Nitya Attaluri
Nitya Attaluri is a high school student at Pembroke Hill School. Nitya was introduced to Siri Foundation in 2018 and became actively engaged in 2023.
She has been volunteering since elementary school and is an active member of the social justice club at her school. Nitya has helped design and teach social justice lessons for younger kids in a classroom setup. When the pandemic hit, these lessons transitioned to an online format with participants joining from around the US and abroad.
She interacted with youth from Brazil, Peru, Rwanda, Mexico, and the US, meeting bi-weekly over Zoom to reflect on the meaning of human dignity, how racism is an obstacle to experiencing oneness, and why sacrifice and humility are needed to build unity. Along with her club, Nitya facilitated two one-week Social Justice Summer Camps for over 60 children from around the world.
Nitya has regularly worked with several organizations like Giving the Basics, Harvesters, and Youth Volunteer Corps since middle school, earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award every year since then. She also volunteered with ENgin, pairing with a speaking buddy, 16-year-old Kate Datsenko from Kyiv, Ukraine, for weekly language sessions.
Every athlete has a story
Written by Nitya - Jan 13, 2024To be an athlete means putting in hours of hard work and determination, and these four girls embody that spirit. They are making remarkable efforts to overcome financial and social barriers through their athletic journeys, and with the support from Siri Foundation and Coach Lohit, they are making strides towards achieving their dreams.
Despite facing significant social stigma and resistance in pursuing sports as girls in India, these athletes are breaking barriers and are endlessly deserving of support and appreciation for their passions.
Pravallika B. is 13 years old and in the 10th grade at Sri Vikal Public School. She aims to study mathematics, physics, and chemistry in intermediate school. She practices her event, the 600-meter race, for 6 hours every day of the week and has placed second and third at national competitions with a personal record of 1:38.
Hasitha B. is 16 years old and in the 12th grade at Andalamma Junior College. Her main event is the javelin throw, with a personal record of 32 meters. She also competes in the heptathlon, where scores from 7 different events are averaged to determine the winner. She has placed nationally in her events. When she grows up, she aims to pursue a career in sports medicine and physiotherapy.
Ragini Kandra is 16 years old and studying in her first year at Sri Surya Junior College. Her father, Mr. Ramu, is a roadside coconut vendor. Ms. Ragini recently participated in the National Athletics Sports Meet in Bihar. She also trains with Coach Lohith and is supported by the Siri Foundation.
Nandini K. is 14 years old and attends Sri Surya Junior College in the 11th grade, studying mathematics, physics, and chemistry. She aspires to be a police officer when she grows up. Her event in track and field is the 800-meter race, for which she has received 15 medals over the past 3 years, with a personal record of 2:32.
Coach Lohith has been coaching for three years and considers coaching his passion. He earned his Bachelor's degree in 2019 and is currently pursuing a Master's in physical education, with the ultimate goal of completing a PhD in athletic courses. The four girls train with him, and he plans to use the aid he receives from the Siri Foundation to help with their diets and travel expenses.
Giving the basics - Oct 2020
Youth Camp