[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 76 (Friday, May 6, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE 18TH INTERNATIONAL VEENA FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 6, 2022

  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 4 million Indian-Americans, uplift traditional 
Indian artists, and bridge cultural divides through music.

                          ____________________