ABOUT KASHMIRA AND ANAND

Dr. Kashmira and Dr. Anand Date are physicians and prominent scientists with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. They both serve as recognized experts at CDC in their respective areas (Dr. Kashmira on vaccines, and Dr. Anand on Tuberculosis and HIV).

Dr. Kashmira is also one of the recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), awarded by the Obama Administration - the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. Kashmira and Anand, both work with leading public health organizations and health ministries to plan, implement and evaluate public health programs globally, and travel extensively around the world for that purpose. It is the large impact of the public health work, especially among the most vulnerable and impoverished populations, that keeps them going.

They first met in medical school in Mumbai, India and have been together since - over 20 years now! Kashmira recalls when they first met - "I wasn't so sure about public health then - I wanted to be an Ob-Gyn doctor. However, not only was Anand very clear about his goal and passion for public health, he convinced me to follow suit and has been my mentor."

Apart from their intense careers, they find time to pursue their respective passions for dance and drama. Kashmira enjoys dancing and is trained in an Indian classical dance form, Kathak. She is currently learning from Brittny Chandra of Chandra Dance Academy, who is also their choreographer for the Vibe performance. Anand is a well-known actor in Atlanta's Marathi language theater. He has done numerous professional shows in Atlanta and other US cities, and a supporting role in a Marathi movie.

Anand says, "Our friends, Vindali and Tanuja, have been Vibha volunteers for a number of years and we have been following Vibha's work through them and looking for opportunities to support". Working in resource-poor settings of Africa and Asia, including India, has given them a strong perspective on health and poverty. Empowering children through education, is one of the best interventions to tackle those issues. Sustainability is another key component, which is why Vibha's work appeals to them.

They are excited to support Vibha and join in the noble cause. For them, Vibe 2019 is just the perfect opportunity to start!

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