When I think about what it means to be a “well-rounded” individual, several characteristics come to mind. And Janani Shiva strikes me as a true example of one, affirming my belief that our younger generation is capable of changing the world for the better. Only a sophomore in high school, Janani has spoken at the
On a basketball court, screaming fans cheer for the win. A young Indian-American player dribbles the ball near center court, dreaming of the same outcome. Reeya Patel, a senior at Huron High School, is energetic both on and off the court and talked to the Indian SCENE about her love of playing basketball and her
At one of Troy-based Finesse Academy’s monthly alumni sessions in early December, college counselor Arun Ponnusamy, the chief academic officer of college consulting company Collegewise, extensively explained the changing role of college counselors in students’ lives and offered advice for college applicants. The Indian SCENE caught up with Ponnusamy to discuss the daunting college admissions
Until recently, I think it’s safe to say conversations surrounding mental health and wellness have been few and far between in a vast majority of Indian and Indian-American households. For this reason, the immediate picture many generations of Indians have long held in mind when imagining someone “mentally unwell” might include alarmist and harmful fears
Dhruv Rathod, the only child of Manisha and Ashish, is a fourth grader at Novi’s Deerfield Elementary School who’s been singing since he was four years old. In March, the 9-year-old will have the opportunity of a lifetime: singing the national anthem at a Detroit Pistons game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. (He’ll also be
With an enthusiasm for the vocal arts and a passion for music, Srushti Gubbi, 13, has taken the center stage at many events, including a Detroit Lions game and the U.S. Open, where she sang the National Anthem after Serena Williams competed. Poised and steady, Srushti performs with ease and shows that even a middle-schooler
Next fall, Sahil Deenadayalu will attend Case Western University, where he was recruited to play tennis. But for now, he’s a senior at Greenhills High School in Ann Arbor, where he lives with his parents—whom he describes as “funny” and “forward-thinking”—and “two cute, fluffy, white bichons named Coco and Louie.” The Indian SCENE caught up
As an older sibling, I’ve come to appreciate the saying that “every girl needs a sister.” That was evident in the closeness between Isha and Eera Bhatt. On a steamy summer’s day in June, the Bhatt sisters invited me to their home in Troy and showed me the loving relationship which sisters sometimes possess. Isha
Raised in Detroit suburbs for most of her young life, Sindhu Vasudevan has been earning prizes and critical acclaim as a vocalist in Carnatic music, a South Indian classical style. The junior at Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas came to our notice about a month ago through a Facebook video of her singing
There was no shortage of conversation on my first phone call with Arthi Nithi, a powerlifting champion who is an engineer by profession. What I found was a multitude of unique traits, painting a picture of woman who is anything but conventional. The Indian SCENE: Tell me a little bit about yourself. Arthi Nithi: I am 22