Music born out of this moment. Many of my colleagues and I often contemplate the purpose of our work... and these questions come to the forefront in times of crisis. For those of us who think (and overthink) on these topics, there is no easy answer to this fundamental principle: "What is the best, most purposeful, most service-oriented use of my time? Is it being here in the practice room? Or is it being out there, bearing witness to how the defenseless are treated and stepping up to advocate...

I am honored to have been part of the 2025 celebration of Deepavali (Diwali) at the Minnesota State Capitol, presented by the Association of Indians in America and presided over by the Governor's Office. I was asked to speak in a Fireside Chat with Chicago's Consul General of India and the Governor's Chief Equity Officer on the theme of Diwali in today's world. Here are a few snippets from the discussion: In addition to the Consul General's riveting remarks on the diversity of ethnicities in...

I am honored to have been interviewed by the legendary radio journalist Tom Crann of YourClassical. Tom Crann hosted All Things Considered for nearly twenty years, interviewing Pres. Jimmy Carter, Buzz Aldrin, Jane Fonda and more . Tom Crann's roots are in music coverage and music journalism, but his coverage is brilliantly rooted in societal and cultural analysis. For example, when I was explaining that the text of my composition Sarojini is principally in English because Sarojini Naidu...