaking engagements. "Finally, my relatives, who initially believed my year-long break would lead to a mess, were able to understand my perspective."
The youngster is not afraid of self-experiments and loves to document the journey during the time for the benefit of others. Shaken by the tragic loss of a 21-year-old friend to sudden cardiac arrest, potentially linked to obesity and an unhealthy diet, Sagarikka got determined to raise awareness on the subject. She consulted doctors and nutritionists and discovered the increased prevalence of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart problems among young people of today.
Identifying junk food as a major contributing factor, she decided to embark on a 30-day junk food experiment. "I wanted to document the changes in my body," Sagarikka tells. To monitor her body's response, Sagarikka had a sugar sensor attached and underwent a blood test before commencing the experiment. For 30 days, she consumed nothing but junk food five times a day.
Within just two days, Sagarikka noticed a significant spike in her sugar levels. She experienced fatigue, lethargy, and even caught a cold, signaling a weakened immune system.
By the last day of the experiment, Sagarikka observed alarming changes in her blood parameters. Her fasting glucose levels had risen from 86 to 93.8, fructosamine levels had increased from 214 to 283.7, and homocysteine levels (a risk factor for heart disease) had escalated. Additionally, her triglycerides and testosterone levels had risen, while her white blood cell count had decreased, indicating lower immunity. She also gained 3 kilograms in weight.
To accomplish her goal behind the junk food experiment, she released a documentary on YouTube titled Eat Fast Die Young.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTCFT6uzd_I
The documentary served as a poignant reminder of the detrimental effects of junk food on overall health. It inspired not only the younger generation but elders too to reconsider their dietary choices and promote a healthier lifestyle to combat the alarming rise in obesity-related health conditions.
After her experiment, due to sheer willpower, Sagarikka was able to revert to her good habits, but ever since she has been on a mission to share the dangerous effects of junk food on the lives of millions.
"I had expected that exercising and adopting a healthy diet for a month would help me lose weight and restore my blood parameters to normal. However, it took me three months to reduce the weight I gained in one month of eating junk food and even longer to change the blood parameters to a previous condition,” she tells adding, “Just imagine how much harm people inflict on themselves by frequently having junk food over the years.”
Life ahead
A student at Amity University, Sagarikka has turned entrepreneur. The third-year student of business administration and data science is helping companies with their branding needs with her start-up ‘BeBindaas’.
She has also launched an app that is a platform for young professionals and start-up founders to connect socially, expand their network and take their work forward.
“An entrepreneur’s journey entails lots of struggles and disappointments and is not a smooth ride. It takes lots of patience and hard work if one is starting from scratch. I am planning to write a book on how to make the life of young start-up founders like me easier with a step-to-step guide from my learnings,” tells the Chennai based youngster. Her second book, Entrepreneurial Odyssey: A Train Journey Across India based on Jagriti Yatra 2022 - a 14-day train journey of discovery and transformation organised by the Government of India is going to be released soon. For the 8,000 km journey, 500 ambitious youth from India and abroad were selected to meet the country's inspiring role models in social and business entrepreneurship.
To ignite a growth mindset for youngsters and to motivate them to bring positive changes in life to succeed, Sagarikka always looks forward to speaking engagements to make a difference in her little way.
(January 4, 2024) At 24, Arya Giri showcased her work at the New York Fashion Week 2022, achieving what countless designers dream their whole lives of doing. What’s more, this was a mere 10 months after she had launched her own, eponymous brand. The child who once sat admiring her mother’s Kanchivarams is now taking giant strides in the fashion world, buoyed by her own global upbringing and her royal lineage. Arya Giri sits down with Global Indian to recount her journey into global couture. [caption id="attachment_35006" align="aligncenter" width="367"] Arya Giri[/caption] A childhood passion Seven-year-old Arya sat close beside her mother as she showed her latest handloom Kanchivarams to her dear friend, Meena. Arya sat eagerly, eyes darting to take in every detail, enamoured by the sun’s beaming reflection off the glistening, pure gold zari. She scuttled across the warm Singapore house, hopped over steps of a polished wooden staircase, leaving a sudden silence in her wake. Her mother and the friend sipped on their chai and waited, sure of what she had planned this time. A moment later, Arya rushed back inside with a heap of 7 x 7 in glossy Origami papers, much to her mother’s amusement. Arya
hopped over steps of a polished wooden staircase, leaving a sudden silence in her wake. Her mother and the friend sipped on their chai and waited, sure of what she had planned this time. A moment later, Arya rushed back inside with a heap of 7 x 7 in glossy Origami papers, much to her mother’s amusement. Arya sat next to Meena Aunty and began. “See this, Aunty. It’s a parrot green body with purple designs and I know this sari will look so pretty on you!” and Meena Aunty played along. “Hmm yes baby, this is beautiful, but do you have anything in pink?”
