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NAMASTE! is a free, family-friendly outdoor festival presented by Namaste Florida, a collaboration of Akshaya Patra South Florida and Florida Fine Arts. It celebrates the art, music, dance, food, and heritage of India, and we were honored to take part. The day included live performances, cultural workshops, yoga and wellness sessions, Indian cuisine, and a grand bazaar of arts and crafts, giving families a chance to experience India’s 5,000-year-old traditions and bringing diverse communities together.
The festival also supported Akshaya Patra, a nonprofit that serves free midday meals to school children across India. Akshaya Patra began in 2000 by feeding 1,500 children in five schools in Bengaluru, and today it serves millions of children in government schools. Its vision is that no child in India should be deprived of an education because of hunger. A hot meal at school helps children stay healthy, attend class, and focus on learning.
Our band performed as part of this day of cultural education and fundraising. For our young musicians, it was a chance to share their love of music while helping children half a world away.
The festival raised $50,000 for Akshaya Patra.
Loneliness is a quiet but serious challenge for many older adults, especially those who have retired, lost loved ones, or live far from family. The South Florida Hindu Temple in Southwest Ranches hosts the Navjeevan group, a community for seniors age 55 and over that celebrates festivals and organizes cultural gatherings.
This was our first performance as a band, and we were glad to play for the group at one of its events. Our goal was simple: to entertain, to lift spirits, and to give the seniors a lively setting in which to meet one another. Music is a natural way to start conversations, and we hoped it would help new friendships begin and grow into a wider social circle.
The afternoon also gave our young musicians something precious: the chance to connect with people from another generation, to hear their stories, and to learn the joy of performing for an appreciative audience.
One moment stood out. After the performance, one of the seniors came up to Roshan, warmly embraced him, and told him:
You remind me of my own son when he was your age. Your violin playing and passion are so infectious, and I was lost in the melody. Keep at your skill and never let it wane. You have a great gift from God, and you should nurture it.
We are proud to perform at Arabian Nights, the 8th annual fundraising gala hosted by A Road for the Cure Foundation. The evening is inspired by the glamour and excitement of Arabian Nights and celebrates Arab culture and heritage, with a gourmet dinner, live entertainment, and silent and live auctions.
All proceeds go to A Road for the Cure Foundation, which supports children in pediatric oncology. The funds buy gifts for young patients at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital at Broward Health Medical Center, including a holiday party for children who spend the season in the hospital. Last year, the generosity of donors, auction participants, and sponsors raised $41,000.
The night is also a cross-cultural celebration, with music from many parts of the world alongside traditional motifs. We are honored to add our music to an evening that brings comfort, joy, and hope to children and their families.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most beloved celebrations in Indian culture, and it is a joyful occasion for people of all backgrounds. A faculty member at Florida International University invited our group to perform at the university’s Diwali festival, and we gladly accepted.
We will perform with Sunshine Vibes, part of Florida Fine Arts, a group that shares our commitment to youth and the performing arts. Roshan is the lead violinist and musician in Sunshine Vibes, and Florida Fine Arts was founded by his and Amira’s violin teacher, Sanjay Chandran. The festival is dedicated to community outreach, helping students and neighbors learn about Indian culture and heritage through music, tradition, and celebration. For our young musicians, sharing the stage with fellow young artists is a chance to learn, collaborate, and celebrate together.
Music is one of the oldest ways people have of expressing joy, grief, hope, and belonging. It does not need translation. A melody can comfort a child in a hospital, make a senior smile, or help a room full of strangers feel like one community.
Young people bring something special to this work. They have energy, openness, and a strong sense of fairness, and they are not yet convinced that the world cannot change. When they are given a chance to serve, they often surprise everyone, including themselves.
Our musicians learn lessons that no classroom can fully teach. They learn that talent is something to share. They learn to listen, to cooperate, and to perform with confidence. Most of all, they learn that kindness is not something to wait until adulthood to practice. You can begin today, with whatever you have, wherever you are.
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