(Image source from: NewIndianExpress)

A 12-year-old Telugu NRI girl Divya from Florida, United States of America, performed a solo Bharatanatyam performance in the city on Saturday for a fundraiser.

She performed at the Centre for Economic & Social Studies (CESS), Nizamia Observatory Campus, Punjagutta, which was packed with 500 guests.

It was performed in support of Pratyusha Support Foundation helmed by actor Samantha Akkineni, and Padmasri Dr. Manjula Anagani, a gynecologist.

Speaking on the occasion Samantha said, "What surprises me to know about this young 12-year-old dancer Divya is though she is so young but her approach using art and dance form to reach out to humanity.  I am also equally impressed to know about Divya's charitable mind and her visit to Haiti and extending her helping hand to them."

Disciple of Shaila Sateesh, Sarasota, Florida, USA, Divya, an 8th standard student is the daughter of an Anaestheologist Dr. Swaroop Muppavarapu and Smt Rajakumari Muppavarapu is using her art to reach out to humanity.

Among her performances, her most memorable one was - "Tales of a lovable Thief", stories of Krishna which was performed at Sarasota Opera House. The show proceeds went to benefit deprived youth in her hometown of Sarasota for the intent of teaching them the Arts. Divya traveled to Haiti in order to assist at an orphanage in June this year. Divya and her family support the educational needs of children at Repalle Children's Home.

By Sowmya Sangam