Hello there!

A little bit about me...

Hi! I’m Sharvi, a Westborough resident and junior at Mass Academy. I lived in Framingham up until fourth grade, then moved to Westborough, which has been my home ever since. I will admit, I forgot how strange it felt to switch schools coming into Mass Academy, but in the little time I’ve spent, I’ve learned that I've really found a community here to cherish.

Both of my parents immigrated to the United States from India in 2001 and ever since I could remember, we routinely visited my extended family in Mumbai. The trips have become less frequent since the pandemic and since I started high school, but my cultural ties have only gotten stronger since – I’ve tried to bridge the thousand-mile gap by involving myself in Indian non-profits, learning to cook Indian meals, and explore the world of Indian music.

Music!

Music is a huge, huge part of my life. Like I mentioned briefly before, I’m classically trained in Hindustani-style singing, which is just one of the many rich, vibrant art forms India has to offer. Hindustani singing allows me to channel a more spiritual side of myself while also staying in touch with my Indian side. I’ve been singing for over eleven years now and have performed alongside and opened for international artists both in the U.S. and in India, sang to promote non-profits and charities, and helped to train younger kids. Lately, I've been working with Shadaj, a non-profit charity organization based around Indian music and dance events to raise money for and support music education in underprivileged communities.

Besides learning Hindustani, I picked up the flute in fifth grade and have been part of several musical ensembles, including concert bands, jazz bands, orchestras, and wind ensembles. I was part of the CDMMEA senior district band both my freshman and sophomore years and competed in the MICCA festivals alongside my sending school’s symphonic band, where we won a gold medal. I also play guitar and piano, albeit a lot more casually than the flute, but I love them regardless. Being an instrumentalist has taught me a lot about the versatility of music, and how music resonates with people in different ways.

Food!

Food might genuinely be my one true love. I've always loved trying different cuisines and expanding my taste palate, so it's no wonder that love translated into a love for making food. I usually have my own recipes, but when I'm trying something new, I use Preppy Kitchen (go check his cranberry orange cake recipe out, it is to die for). This past summer, I attempted to make a dish from a different part of the world each weekend, some of which were fantastic, and others of which I definitely offended in some way (I apologize sincerely to France for my measly attempt at Bouillabaisse, but I really don’t think my macarons were that bad). As part of my goal to better understand my culture, I tried to learn a few Indian dishes from my grandparents' old recipe books. I have also developed an unhealthy liking for hot chocolate, and am obsessed with finding the greatest hot chocolate recipe ever to exist, so if you’re reading this and think you have an idea, feel free to reach out at spujari@wpi.edu