CBC Alumni Spotlight: Kavya Giridharan, BMB, Class of 2012

"I was born and brought up in Arizona, USA. I dreamt of becoming a doctor, but volunteering at a hospital changed my path. I still graduated in Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics (and Spanish), but I decided to use my degree in an unconventional way. College wasn't just about studies; I co-founded an Indian dance team - UA Om Shanti, expressing my love for the vibrant art form.

As an American Indian citizen, I could have easily followed a conventional path. But something deep within me yearned for a different kind of impact. I had a knack for connecting with people. That's why I joined Teach for America, a program that helped me teach underprivileged children. I loved it! But while teaching in the US was fulfilling, I craved new experiences.

In 2014, I made a decision - to move to India to pursue my love for education here. This shocked my parents, who had built a life in the US with so much difficulty. I packed my bags and set off for India on my own, driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children here.

I chose India, the land of my rich cultural heritage and immense potential. My goal? To help underprivileged children access quality education through coaching & managing teachers. Mumbai, my initial landing point, presented challenges. The education system was different, and it took time to adjust. But I persevered, eventually requesting a transfer to Chennai, the city where my grandfather, a well-known architect, once resided. Chennai became my new home. As I continued with Teach for India, I slowly started dancing again, taking on opportunities like teaching classes, wedding choreography, and music videos.

This journey wasn't always easy. There were moments of doubt and cultural hurdles. But I never lost sight of my purpose. Choosing to move to India from the USA, choosing my career path, choosing to embrace both education and dance – it was all my decision. I wrote my own destiny, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Now, I am steadily moving on the path towards being a film choreographer.

Every experience, every memory, and every person who supported me along the way has shaped me into who I am today. Life, for me, is a dance between destiny & choice, and I'm excited to see what adventures await me next. The world is my stage, and I'm ready to dance & choreograph through it, one step at a time."