Karisma, a charity showcase, was established a few years ago in 2011. The founding members, Meenakshi Krishna and Sonia Joshi, wanted to create a way to give back to the community, and to those less fortunate, by combining their talent and passion for their culture. They came up with the spectacular idea of Karisma and are now celebrating their 5th Annual Showcase, on October 8, 2016, in New York.

Interview: 

1. What and who would we see if we came to your showcase?

Our showcase is a home for all types of cultural, artful expression. When we organize this showcase, we are looking to bring under one roof, onto one stage, individuals and groups whose passion for what they do sets them apart. We look for groups and individuals who have a deep appreciation for their gifts and their talents. This year, we will have some of the country's best Raas Teams, Bhangra Teams, and Fusion Teams sharing one stage under one banner: To spread love for their art and their culture, so that it may reach both those sitting in the audience, and those sitting on the other side of our world. 

2. Who is on your e-board and why do you do what you do?

Our team is based on a simple premise. We are all deeply invested in trying to make an impact on the world. We are students at amazing universities, and we have done our best to make strides on our own, but to benefit the world, we know we will reach more hearts together. We are all friends who simply decided that this is what we would like to work towards together. 

3. What are you trying to accomplish with your showcase?

Our goals are clear: We want to raise money to donate to benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital and Help for Desperate and Needy People International. 

4. What do you love about your showcase? What should we be looking forward to?  

Each year the showcase comes around, it turns out bigger than the last. This year we have decided on a new venue, closer to the one and only New York City, and we have got celebrity guest and extremely talented South Asian Singer, Arjun, performing. Jai Matt will even be our brand ambassador! Unfortunately, this year, he will not be performing. These things are especially exciting because our message and goals are growing. We are spreading the love and the idea to people all over, and it has even reached some of the most talented people of our generation. 

 

Check out all the wonderful acts performing in the Official Karisma 2016 Lineup below!