In Honor of the 18th International Veena Festival

Floor Speech

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Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize the Sri Annamacharya Project of North America (SAPNA), along with Veena Council Global, in commemoration of the 18th International Veena Festival. SAPNA was conceived as the Saint Annamacharya Project USA by Dr. Sriram and Mrs. Saradapurna Sonty in 1989.

The International Veena Festival presents over 50 Saraswathi Veenas-- an ancient Indian string instrument originating in Vedic times and referenced in Vedic Scripture from thousands of years ago. Veena music is known to bring about spiritual healing, a feeling of communion, and a connection with a higher power.

Through the International Veena Festival, SAPNA seeks to sustain classical music; to promote innovative music traditions on a global stage; and to foster friendship, peace, harmony, and universal understanding through music in today's turbulent times.

Madam Speaker, I celebrate the work of SAPNA to honor the cultural heritage of more than four million Indian-Americans, uplift traditional Indian artists, and bridge cultural divides through music.

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