The Dream Team behind Vision-Aid’s  Annual Event - “Brothers in Arms: The Lions of Sivaganga”

A Broadway-Style Dance Spectacular Honoring the Unsung Heroes of India’s First War of Independence

Sunday, July 26, 2026  |  4:00 – 7:00 PM  |  Collins Center for the Performing Arts, Andover, MA www.visionaid.org/event

The cast and crew of “Brothers in Arms: The Lions of Sivaganga.”

This summer, Vision-Aid invites audiences to step back into the late 1700s for “Brothers in Arms: The Lions of Sivaganga,” a spectacular Broadway-style dance production that brings one of the most stirring chapters of Indian history to life. Presented on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Collins Center for the Performing Arts in Andover, Massachusetts, the show unites more than seventy dancers, actors, and musicians in a single evening of storytelling, grandeur, charm, elegance, and service. Every dollar raised supports Vision-Aid’s mission to enable, educate, and empower the visually impaired to live with independence and dignity.

A Story of Courage and Honor

Told through the eyes of a remorseful British Colonel, “Brothers in Arms” recounts the saga of the Marudhu Brothers and Queen Velu Nachiar — warriors of Sivaganga who raised the first women’s army and fought with unshakable honor against colonial rule. More than a historical retelling, the production is a cultural revival, weaving together the elegance of Kathak, the vigor of high-energy folk dance, and the timeless grace of Bharatanatyam into a single, sweeping narrative of pride and remembrance.

Choreography & Production: Kalaimamani Madurai R. Muralidaran

The production is choreographed and produced by Kalaimamani Madurai R. Muralidaran, a renowned dancer, choreographer, composer, and musician. Over a distinguished career he has composed more than 120 varnams and produced numerous dance dramas, creating Pushpanjalis, Alarippus, Jathiswarams, Mallaris, Varnams, and Thillanas across all 35 thalams — and Jathiswarams in all 72 Melakartha ragas, an achievement unprecedented in the field of Bharatanatyam. His compositions have traveled the length and breadth of the world.

Artistic Directors

Jeyanthi Ghatraju, founding Artistic Director of Vision-Aid productions since 2009, is a Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer devoted to performing for charity. Through her Westford school, Natyanjali — which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024 — she offers certificate and degree programs in the performing arts. She received the U.S. Presidential Gold Service Award in 2013 and 2018 and a 2025 Creative Individuals grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy, director of Abhinaya Natyashala in Framingham, trains in dance and nattuvangam under Guru Madurai R. Muralidaran. A co-founder of MIT Natya in 1999, she has been part of Vision-Aid productions since 2010 and an Artistic Director since 2016.

The Dream Team

Behind this ambitious production stands a remarkable company of artists — award-winning teachers, seasoned actors, and dozens of dedicated young dancers from across New England. Scientists, engineers, students, and community leaders by day, they come together on stage for a cause they believe in. Meet the dream team bringing “Brothers in Arms” to life.

Senior Dance Teachers & Mentors

Moumita Banerjee — Founder and Artistic Director of the Tarana School of Kathak (TSK) and a Kathak instructor at Gurukool Enrichment Center. She began her Kathak training at age three and earned her MPA from Bhatkhande Music Institute, along with a Gold Medal from Banaras Hindu University. She has performed and taught Kathak in India and across the United States, staying committed to preserving the purity and tradition of classical Kathak. In 2024 she proudly presented her first Rangmanch Pravesh, making history with this milestone.

Chitanya Gopu — Holds a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and works as a Project Engineer at Veolia WTS in New Jersey. She completed her Bharatanatyam arangetram in 2013, continues to learn from Smt. Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy, and is an assistant teacher at Abhinaya Natyasala. Involved in Vision-Aid productions since 2010, she was credited as Assistant Director of the 2023 production “Vayuputra” and has trained with Smt. Deepa Mahadevan since 2022. Her passion for dance extends across Kuchipudi, Bhangra, Raas, Bollywood, ballroom, salsa, and tap.

