NRIPulse Brushes of Freedom Parvi Anand

Описание: Brushes of Freedom, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to empowering and healing human trafficking survivors through art, hosted its inaugural event, Rhythms of Freedom, at The Metropolitan Club. This sold-out event combined the power of Bollywood dance with advocacy, raising over $20,000 to support survivors through Tapestri Inc. and Wellspring Living.

Parvi Anand, a junior at The Lovett School in Atlanta, spoke to NRI Pulse about her inspiration behind founding Brushes of Freedom, saying, "I’ve always been drawn to stories that reveal hidden struggles. Through journalism and filmmaking, I’ve tried to shed light on social issues, but I realized raising awareness wasn’t enough. I wanted to create real change. Art has always been my way of expressing myself, and I saw its power in helping survivors heal. That’s why I started Brushes of Freedom to use creativity as a tool for empowerment and rehabilitation."

Discussing the decision to frame the event around Bollywood, she explained, "Bollywood is more than entertainment—it’s a powerful medium that connects people emotionally. Human trafficking is a difficult topic to discuss, and I wanted to engage audiences in a way that would leave an impact. By using the vibrancy of Bollywood, we could tell important stories while staying true to my South Asian heritage."

The event featured electrifying performances from Balli’s Dance Studio (Balli Kaur), Garima Dance Academy (Garima Agrawal), and Shiv’s Dance Institute, creating a mesmerizing fusion of dance and advocacy. It also highlighted the contributions of organizations like Raksha Inc. and Leap to Shine, both of whom were honored for their work in community support and education.

Judge Neera Bahl, the first Indian American woman appointed as an Appellate Judge and Director of the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of justice and community-led initiatives.

The event also featured an art exhibit by Niki Doshi, an Atlanta-based artist and Georgia State University student, with all proceeds supporting survivor rehabilitation.

According to the International Labour Organization, an estimated 49.6 million people are trapped in modern slavery, including forced labor and sexual exploitation. These numbers highlight a massive global problem that needs our attention. By attending Rhythms of Freedom, community members can make a tangible difference in the lives of survivors while enjoying an unforgettable evening of art and culture. This event is more than just a performance; it's a chance to take action and be part of a movement that aims to end human trafficking.

Reflecting on the overwhelming response, Anand said, "I never imagined we would raise over $25,000 in such a short time. It’s inspiring to see how deeply people care about this cause. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to expand Brushes of Freedom’s initiatives to help more survivors."

The night concluded with Anand presenting donation checks on stage to Tapestri Inc., represented by Emily Hall Utz, and Wellspring Living, represented by Michelle Graves. Anand also expressed her gratitude to the attendees, sponsors, and volunteers who made the event possible. She acknowledged the support of her family, mentors, and the larger Atlanta community, whose generosity and enthusiasm turned her vision into a reality. She emphasized that while the event was a celebration of art and culture, it was ultimately a call to action, a reminder that real change begins when people come together to fight for justice, dignity, and freedom for all.

The success of Rhythms of Freedom marked a significant step in Anand’s journey to use the arts as a force for social change, proving that creativity can be a powerful tool in the fight against human trafficking.