As a first-generation Indian American, being part of the Auburn Indian Music Ensemble gave me an incredible opportunity to study Indian classical music in a way I hadn’t had the chance to during my childhood. It provided such a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment that really helped build my confidence as a musician and helped me connect with a variety of people from different cultural and academic backgrounds.

I am incredibly grateful to the Indian Music Ensemble and the academic enrichment, connections, and musical training it provided me. Indian Music Ensemble gave me a perspective that enriched my experience as an anthropology major. Each class taught me a great deal about classical Indian music and culture and also gave me an opportunity to express my creativity through unique and beautiful genres of music that Mrs. Chaitra Gururaj inspired us to appreciate deeply. Under her direction, I learned to play traditional instruments such as the Mohan veena, tanpura, and swarmandal. We performed concerts on and off campus to Auburn students, at Indian holidays and festivals, and on one occasion, a local elementary school. Performing with our group gave me valuable and unique experience as well as valuable connections to the Auburn community. Indeed, Indian Music Ensemble played an integral role in my identity within the Auburn Family.