Priyanka Joshi — Holds a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and works as a Senior Associate Scientist at Sanofi. A passionate Bharatanatyam dancer with over 19 years of experience, she completed her arangetram in 2019. She has grown under Smt. Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy and loves teaching younger students at Abhinaya Natyasala, taking on mentorship roles in the Vision-Aid dance community since 2016.

Roopa Modha — A globally renowned media personality, attorney (JD), author (“Navarasa: The Colors of Life”), lyricist (“I Rise,” Agents of Harmony), international pageant queen, dancer, and dance teacher. She excels at Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, semi-classical, ballet, tap, jazz, and Bollywood. A recipient of prestigious awards worldwide, she has been honored as a Changemaker (US White House), Anokhi Advocate (Canada), and Women of Heart (UK), and conferred titles including Wonder Woman (CT Legislature) and Most Phenomenal Woman of the World 2022.

Shilpa Narayanan — Holds a double major in Biological Sciences and Psychology from the University of Connecticut and works as a Clinical Trial Manager in Boston. She completed her arangetram in 2013, continues to learn from Guru Smt. Sujatha Meyyappan, and teaches at Kolam Academy of Dance. She began her Vision-Aid journey in 2012, was Assistant Director for “Vayuputra” (2023), and played the titular role in the 2025 production of “Shakuntalam.”

Manuel Jenkin Jerome — An optimization scientist at E Ink with a passion for classical dance and martial arts. He began learning Bharatanatyam under Aparna Anoop Deshpande, has trained under Abhinayaa Natarajan since 2019, and karanas under Anugrahaa Sridhar since 2026. He also studies ballet, Chinese classical and folk dance, Balinese traditional dance, Kathak, and Kung Fu. Other interests include singing, Chinese lion dance, yoga, and history.

Sridevi Varna — Holds a Master’s in Electrical Engineering and is a Design Engineer at Analog Devices in Wilmington. She has trained in Bharatanatyam for over 15 years under Guru Late Smt. Rajalakshmi at Nataraja Nrithya Shaala, Bengaluru, and completed the Vidwat examinations of the Karnataka Board. She has performed extensively in solo and group presentations and continues to refine her artistry through Antarshaala by the Upadhye School of Dance.

Samhita Murthy — Began her Bharatanatyam journey over 20 years ago, completing her Rangapravesha (arangetram) in 2014 under Sri Chetan Hebbar and Smt. Akhila Chetan. Growing up in New Jersey, she choreographed and performed across multiple dance styles and danced competitively on George Washington University’s nationally competing Raas team. She earned a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University and works in clinical project management.

Abinayya Appusamy — A rising senior at the Academy for Science and Design. Learning Bharatanatyam since age five, she completed her arangetram under Guru Smt. Sujatha Meyyappan in 2024 and actively participates in Guru Muralidaran’s workshops. She began her journey with Vision-Aid in 2018. Her other interests include Taekwondo, robotics, and playing the flute.

Anika Sivarasa — An incoming first-year student at Princeton University majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering. She has learned Bharatanatyam for 13 years under Guru Smt. Subathira Janarthanan and completed her arangetram in 2023. She has also trained in Carnatic vocal music and the veena, and is passionate about robotics and mathematics.

Thivya Sivarajah — Began her Bharatanatyam journey under Smt. Vidya Iyer of Hoffman Estates, Illinois. After her arangetram she captained Duke University’s Indian classical team, Duke Lasya. Now based in Boston, she takes part in Vision-Aid’s production for a second year and works as a Senior Product Manager at Mastercard.

Nandita Srayoshi — A University of Iowa graduate with a degree in Biochemistry and Human Physiology, she works at Conigen Bioscience as a Protein Production Associate. A passionate Bharatanatyam dancer from Bangladesh, she completed her arangetram in 2022 under Smt. Neena Gulati and has performed with the Triveni Ensemble and as a soloist, including recent works at the Natya Samaagam and NACHMO dance festivals.

