Page 33 - The Indian EYE 020924

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline FEBRUARY 09, 2024 | The Indian Eye 33

introduction of Ayurvedic culture, VARSHINI HARI
and advocacy for healthy living is
truly a gift for us all. This moment is 10th-grader awarded
a source of pride for us, having the
figure of this charismatic personality
displayed in our world famous, Ma- Congressional Gold Medal
dame Tussauds New York wax attrac-
tion.” arshini Hari, was honored with
Baba Ramdev, the co-founder
the prestigious US Congres-
of Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd - one of Vsional Gold Medal. This med-
India’s largest and most prestigious
Ayurveda businesses - has played a al is the highest accolade for youth
bestowed by the US Congress. Varsh-
pivotal role in encapsulating the true
essence of Ayurveda, blending an- ini is a 10th grader at Nikola Tesla
STEM High School. She was rec-
cient wisdom with the latest technol-
ogy. Madame Tussauds artisans, in a ognized for completing at least 400
hours of voluntary public service over
previous visit to London, meticulous-
ly took over 200 exact measurements 2 years, 200 hours of personal devel-
opment which included work related
and pictures during the figure sitting to robotics and flute, and 200 hours
with Baba Ramdev, ensuring a realis- of physical fitness.
tic resemblance in the creation of his As a co-founder of a nonprofit
wax figure.
initiative, Varshini played a pivot-
al role in conducting more than 30
JYOTSNA SRIKANTH STEM workshops, with a focus on
underserved
communi-
reaching
Violinist receives 3rd highest ties. Additionally, she successfully organized fundraisers by baking over 3000
treats, contributing to the nonprofit’s initiatives. Her remarkable impact ex-
tends beyond these endeavors, as she devoted over 1000 hours to volunteer-
civilian award of UK ing, positively influencing the lives of numerous youths.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award in the United
States, alongside the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is bestowed by vote
yotsna Srikanth became the of the United States Congress. It is awarded for National appreciation for
first-ever Carnatic musician
Jto receive the title of Member distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions.
of the Order of the British Empire.
The violinist was honored by King SANDESH KADUR
Charles III with the third highest ci-
vilian award for her contribution to Wildlife photographer appointed as
music internationally.
“I really don’t know who recom- National Geographic Board of Trustee
mended me but I feel happy that I
got recognized for my good work. he National Geographic Society announced the appointment of four
The list was announced in August new members of the board of trustees – Kate E. Brandt, John K. Del-
2023, but the ceremony happened in Taney, Evan G. Greenberg and Sandesh V. Kadur. Kadur is a National
December at Windsor Castle. It felt Geographic Explorer and photojournalist, author and BAFTA Award-win-
special to go there as a VIP guest. ning documentary filmmaker. His groundbreaking wildlife documentary films
The King spoke to me about my work, have appeared on National Geographic, Discovery and the BBC.
too; it was a memorable experience,” The addition of these members and their varied expertise will help bolster
Srikanth tells us. the Society’s commitment to illuminating and protecting the wonder of our
Now, the violinist feels more motivated to produce great music. “For world through the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling.
2024, my plan is to work more on stringed instruments. I’ve planned to work “We are delighted to welcome these four distinguished individuals to
with string orchestras and new compositions. I want to launch a Bangalore the National Geographic Society Board of Trustees,” said Board Chair Jean
String Quartet, inspired by the Madras String Quartet. It’ll be Carnatic music Case. “It is essential to have a team of strong leaders with varied expertise and
with a Western quartet concept. In the past, I’ve collaborated with musicians unique viewpoints in order to make real change and highlight global issues,
from diverse genres — right from jazz to Swedish music and more. I also want and the addition of this exceptional group will prove invaluable as we contin-
to experiment with composing,” she tells us. ue to work towards our ambitious commitment of exploring and protecting
Other international stars who have been awarded an MBE in the past the wonder of our world.”
included Adele, Ed Sheeran and Marcus Rashford. Jyotsna is the most sought As part of the Society’s commitment to building on the invaluable knowl-
after South Indian Carnatic violinist and composer known for her versatility edge of the Explorer community, Kadur has been named the second-ever Ex-
and ability to collaborate with different genres seamlessly and with ease. She plorer Trustee. This role is a recently created board position to be held for a
has been trained in the western classical system too and has been travelling two-year term by a National Geographic Explorer — exceptional changemak-
worldwide, connecting cultures and producing innovative projects. ers in their field who receive funding from the Society to support projects that
Srikanth feels her win will bring Carnatic music in the spotlight. “I feel advance the organization’s mission. Kadur brings his talents as an Explorer
this form of classical music needs more recognition, especially in Europe. I and storyteller in the hopes that his work will reveal places and species people
have travelled a lot and have noticed people restricting the genre to just south rarely see and will inspire new passion to protect them.
India. However, it needs a wider audience. To make Carnatic music reach the
masses, it should be done in a more contemporary manner. That’s what my To read more about Indian diaspora and Global Indians,
aim is,” she wraps up. log on to and follow our website www.TheIndianEYE.com

www.TheIndianEYE.com