This game was a common occurrence for Arya’s mom and her clients. “I suppose you could say that’s where Arya Giri was born,” Arya Giri says. Arya’s story is one constructed across numerous longitudes and latitudes, Missouri, California, Singapore, Chennai, and more. Having moved around so much through her formative years, Arya's understanding of her cultural roots and identity came to her through fashion. She went on to major in Fashion Media and Industries at Lasalle College of the Arts, and started her label, Arya Giri.
Fashion First
She runs Arya Giri (AG), a luxe prêt label that combines playful self-expression and evocative poetry with powerful emotional links. By incorporating narrative into the fabric of AG, they creatively bring disruptive hand-embroidery to the forefront. AG debuted at New York Fashion Week SS23 and Paris Fashion Week SS24, and is represented by Evoluzione Chennai and Delhi, Pernia's Pop-Up Shop, Flying Solo New York City and Paris, and AG e-commerce. Bindu Giri, a handloom sari brand is her mother's brand. “The brand's collection of magnificent Kanchipuram sarees online is as one-of-a-kind as it is pure, with authentic handlooms taken from Bindu Giri's royal heritage. Bindu and Arya collaborate closely with weaving communities to handcraft Kanchipuram silk saris that are meticulously handcrafted from start to finish with excellence using original ingredients and processes,” she explains.
[caption id="attachment_35007" align="aligncenter" width="518"] From the Sher-Rani collection by Arya Giri[/caption]
AG's USP is interwoven into a dual-purpose statement, is at the core of the label’s philosophy. First, is to lead the charge in presenting craft in a humorous yet poignant way. The rate at which artisanship is accepted and supported around the world is growing, but it is not keeping up with the rate at which craft communities are contracting, Arya says. “By the end of the next ten years, AG hopes to dispel the myth that good quality always comes at a premium cost and become affordable for the public. The second goal is to support a multicultural community of people who are interested in reflecting on their cultural tangibility.” The AG individual, in Arya’s eyes, is “majestic, inquisitive, and effervescent, who values quality, history, and defying convention,” and the brand intends to enhance everyday items with a touch of high culture.
Fashion Week
Ten months after she launched her label, she was invited to show her collection at the New York Fashion Week. This was her chance to establish India’s fashion footprint internationally, and to “provide a crucial platform for the story of her collection, Sher-Rani, the Tigress Queen.” The collection tells the tale of the phool wali, or flower garland maker, and how she becomes the local Tigress Queen or Sher-Rani by weaving flower garlands together. In a more contemporary interpretation, the Sher Rani shattered the glass ceiling to provide her children with a brighter future. “The combination of strength, grace, dignity and ferocity is what makes Indian women so remarkable,” Arya smiles. And flowers play an important role in every step of an Indian’s life, too, from birth to cremation.
Since then, Arya Giri has started selling merchandise in Paris and given fashion week showcases. They have interesting surprises in store for next year as well as additional ways for the public to engage with their work as part of their expansion plans for the USA.
Admitting that challenges are baked into the journey of a startup and the title of entrepreneurship, she consciously strives to continually remind herself that these are moments for learning and change. “I think maintaining a growth mindset is imperative since the beauty of the job is its dynamism,” she admits. Being an entrepreneur involves a wide range of skills, and Arya has learned on the job, teaching herself everything, from production management and marketing, to expansion strategies.
“It has been a truly humbling and rewarding journey. If I were to share one lesson that comes to mind, I would say it’s the fact that no matter how difficult it can be, feed your creative mind first and then your commercial mind. When you are in the startup headspace, often it can be challenging to straddle the tightrope of saleability vs. experimental creativity. Finding that sweet spot is imperative,” she says. Outside work her stress buster and emotional outlet is dance. “There is so much in the pipeline for AG, BG, and otherwise and I look forward to sharing more with you. You can expect more dynamic collections, more places to find our work, and exciting immersive experiences,” she concludes.
