The South Asia Institute Winter Gathering was held on Tuesday, December 4. Performers included Harvard Bhangra and Charun Thattai, a carnatic whistler. Students and other members of the SAI community gathered to share food and celebrate the conclusion of a fantastic semester.
Check out photos from the event:
About Harvard Bhangra
Harvard Bhangra is a group on campus that exists to meet the artistic and cultural needs of students who express interest in the Punjabi dance form of Bhangra. Our mission is to expose the Harvard community to the art form of Bhangra through campus performances, to represent Harvard at regional and national competitions, and to teach Bhangra to any and all individuals who are interested. Every year, we have over fifteen different performances, ranging from small, outreach shows for disabled children to larger on-campus shows, like Harvard’s annual Cultural Rhythms and Arts First Festival. Our members come from various backgrounds and levels of experience, and we are proud of the diversity we foster in our group. So, what are you waiting for? Come out and try Bhangra! Learn more.
About Charun Thattai
Charun Thattai has been a passionate whistler right from his childhood. He has given several performances both in Film Music and Carnatic Music. He’s a member of the Indian Whistlers’ Association. He has represented India at the Annual International Whistlers Convention in 2011 and 2012 which is held every year in Louisburg, North Carolina. He became the first person to whistle carnatic music at the 38th International Whistlers Convention in April 2011 and was featured in the National Public Radio, USA. Trained in carnatic music, he has given full fledged concerts in carnatic whistling. He holds the Limca Book of Records for a whistling feat. Charun got his masters in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University. He is currently working in Kiva Systems (Amazon.com) as a Solutions Analyst. He continues to learn carnatic music from his aunt – Mrs.Radha Raghavan (India). His whistling idol and mentor is Whistle Wizard Sri. Sivaprasad. Check out Charun’s youtube channel, or watch a video from the performance at SAI.