“Rhythms of Freedom”: A Bollywood Dance Drama to Raise Awareness about Human Trafficking
On January 29, Brushes of Freedom, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to empowering human trafficking survivors through art, successfully hosted its inaugural event, Rhythms of Freedom, a Bollywood dance drama, at The Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta. Parvi Anand, a 16-year-old honor roll student at The Lovett School, who founded Brushes of Freedom, emphasized the event’s purpose: “This is not just a celebration of performing arts but a call to action. As young people, we have the power to break the silence and inspire change.”
[Left] Parvi Anand with volunteers from Raksha and Leap to Shine.
The event raised over $20,000 to support Tapestri Inc. and Wellspring Living, organizations that aid survivors. Brushes of Freedom was founded in September 2024 with the goal of providing art programs to help survivors build confidence, heal emotionally, and gain financial independence. The event was part of its mission to raise awareness during Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
Rhythms of Freedom featured powerful dance performances by Shiv’s Institute of Dance, Garima Dance Academy, and Balli’s Dance Studio. These performances illuminated the harsh realities of trafficking while promoting advocacy and change. The night was filled with camaraderie and a strong sense of community as young girls confidently took the stage, using art to drive awareness and transformation. Judge Neera Bahl served as the keynote speaker, addressing the critical issue of modern slavery, which affects an estimated 49.6 million people worldwide.
The evening also provided a platform for young advocates. Students from the Atlanta International School (AIS) shared the impact of their school’s Anti- Human Trafficking Club (AISAHT). Samira Dave expressed that human trafficking should be a mainstream issue taught in schools and shown on the news to ensure that everyone’s rights are respected. Yasmin Khan highlighted that human trafficking often goes unnoticed until it affects someone you love, emphasizing the need for prevention. Tanvika Jayakumar stressed that trafficking is a serious issue that can impact anyone and that awareness efforts are endless. The club, founded by two ninth-grade boys, has helped students not only develop awareness about trafficking but also shift perspectives within their school and broader community. In September 2024, the AISAHT club had traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with senators and advocate for a new bill.
Dancers of Shiv Dance Institute, Garima Dance Academy and Bali Dance Studio.
Events like Rhythms of Freedom play a crucial role in fostering awareness and empowering communities to take action. Guests also had the opportunity to purchase artwork from local artist Niki Doshi, further contributing to the cause.
Brushes of Freedom honored Raksha and Leap to Shine for their contributions to social justice and education. Representatives from Tapestri Inc. and Wellspring Living accepted donation checks, expressing gratitude for the community’s support. The sold-out event successfully combined awareness, art, and activism to inspire meaningful change. It was incredibly empowering to see so many young girls participating in this event with confidence and enthusiasm. The energy in the room, the passion of the performers, and the unwavering commitment of a young leader like Parvi Anand reassured us that change is possible.
—Monita Soni
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