Actors

Guru Anand — A data and analytics leader with deep experience across healthcare, financial services, and retail. Beyond his profession he is passionate about the performing arts, having organized musical fundraisers for charity and performed as a lead vocalist with DinCheck, Boston Aalap, and Yatra. He has danced with Boston Bollywood for eight-plus seasons and taken part in drama productions with SETU, Kross Roads, and Hindi Manch. As he puts it, “To perform is to express; to be artistic is to entertain, inspire, and connect with people.”

Rohit Chandra — A child psychiatrist by profession, the board chair for a Boston arts nonprofit, and a veteran of the Boston theater scene, having acted in SETU from 2016 to 2024. He has attended many Vision-Aid performances — “the event of the year” — and is thrilled to be acting in “Brothers in Arms: The Lions of Sivaganga.”

Ravi Kaushik — Founder and CEO of ROPHAI, driven by a lifelong passion for innovation and improving patient outcomes. With 25-plus years of leadership across GE Healthcare, Baxter, Medtronic, Transasia, and Takeda spanning the USA, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, he is a global medtech and pharma executive specializing in medical devices, drug-delivery devices, and digital health innovation. He has served as VP and Global Head of Device, Digital Innovation & Product Strategy at Takeda and CEO of Transasia Biomedicals.

Ramesh Kumar — A technology leader, community volunteer, and cultural enthusiast who enjoys bringing people together through service. Active in nonprofit and community organizations for many years, he organizes cultural events, youth programs, and charitable initiatives. He is especially proud to be part of the Vision-Aid stage, where art, culture, and service come together for a meaningful cause.

Anil Matta — A technology entrepreneur with graduate degrees in Computer Science and Business, and a Charter Member of TiE Boston. He belongs to SETU, a nonprofit theater organization with over 300 cast and crew members that has staged a new production every year for 24 years. A longtime supporter of Vision-Aid, he is excited to perform in its annual flagship Broadway-style musical.

Rajeev Nohria — A Harvard graduate and software professional with decades of experience in technology. Beyond technology he is passionate about the arts — films, theater, and live music, where he is known as DJ Rang. An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoys skiing, badminton, pickleball, and cricket.

Thilaka Ramesh — A passionate dancer who thinks of herself as a dancer rather than just a choreographer. Her journey began at age eight when she first wrapped the salangais her father bought for her, and has since spanned many dimensions of dance. Balancing work, home, and passion, she has made lifelong friends through the art form. As a therapist, she believes dance and music can be a powerful form of therapy.

Dhruv Koganti — A rising 6th grader at Jonas Clarke Middle School, Lexington, delighted to participate in a Vision-Aid production for the third consecutive year. He has learned Carnatic vocal under Guru Smt. Aparna Balaji and tabla under Shri Amit Kavethkar and Shri Vedant Lele, and enjoys drums. Outside music he is passionate about basketball and karate, working toward his black belt, and loves LEGO, Minecraft, biking, and chess.

Performing Artists of the Tarana School of Kathak

Amisha Shanmuganath — A rising senior at Westford Academy who discovered her love for Kathak at age seven, training with Shefali Jain at the Chandika Institute in Burlington, MA. She continued with Himanshi Patel following a family move and, after a pandemic pause, resumed her studies with Guru Moumita, honoring the classical tradition with poise and heartfelt expression.

Amitha Shanmuganath — A rising senior at Westford Academy whose Kathak journey began at age six under Shefali Jain at the Chandika Institute. She continued under Himanshi Patel and returned after a pandemic pause with renewed passion under Guru Moumita, bringing over a decade of dedication and grace to the stage.

Anmol Patel — A rising junior at Groton-Dunstable Regional High School who has studied Kathak for six years under Smt. Moumita Banerjee and danced with professional Bollywood dancers since age six. She has performed in many cultural programs and competitions in New England, and also loves music, art, and helping her community.