(June 25, 2023) "People say I live in a slum but I love my life! I hope to be a supermodel to help my family eat," reads 15-year-old Maleesha Kharwa's Insta bio. The teenager from Mumbai's slum is already inching towards her dream as she featured on the cover of Cosmopolitan and is now the face of a luxury beauty brand Forest Essentials. This was all a dream for her who lived in a makeshift shanty made of sticks, but things took a turn for the better when American actor Robert Hoffman spotted her in 2020. Little did Maleesha know that the encounter was set to change the course of her life. [caption id="attachment_31384" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Maleesha Kharwa[/caption] It was in the spring of 2020 that Step Up 2: The Streets actor Robert landed in Mumbai for the shoot of a music video for which he was scouting for an authentic slum dweller. One of his friends told him about this beautiful girl living in a slum. That's how he met Maleesha, then a 12-year-old with a "million-dollar smile" living on the streets of Mumbai. "I couldn't believe she was in the middle of Mumbai living on the street yet
c video for which he was scouting for an authentic slum dweller. One of his friends told him about this beautiful girl living in a slum. That's how he met Maleesha, then a 12-year-old with a "million-dollar smile" living on the streets of Mumbai. "I couldn't believe she was in the middle of Mumbai living on the street yet nobody had discovered her. I came to realise this was because the Indian culture regards dark skin as unattractive. But I knew for sure the international beauty industry would see her differently, especially in tandem with her unforgettable levity and charm in spite of all else," said Hoffman. What was meant to be a short trip ended up in a five-month long stay, owing to the lockdown and pandemic. Though the music shoot was stalled indefinitely, he knew he had found a gem in Mumbai.
In pursuit of stardom
When Robert approached Maleesha, she was living in a slum in Bandra with her family in a house made of sticks, which was often razed down by the municipality, and the family would rebuild it for the umpteenth time. When asked about her dreams, she revealed that she wants to be a model. Despite her situation, Maleesha dreamt big, and Universe somehow conspired to get her what she wished for. Then in sixth standard in a government-run school, Maleesha undertook odd jobs to make money. "Sometimes my family will go to TV and movie sets hoping to get picked as background actors. This is how I got interested in becoming a professional child model! There are many jobs like children's clothing catalogues which I could potentially get cast in!," she wrote on her GoFundMe page.
When Robert met her and realised her potential, he knew the next step was to speak to her father, of course, with the help of an interpreter, explaining to them the opportunity that had the potential to change her life forever. "We spoke at great lengths, so I could be sure they understood that modelling was neither a guarantee, nor something that could be counted on forever," he told Better India, adding that after days of consultation, the family decided to let Maleesha give it a try.
The dawn of a new life
This gave Robert enough confidence to start an Instagram page, sharing Maleesha's story. His goal was to help her connect with a supportive and reliable community of women who are trustworthy and professional. He wanted her to have a strong network of peers, influence, and accountability.
The story touched the hearts of many cheering her on, and soon earned her the moniker of Slum Princess, who now boasts of 332k followers on Instagram. While she found fame on social media, Robert had to figure out the legalities before letting her start her modelling career. "We began speaking to NGOs, the US consulate in Mumbai, entertainment figureheads, and unending voluntary consultants about how to craft Maleesha’s movement and the GoFundMe account for her ( which has amounted to $14,873 so far) in the most delicate way, considering her age and socioeconomic status," he told the website.
[caption id="attachment_31383" align="aligncenter" width="603"] Maleesha Kharwa with Robert Hoffman[/caption]
The same year, she featured on the cover of Peacock Magazine, thus inspiring millions that "those who dare to dream often find a way to make them come true." That was her big breakthrough, and soon more modelling projects starting lining up for the teenager. She even featured on the cover of Cosmopolitan's 26th anniversary issue in 2022. The money from the modelling assignments helped her rent a one-room flat in a tenement in Mumbai. "Earlier, we did not have proper electricity, we had to go far to fetch water but now we have a power connection, there is a ceiling fan, we have tap water," she told a daily, adding, "The municipality would often demolish our huts but now we have a safer roof over our heads. My father is proud of me."
[caption id="attachment_31382" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Maleesha Kharwa on the cover of Cosmopolitan[/caption]
However, Robert wants Maleesha to strike a healthy balance between modelling and leading a normal life, and has made it clear that her work hours would be limited. "Education would always come first, and that modelling stops if grades go down. Early on, it was decided that Maleesha would stay clear of pageants and mass-auditioning. In fact, Maleesha has yet to go to a single audition. Every job so far has come to her. The kid and her story are truly magic," he added.
Encouraging Indian women to embrace natural beauty
In a country that's obsessed with fair skin, the metrics are alarming as India Fairness Cream and Bleach Market Outlook report revealed that the market is anticipated to grow six percent CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) by 2027-28. However, Maleesha is on a mission to encourage women, especially youngsters to embrace natural beauty. "I see beauty in everything. Many people think that only light skin is beautiful … I just think it is silly. It is not how I see the world. Beautiful faces are nice but beauty is more important on the inside. I love my complexion and I feel perfect. I am very happy that I can share the message that there is no proper rule for girls and women to follow. They can do whatever they want to do. I am happy that I can inspire other girls and tell them that they are special," she added.
