Top: Students at Washington High School enjoy Bolly Night while also supporting a good cause.
Photo provided by Suhani Shivasharan
Washington High School’s campus came alive with music, movement, and vibrant color during Bollywood Night, a cultural event hosted by Washington Taal. The night showcased Indian dance and music while bringing attention to a global issue often overlooked: the lack of educational opportunities for underprivileged girls in rural India. Through performance, storytelling, and community engagement, the event blended celebration with purpose.
The primary purpose of Bolly Night was to raise awareness rather than simply funds. Organizers wanted attendees to leave with a deeper understanding of educational inequality and its impact on millions of girls worldwide. The event was closely tied to Project ASHA, a student-led initiative that advocates for girls’ education through awareness and outreach. By embedding advocacy into a cultural showcase, Washington Taal created an environment where learning felt accessible, engaging, and meaningful.
Washington Taal promoted Indian culture through carefully choreographed dance performances, traditional and modern Bollywood music, and culturally inspired decorations. From energetic group dances to expressive storytelling through movement, each performance reflected the diversity and richness of Indian culture. The event setup—including décor, lighting, and food vendors—helped transform the venue into a welcoming cultural space that encouraged curiosity and participation. These elements allowed attendees from all backgrounds to experience Indian culture in an immersive and inclusive way.
For Washington Taal as a team, Bollywood Night held special significance. Beyond performing, the team viewed the event as a platform for representation and advocacy. “We want to bring people together, first of all,” said Daksh More, a student involved in planning the event, “and secondly, we would like to bring awareness to Project Nanhi Kali and Project ASHA, which are helping underprivileged girls in India and many places around the world.” His comments highlight how the team saw cultural performance as a bridge between entertainment and education.
Planning the event required extensive coordination, from securing a venue to organizing vendors and performances. According to Daksh, the process was busy but rewarding. “We’re trying to get a lot of local vendors to come out and give food, and we’re also talking to different groups about what they can present,” he explained. These efforts reflected Washington Taal’s goal of creating a community-centered event that extended beyond dance alone.
Anika Kapoor, a Taal captain and one of the leaders behind Project ASHA, emphasized the deeper motivation behind the night. “Bolly Night is for Project ASHA, which is to raise awareness for underprivileged girls in India who don’t have access to education,” she said. Kapoor explained that the event was designed to bring together people from different backgrounds, celebrate Indian dance culture, and amplify awareness of educational inequality.
Organizers hoped the impact of Bolly Night would extend far beyond fundraising. By educating attendees, sparking conversations, and inspiring empathy, Washington Taal aimed to turn awareness into long-term understanding and advocacy. Through culture, performance, and dialogue, the event demonstrated how student-led initiatives can use the arts to address global issues and bring communities together around a shared purpose.
Suhani Shivasharan is a senior at Washington High School. She was born in Santa Clara and moved to Fremont when she was six years old. This is her first year at The Hatchet, and she is interested in covering topics about arts and entertainment, including music, film, theater, and cultural events that engage audiences and spark discussions. Suhani enjoys dancing, skiing, skating, swimming, and hanging out with her friends. In the future, she hopes to go to college and study to become an Orthopedic Surgeon. She is super excited for senior year and to do great things at The Hatchet!