Arya Gokhale — A rising sophomore at Westford Academy training in Kathak since age six with Smt. Moumita Banerjee of the Lucknow gharana. She also studies Hindustani classical music with Smt. Usha Tikekar Deshpande of the Kirana gharana and is a natural performer in school theater and community events.

Avisha Mathur — A rising sophomore at Nashoba Regional High School with a passion for dance. She has trained under professional Bollywood dancers since age five and has studied Kathak for six years under Smt. Moumita Banerjee. She also enjoys music and creative design and is dedicated to community service.

Devika Sonavane — A rising sophomore at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School who has trained in Kathak for over six years under Smt. Moumita Banerjee. She has performed across New England and earned recognition in Indian cultural competitions, and also enjoys public speaking, leadership, and science.

Eela Sahasrabudhe — A rising sophomore at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School who has studied Kathak for over eight years under Guru Moumita Banerjee. She has performed in many community and cultural events, and is involved in community initiatives, competitive volleyball, reading, and swimming.

Medhanshi Bhowmick — An 8th grader at McCarthy Middle School who has learned Kathak for three years under Moumita Banerjee. She has performed throughout New England and enjoys composing piano pieces, painting, singing, and tennis. She is First Prize Winner in the Ages 12–14 Division of the International Youth Music Composition Competition (IYWCC) 2025 for her original composition, “Dreamland.”

Priya Zambre — An IT professional at TJX Companies who is passionately pursuing Kathak, fulfilling a cherished childhood dream. Training under Guru Moumita Banerjee, she has performed at various dance events across New England.

Ranjani Gopal — A scientist who balances her career with a lifelong passion for Indian classical dance. She completed her arangetram in 1999 and has performed Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam. After a hiatus she has returned to dance, immersing herself in Kathak under Guru Moumita Banerjee.

Ridhima Gaikwad — A rising sophomore at Arlington High School for whom music is a passion — dancing, singing, and playing instruments. She has learned Kathak for eight years under Smt. Moumita Banerjee and Indian classical vocal music for six years, participating enthusiastically in many events and competitions.

Sanghamitra Ghosh — A biotech program manager bringing her childhood aspirations to life. After an early introduction to Bharatanatyam, she returned to classical dance inspired by a performance by Guru Moumita Banerjee, and has immersed herself in Kathak for three years. She is also a dedicated yoga practitioner.

Shreya Varshney — A cybersecurity analyst for CVS Health who has been passionate about Kathak and music since childhood. She loves performing and plans to perform at every opportunity in New England.

Bharatanatyam Ensemble — Group A

Askhita Koganti — A rising 8th grader at Clarke Middle School, Lexington, honored to participate in a Vision-Aid production for the third consecutive year. She has trained in Bharatanatyam for seven years — under Guru Smt. Aishwarya Balasubramanian and currently Guru Smt. Jeyanthi Ghatraju — and learns Carnatic vocal under Guru Smt. Aparna Balaji. A competitive swimmer at state and national levels, she also enjoys piano, violin, painting, and reading.

Maanya Shettigar — A rising junior at Hopkinton High School, honored to give her second performance with Vision-Aid. She has pursued Bharatanatyam under Guru Smt. Sapna Krishnan and Guru Poornima Risbud, and also enjoys Bollywood dance, earning accolades at temple and competition events.

Saanvi Palarapu — A rising 9th grader at Nashua High School South who has learned Bharatanatyam for seven years under Guru Smt. Sujatha Meyyappan. She also loves Bollywood dance and is excited for her first performance with Vision-Aid.

Vanshika Kukunoor — Entering 10th grade at Hopkinton High School, she has learned Bharatanatyam from Smt. Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy for four years and previously studied Kuchipudi. This is her third Vision-Aid production; she also enjoys art, reading, and swimming.

Nora Reddy — A rising 8th grader at Clarke Middle School, Lexington, and a committed performer who supports Vision-Aid’s mission. She trains under Smt. Kalpana Balachundar and performed in last year’s production, “Shakuntala.” She enjoys track and field and spending time with her family.