Maleesha's story is one of hope and faith. From scraping for food to finally getting a chance to follow her dreams, the teen has come a long way. "My journey is proof that nothing is impossible...you just need to keep trying."
(May 24, 2022) The ongoing global pandemic COVID-19 brought the world's attention to the importance of a good immune system. No remedy was too far-fetched, people around the globe tried everything they could get their hands on, from Ayurvedic herbs to home-made concoctions. Meanwhile, medical student Rishi Goel was hard at work learning more about immune engineering, trying to apply the principles of engineering to design and workings of the immune system. "I am working to understand immune responses to viral pathogens," the young Indian-American youngster tells Global Indian, adding, "My work has contributed to a better understanding of immune memory in the context of COVID-19 and mRNA vaccines. I also helped start the Immune Health Project at Penn, which aims to lead the transformation of routine human immune profiling for impact across medical disciplines.” [caption id="attachment_17065" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Rishi Goel, with immunologist Dr E. John Wherry, after receiving the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship[/caption] The young doctor, whose family hails from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is currently a research fellow in E. John Wherry’s laboratory, at the University of Pennsylvania, and aims to become a physician-scientist working on immunology research to enhance the patient experience. Rishi recently received a Paul &
The young doctor, whose family hails from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is currently a research fellow in E. John Wherry’s laboratory, at the University of Pennsylvania, and aims to become a physician-scientist working on immunology research to enhance the patient experience. Rishi recently received a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship which provides funding up to $90,000 over two years for postgraduate study. The fellowship is open to immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States.
An Indie kid
Rishi's grandfather, a civil engineer, came to USA about four decades ago along with his son, who was just six or seven years old at the time. "My father," Rishi shares, "is a businessman. My mother, on the other hand, grew up in Lucknow and moved to the US after she got married." Growing up, Rishi was deeply inspired by his grandfather who, he recalls, "brought scientific curiosity and wonder to everyday household tasks." The duo would spend their weekends together experimenting with new ingredients.
[caption id="attachment_17066" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Childhood image of Rishi[/caption]
Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Rishi was always a very active child, involved in various sports during his school days. However, as much as he loved the US, he never lost touch with his roots. Growing up in a Hindi-speaking household, Rishi says he loved his visits to India. "We would visit my Nana and Nani during vacation and I used to enjoy my time there. It was kind of a reunion for me, because all my cousins would come home, there would be amazing food, and we would have a gala time," Rishi shares.
Fascinated by immunology
After completing school, Rishi graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and a minor in applied statistics. Through his work at the Michigan Nanotechnology Institute, Rishi became fascinated with the immune system. "During that time, I designed and tested a novel therapeutic vaccine for food allergies that was able to re-train pathologic immune responses and suppress disease. I was amazed by the immune system's ability to learn and improve over time, and began to wonder how it could be used or engineered to treat disease."
[caption id="attachment_17067" align="aligncenter" width="642"] Rishi with his family[/caption]
Following his undergraduate education, Rishi earned a master’s degree in immunology from the University of Oxford, where he was awarded highest distinction for his academic work and was a member of the Blues lacrosse team. Explaining, the young doctor shares, "There I completed an IRTA Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, investigating new mechanisms of tissue damage in autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis."
[caption id="attachment_17069" align="aligncenter" width="651"] A sports lover, Rishi was a part of the Oxford City Lacrosse Club[/caption]
Focused on understanding the human immune system better, Rishi has published over 20 academic papers, including first-author publications in Science, Cell, and Nature Medicine. His recent work on understanding immune responses to viral pathogens and has led to new insights into the development of immune memory after SARS-CoV-2 infection and mRNA vaccination. "I aim to bring immune profiling into the clinic to better diagnose, treat, and prevent disease," says the young doctor, who is excited to have received the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship. When he says he hasn’t lost touch with his roots, he means it: "My family is very proud but they keep asking me when I’m going to finish my education, start earning and get married," he laughs.
Going beyond the call of duty
During the last two years of pandemic, people across the globe have been bombarded with misinformation - not just about the disease, but also about vaccines. When cases peaked in United States last year, Rishi became a leading science communicator on COVID vaccines, with regular contributions to major news outlets such as The Atlantic, Nature News, and NPR.
[caption id="attachment_17068" align="aligncenter" width="637"] Dr Goel, with his friends, at the Bryce Canyon[/caption]
"While there were several health bulletins being published or broadcast across the world, many people were still choosing to believe the forwarded messages of their family members on social media. Even today, many people in the US are hesitant to get vaccinated. I think it is imperative that doctors should be able to communicate in a language that the masses understand. Thus, I started communicating with various media outlets, dispelling the myths about COVID and its vaccinations," shares the young doctor, who wishes to become a physician-scientist in the future.