• Founder and volunteer for an NGO - Sanjeevani which provides free services 24x7, providing a helping hand and first line of support for who so ever needing help in the Chicago land area; supported by more than a dozen volunteers, and professional from all walks of life.
• Started RadioPaniPoori (online radio channel and on AM frequency) and its performing wing Ekjut. Ekjut started in 2014 was the first drama group in the Chicago area which brought in a platform for likeminded people to do performing arts in Hindi/English. Its annual fall play Yoni Ki Baat is about women empowerment, proceeds of all these plays have benefited organizations for women and education.
• Started Hindi school at Hindu Mandir of Lake County; ran this for 8 years. It started with 3 students and rose to 100+. US govt certified foreign language teacher In Hindi. With this accreditation, Hindi was taught in Naperville public schools for 2 summer sessions to over 100 students across all ethnicity.
• http://sanjeevani4u.com/; http://radiopanipoori.com/;

• One of Top 10 Telugu Living Legends of USA , PhD in Literature, PhD in Sanskrit, PhD in Musicology , 14 Books published, 300 papers published. Editor for Literary Journal, Director for Language Study Center - PST University Hyderabad Chapter, Editor, Owner Brahmi Literary Journal , Poet, Writer, Published Author, Executive Director and founderd for SAPNA , a Not for Profit Organization to promote, propagate, perpetuate Performing Art Traditions Of India. , Member of Delegation at World Parliament of Religions 1993 Chicago, Cap Town South Africa, Trinidad , Canada, India , One of Founding members of Vegesna Memorial School for Physically Handicapped Hyderabad India , Founding Trustee member of SVS Temple , Religious Center Aurora IL.
• SAPNA - Sri Annamacharya Project of North America - 30 years in service / Performing Arts, Educational services, Social service - over # 800 students were provided platform to promote Cultural & Performing Art Traditions of India in major cities of USA , Organizing annual Classical Music of India festivals , Presentation of Music and Dance Concerts, and other varying topics related to Indian arts
• Paul Harris Award from Rotary Club ( Matteson IL ) for Accomplishments in Literature and Social Service. Recognitions and Awards by TANA , ATA, NATA, NATS, HTGC, SVST, TAGC, TTA, - International cultural Organizations .

• Heart disease is the #1 killer today. I discovered why South Asians highly prone to develop heart disease.
• I reminisce. I was born poor, in a hut. I somehow managed my schooling. Being the only son, my parents labored, toiled hard, and sometimes starved to educate me. I finished my Bachelors degree in 1987.
• Thinking that it is the end of my education, I went for employment. Though this did not offer creature comforts, I was able to learn what life is all about. After two years I wished to continue my Masters degree. I felt I could not afford this, but I got the wholehearted blessings of my parents.
• I can never forget some of my friends who lent me helping hands at this time of life. I came first both at the college level and at the university level. I got trained to do research in an all India level. My parents were gripped by poverty, and the government provided meager funds, but somehow I managed to get a Doctorate in Biochemistry in 1998. It was just not difficulties I went through, but it was a sheer struggle for survival.
• Today as a professor and the director of heart research at University of Cincinnati I think of those days, the days when I was eagerly awaiting help, the days when all I had was water to appease my hunger, the days when I had to stay on platforms whenever I went for interviews in other cities. And the days when I had to stay alone in the hostel because I could not afford to go home and watch other students return to their home and families. Now, I am continuing my research at University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH. Success and money have not made me forget my past. I realize that there could be students aplenty out there looking for help as I was. What is the fate of these poor children in my native land? As a professor, I trained so many students, provide support both financially and educationally, and am a part of their success.

Chandini Duvurri

• Women Forum Chair
• Teaching All Round Excellent Programs/ Stress Management courses for  kids ages 7-13 yrs
• Consecutively lead 2 yrs of International Yoga day partnering with Indian Consulate General  
• Organized Yoga Rave party - To give message to our YOUTH that they can get high without drugs and alcohol
• Part of the Initiation of   NON- Violet moment - Higher calling in Chicago.  
• Lead free meditation workshops in chicago libraries, community centers etc to create a Stress- Free world.
• Addressing Women Safety Issues in the nation for last 7 yrs.
• working on upliftment projects in Rural India, addressing local communities,  Socio- exonomic & cultural projects/ events.
• Played a major role during Chennai Floods ( personally collected and sent 20ft container about 500 boxes of relief goods)  
• Extremely active not only in indian community but also serve various multi cultural ORGs for a cause. Working with victims of Burns & Acid Attack in india through my own NGO.

• Promoted Indian/Punjabi Cultural in Midwest Region
• Founder of Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS).
• Founder of Punjabi American Organization.(PAO)
• Underground Contractors Association and MARBA Board - Only Indian Serving as Board of Trustee.

• NCC Army - Parachute Traning - Agra,
• Woman Parachute Jumper from 32000 feet jump
• Senior Volunteer for 20+ years 
• Classical, Folk Dancer

Swapna Pula Best 

• I leverage my broad social connections to bring increased awareness and engagement levels about community events.