Laasya Gaddam — A rising 9th grader at Nashua High School South who has learned Bharatanatyam for seven years under Guru Smt. Sujatha Meyyappan. She also enjoys painting and baking and is delighted for her first Vision-Aid performance.

Ashna Sreeram — A rising 9th grader at Weston Middle School who has danced Bharatanatyam for almost nine years under Guru Smt. Kalpana Balachundar. She also plays club basketball year-round and is excited to participate in Vision-Aid.

Anika Venkatesh — A rising 7th grader at McCall Middle School, Winchester, who trains under Guru Smt. Kalpana Balachundar. In her first Vision-Aid production, she also enjoys soccer, volleyball, and track and field.

Akshaya Shakthi Anand — A rising 8th grader at Diamond Middle School, Lexington, learning Bharatanatyam since age four under Guru Smt. Kalpana Balachundar. Returning for her second year with Vision-Aid, she also loves sketching, reading, and violin.

Shakthi Sørensen — A ninth-grade student at Dana Hall School who has studied Bharatanatyam for eight years under Smt. Poornima Risbud. A national-level figure skater who represented Team USA this year, she also enjoys skiing and Carnatic music, and is delighted to perform in her second Vision-Aid production.

Jyotsna Vijayarangan — A rising 11th grader at Lexington High School who has learned Bharatanatyam for eight years under Smt. Kalpana Balachundar. She also studies Krav Maga and is passionate about art and writing, performing in her first Vision-Aid production.

Sahana Vijayarangan — A rising 7th grader at Clarke Middle School, Lexington, who has learned Bharatanatyam for five years under Smt. Kalpana Balachundar. She loves singing, art, and gymnastics, and is excited for her first Vision-Aid production.

Eshika Mamidi — A rising 10th grader at Holliston High School who has learned Bharatanatyam for eight years under Smt. Sripriya Natarajan Moorthy. In her first Vision-Aid production, she is passionate about community service and is a tennis athlete.

Nikita Gajaria — A rising sophomore at Lexington High School who has learned Bharatanatyam for nine years under Smt. Kalpana Balachundar. She also enjoys cooking, baking, and sewing, and is excited for her second Vision-Aid performance.

Bharatanatyam Ensemble — Group B

Niveditha Amarnath — A healthcare IT professional continuing her passion for dance under Acharya Aishwarya Balasubramanian. She has recently begun training in Nattuvangam under Guru Madurai R. Muralidaran and is an active member of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Saugus wing.

Ojovati Joshi — A rising 8th grader at Bigelow Middle School, Newton — a dancer, artist, and writer. She began Bharatanatyam with Smt. Manasa Jayanthi at age five. Since age two she has attended Vision-Aid performances alongside her grandmother, Aruna Ganti, and last year joined as a performer herself.

Jiya Nair — A versatile dancer entering 8th grade at Wood Hill Middle School, Andover. She began Bharatanatyam under Smt. Parvatha Chidambaram in Rochester, NY, and continues under Smt. Manasa Jayanthi. She has also trained in ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, and Bollywood.

Nisha Patankar — Entering 8th grade at Billerica High School, she has trained in Bharatanatyam for five years under Guru Dhanashree Karmarkar. She has also learned Bollywood dance, performed in many shows and competitions, and plays the violin.

Nishka Aabha Swayampakulaa — A rising 6th grader at Hopkinton Middle School learning Bharatanatyam from Guru Smt. Sapna Krishnan. She is an enthusiastic gymnast, a talented singer, and a Karate 1st-degree Junior Black Belt, excited to be part of this year’s production.

Vidyasri Viswanath — A rising freshman at Westford Academy, honored to participate in Vision-Aid for the first time. In her fifth year learning under Guru Dhanashree Karmarkar, she also practices Carnatic music and the violin.

