Indian-American high school senior Rishab Jain captivated the large audience at the Festival of India, held on Sept. 21, in celebration of Diwali, with his unique rendition of the U.S. National Anthem.
Jain performed the "Star-Spangled Banner" on the vibraphone, an instrument rarely used for the anthem, adding a distinctive twist to the traditional tune. His rendition stood out as a highlight of the evening, drawing praise from both attendees and local officials, a release stated.
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, in attendance at the event, praised the performance, stating, "Rishab’s interpretation of the anthem was impressive and unlike anything we’ve heard before. It was a brilliant blend of tradition and creativity.”
Jain, who is currently a senior at River Hill High School has performed at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center and on National Public Radio’s (NPR) From the Top.
In addition to Rishab’s solo performance, the festival also featured a rendition of the Indian National Anthem, sung by his mother, Savita Jain, a member of the local Indian-American community.
The mother-son duo’s performances were a symbol of the fusion of Indian and American identities that resonated throughout the event, organizers said.
The Festival of India, organized annually by Niti and Sanjay Srivastava, brings together the Indian-American community to celebrate Diwali with cultural performances, music, and community activities. Sanjay said, “This year’s event was a true celebration of cultural unity, and Rishab’s performance was a perfect reflection of that spirit.”
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