Page 23 - The Indian EYE 121225

Newsmakers of the Week DECEMBER 12, 2025 | The Indian Eye 23

“This opportunity aligns per-
BHAVANA REDDY fectly with my passion for advancing
Kuchipudi Students Shine at the geospatial industry, supporting
emerging professionals and my ded-
Annual Show in Philadelphia ication to fostering a vibrant and en-
gaged alumni community,” Pandey
said. “Joining the GEMS Board al-
hiladelphia, PA: West Chester lows me to give back to the institution
East High School Auditorium that played a pivotal role in my ca-
Pwas the setting for the Annu- reer and also enables me to contrib-
al Student Showcase of the Interna- ute to the success and growth of cur-
tional Center for Kuchipudi Dance rent and future students in the field.”
(ICKD). The event showcased Ku- Pandey is currently a manager
chipudi’s grace, skill, and tradition, at Deloitte & Touche LLP in the lo-
which are the principal characteristics cation intelligence practice. He has
of this ancient Indian classical dance. more than 10 years of experience helping organizations make data-driven de-
H.E. Piyush Singh, Head of cisions with solutions leveraging geospatial data and technology.
Press and Culture, Indian Consul- He also serves on the board of directors for the Geospatial Professional
atein New York, formally opened Network (GPN) and previously served a 3-year term on the GPN’s Vanguard
the event and was accompanied by Cabinet. He was recognized in 2018 in the xyHt magazine’s “40 Under 40”
prominent members of the arts and list of remarkable geospatial professionals. Geospatial World named him one
culture community in the greater Philadelphia area. of its “50 Rising Stars” in the geospatial industry in 2021 and he was listed in
Founded by the world-renowned Kuchipudi virtuoso, Bhavana Reddy, xyHt magazine’s “22 Young Geospatial Professionals to Watch in 2022.” He
the International Centre for Kuchipudi Dance is an institution, fostering a was one of the GPN’s Young Professional of the Year award recipients in 2022
community for Kuchipudi. As the daughter of Padma Bhushan Awardees and most recently, the GPN Leadership Award in 2023.
Drs. Raja and Radha Reddy, she is continuing the Reddy family’s illustrious Pandey earned his bachelor’s degree in geography in 2014. He also re-
legacy. Students from states such as Texas, California, Arizona, Illinois and ceived a master of professional studies degree in geographic information sys-
Pennsylvania showcased their hard work and dedication and delivered an en- tems (GIS) from the University of Maryland.
tertaining performance filled with traditional Kuchipudi pieces.
Through virtual training with Bhavana Reddy over the last few years, her To read more about Indian diaspora and Global Indians, log on to and follow
students came together to attend intensive rehearsals with her in Philadel-
phia this month and create the outstanding show they presented. The works our website www.TheIndianEYE.com
presented during the performance Mandooka Sabdam, Jathiswaram, An-
namacharya Keerthana, Jathikattu and Rajashri Sabdam and the institution
continues to grow, building upon the teachings of her gurus.
Bhavana Reddy’s teaching philosophies have nurtured a wide range of
students - both experienced and beginner, adults and kids.
“Of the several ancient forms of dance and art on this earth, Kuchipudi,
which can be interpreted as the essence of India, has the largest number of
practitioners worldwide,” says Bhavana Reddy.
Bhavana Reddy, founder and artistic director of the International Center
for Kuchipudi Dance, says, “This production has helped to generate interest
in Indian antiquity and dance form through the diligence and commitment
of our students. We hope our production encourages stronger interest in and
participation in Indian classical arts.”
International Centre for Kuchipudi Dance (ICKD), founded in 2020, is
an institution dedicated to the education and support of a global network of
committed devotees, with approximately 30 members located in the USA, Ba-
hamas, Canada, Europe, UAE, and India. Over the past five years, ICKD has
been able to host 5 digital showcases and now hosts 4 live showcases and has
worldwide reach for Kuchipudi dance.
SIDDHARTH PANDEY

Penn State appoints executive to

GEMS board

hiladelphia, PA: The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at The
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) has announced the appoint-
Pment of Siddharth Pandey, the location intelligence manager at Deloitte,
as a new member to the Graduates of Earth and Mineral Sciences (GEMS)
Board of Directors.
The GEMS board is composed of 16 members — 15 plus the immediate
past president. It was established in 1994 to provide leadership and program-
ming opportunities for the GEMS Alumni Society. Board members are nom-
inated and elected by the general GEMS membership and the active board of
directors and serve a three-year term.

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