Aditi Wadhwa — A rising senior at Lexington High School, honored to give her second Vision-Aid performance. She has learned Bharatanatyam at the Triveni School of Dance under Smt. Neena Gulati since age six. The current Vision-Aid Youth President, she is a “20 Under 20” Award recipient from India New England News.

Dhruthi Kondamareddy — A sophomore at Groton-Dunstable Regional High School who has studied Bharatanatyam for seven years under teacher Jeyanthi Ghatraju, including a cultural performance trip to Canada. She also participates in debate and serves as the Groton Ambassador for Project 351.

Performing Artists in Folk — Amudhasri Dance School

Kavin Mithuna Vijayakumar — A rising junior at Shrewsbury High School and a Bharatanatyam dancer of over eight years, studying at Lasya School of Dance and Amudhasri Dance School. She has performed in productions including “Vayuputhra” and “Rudram” and will complete her arangetram next summer, grateful to her guru, Srimathi Kalaimangai Anbalagan.

Shibani Samant — A rising sophomore at Auburn High School and a Bharatanatyam student at Amudhasri Dance School for six years. She has danced at countless annual days and performances and thanks her guru, Ms. Kalaimangai Anbalagan, for this opportunity.

Moushumi Samant — A rising senior at Auburn High School who has been with Amudhasri Dance School for six years, performing in many annual days and fundraisers. She is grateful to her guru, Srimathi Kalaimangai Anbalagan.

Dharshana Lakshmanan — A rising sophomore at Shrewsbury High School who has learned Bharatanatyam at Amudhasri Dance School for ten years, performing in annual days, competitions, and group performances. She thanks her guru, Srimathi Kalaimangai Anbalagan.

Shahana Veerendiran — A rising sophomore at Shrewsbury High School and a dedicated Bharatanatyam dancer for over nine years under Smt. Kalaimangai Anbalagan. She has enjoyed performing in “Vayuputhra” and many annual days and recitals.

Vernika Singh — A rising sophomore at Westborough High School who has danced Bharatanatyam for nine years, performing at many recitals, fundraisers, and competitions. She will complete her arangetram in summer 2027 and thanks her guru, Kalai Anbalagan.

Pragathi Senthilkumar — A rising sophomore at Shrewsbury High School who has learned Bharatanatyam for nine years, participating in annual days, competitions, and productions. She is deeply grateful to her guru, Srimathi Kalaimangai Anbalagan.

Bharatanatyam Ensemble — Group C

Aathira Appusamy — A rising 5th grader at the Academy for Science and Design who learns Bharatanatyam from Acharya Smt. Aishwarya Balasubramanian. Excited to give back to the community, she also plays the flute, learns Carnatic music, and loves chess.

Isha Dwivedi — A rising 6th grader in Lexington who has learned Bharatanatyam for five years from Guru Smt. Jeyanthi Ghatraju. She enjoys reading, karate, swimming, and skiing, and this is her third year with Vision-Aid.

Yashi Dwivedi — A rising 3rd grader at Fiske Elementary in Lexington who has danced for three years under Guru Smt. Jeyanthi Ghatraju. She loves soccer, basketball, ice skating, and skiing, and has participated in Vision-Aid productions for three years.

Maedha Naluvala — A rising 6th grader in Westford who has trained in Bharatanatyam for five years under Guru Smt. Jeyanthi Ghatraju. She also enjoys violin, painting, chess, crocheting, and running.

Diya Narendran — A kind, curious, and hardworking student excited to begin 6th grade. She enjoys learning new things, spending time with friends and family, and exploring reading and art, always striving to do her best.

About Vision-Aid

Vision-Aid is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enabling, educating, and empowering the visually impaired to live with independence and dignity. Its annual benefit production has become a beloved “event of the year” for the community, pairing world-class classical dance with a heartfelt charitable mission. Proceeds from “Brothers in Arms: The Lions of Sivaganga” directly support Vision-Aid’s programs and services for the visually impaired. To learn more about the organization and its work, visit www.visionaid.org.

Tickets & event details:  www.visionaid.org/event