Who Are We?
A Virtual Conference Activating Youth Voices in South Asian Diaspora
The first-of-its-kind leadership conference organized by young Kathak artists, cultivating South Asian American dialogue on identity, racism, and cultural norms. Join us for engaging youth guest speakers, North Indian classical dance lecture-demonstrations, and panel discussions to elevate the next generation of voices in shaping our future.
Under the direction and mentorship of renowned Kathak artist Rachna Nivas and assistant direction by Ahana Mukherjee.
Featured Guest Speakers:
Apoorva Handigol
(Age 23), Princeton in Asia Fellow, Mellon Mays undergraduate fellow in Black and Brown solidarity
Angel More
(Age 18), youngest to complete the California Triple Crown in marathon swimming, raising $1 million for children in poverty through Children International.
SCHEDULE
Saturday, July 11, 2020 “We are not a single story”
9:30 - 11AM | Closed Round-table Discussion: Being A Kathaka: How it shapes our identity as South Asian Americans (CLOSED TO PUBLIC) |
12 - 1PM |
PUBLIC EVENTS:
Guest Speaker Angel More Interviewed by Namita Nair followed by audience Q&A |
1 - 3PM | Kathak Lecture Demonstration
Mallika Parulekar, Graduating Senior of Chhandam Youth Dance Company |
1:30 - 3PM | Panel Discussion
South Asian Culture in the West: Breaking the monolithic view of our community Panelists: Samika Saxena (18), Sharra Kutty (15), Diya Chatwani (15), Samika Agarwal (15), Kaavya Venuturupalli (14); Moderated by Ahana Mukherjee |
Sunday, July 12, 2020 “Finding the Ally Within”
9:30 - 11AM | Closed Round-table Discussion: Black lives matter and the roles of South Asian youth in the fight for justice (CLOSED TO PUBLIC) |
12 - 1PM |
PUBLIC EVENTS:
Guest Speaker Apoorva Handigol Interviewed by Maanibha Sengupta followed by audience Q&A |
1 - 1:30PM | Kathak Lecture Demonstration
Samika Saxena, Graduating Senior of Chhandam Youth Dance Company |
1:30 - 3PM | Panel Discussion
Having the Difficult Conversation: How South Asian cultural biases lead to racism and colorism Panelists: Asha-Baudart Gehlawat (15), Mallika Parulekar (17), Himani Mishra (15), Saanshi Panigrahi (15), Monishka Tanwani (14); Moderated by Rachna Nivas |


Free Livestream Event
Questions: whoarewe@kathak.org
Presented by Chhandam Youth Dance Company in partnership with Leela Academy and Sureela Academy, supported by: