Jaskarn Singh Darad, an undergrad at York University, is working towards completing his degree in order to become a professor for Social Science. He believes that his past experiences, with handling students, have given him the skills to understand them and their needs, thus providing him a solid basis for teaching. He enjoys watching students grow into mature individuals with personalities that inspire others and that aim to create a positive environment whenever they go. Currently, he works for a dance academy called Nachdi Jawani. It is an established institution, with over ten years of experience, that produces dancers that are well versed in executing bhangra technique and are professional dance trainers that continue to promote the culture all throughout North America.
As a community, we strive to embrace all individuals of various ethnicities, genders, religions, and sexualities. We believe that everyone should be treated equally and with respect. This series of spotlights focuses on social justice pieces, so that everyone feels welcomed and supported.
Roarin' Raas, a co-ed dance team from the University of Houston, was established in 2011 by Rakesh Patel and a few others. Rakesh Patel, a Gujarati, was very fond of the culture and the dance forms of Raas and Garba. After seeing other teams, such as Dirty South Dandiya and UMBC Raascals, he had a vision of creating a nationally competing Raas/Garba dance team from the University of Houston.
Desi Dance Network Inc. is constantly amazed by the generosity and selflessness of members from the community. In collaboration with Vissagan Gopalakrishnan (VGo), we have set up a download donation link for his latest album Riyaaz. Any dollar amount would be greatly appreciated and would help DDN continue to spread the awareness of South Asian Performing Arts globally.
Ishita Bhattacharya, also known as Ishita Mili, is currently pursuing a Masters of Business and Science degree at Rutgers University. She spent most of this past year restructuring her life, because she decided against medical school and wanted to pursue a degree that would enhance her goal of combining and meshing multiple fields. In academics, this meant bringing art and technology to science. In performing arts, this meant intertwining business and dance together. Ishita wants to keep her future open, in order to follower her interests wherever they may lead her.
