Jahnavi Nandanavanam has been studying the violin for nine years. She began on a Carnatic violin, a traditional instrument from India, and she now also plays a Western violin.  Her interest in music led her to participate in the 2023 Global Festival held on the Mall in Washington DC. The festival was organized by the Art of Living Foundation, a non-profit NGO with centers in 180 countries.  This was the 4th such festival and the first in the US. The goal for the festivals is “to create a visible, public forum to celebrate our differences.” Groups of musicians from all over the world play a wide variety of music.  (For more information about the organization see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAx9L5uTdqg).

Jahnavi reports that groups of musicians from all over the world played a wide variety of music.  She was part of a 250 person Indian Classical Symphony, and they were joined by 600 dancers.  They performed Panchaboothan - Dance of the Five Elements which represented the Hindu five elements: air, water, earth, space, and fire.  She said, “It was magical to bring the world together and to be part of something greater.”  (For a video of the performance, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgXyuQbzPYQ.)

The festival in DC lasted for three days and was attended by 400,000 people and broadcast all over the world.  Speakers at the festival included heads of state from many countries, UN representatives, the Mayor of DC, and several members of the US Congress.

The festival occurred at a time when wars were raging.  The Russians had invaded Ukraine and thousands of people were injured or killed in the Israel/Palestine conflict.   Jahnavi feels such events can transcend war.  “They can change hearts and minds and can contribute to peace and understanding.  We were celebrating the unity of humans and showing how we can overcome conflict through sharing our culture and artistic diversity. A worldwide audience sees that peace can begin through cultural exchange and understanding.”

Jahnavi feels her participation allowed her to witness and contribute music which transcends language barriers and ethnic tensions.  Drawing from her interest in culture and history, she sees music as a common universal language.  “Through our united performances, we showed that peace isn’t just an abstract concept.  We can create peace when people from diverse backgrounds collaborate for a shared purpose. “