Keynote Speaker
Brajesh Samarth, Emory University
Dr. Brajesh Samarth is a distinguished scholar and innovator in the interdisciplinary field of language acquisition, attrition, and maintenance, with a particular focus on Indian and South Asian languages and cultures. As an expert in Hindi-Urdu, Dr. Samarth joined Emory University in 2016, after teaching at leading institutions such as Stanford University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He holds a Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) from UW-Madison, making him the only scholar in the U.S. with a Ph.D. in SLA focused on South Asia. Fluent in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Marwari and Punjabi, Dr. Samarth uses ethnographic and oral history methods in his research. His book Languages in the Indian Diaspora explores the deep ties between language, culture, and religion within the diaspora. At Stanford, he launched a pioneering oral history project documenting the experiences of Sikh diaspora survivors of the 1984 massacre, a project that continues to receive significant media attention. An award-winning educator, Dr. Samarth’s innovative teaching approach has expanded Emory’s language programs. His books, Easy Hindi and Intermediate Hindi, offer engaging, accessible pathways for learners. Additionally, Dr. Samarth is a poet, and his debut collection Mann delves into themes of human nature, identity, and survival.
Naach Dance Academy, Live Performance
Established in January 2019, Naach was created with a unique vision - “to make dancing possible for everyone”. Bringing bollywood and kathak dance forms to the greater Atlanta region, spreading joy in the community.
What They Offer
- Bollywood
- Kathak
- Indian folk dance forms such as Rajasthani and Haryanvi.
- Naach has students from the age group starting 4 to 65!