On September 21, 2024, 17-year-old Rishab Jain mesmerized the audience with his “enchanting,” performance of the American National Anthem on vibraphone during the Indian Cultural Association (ICA) event, at the Howard County Fairgrounds in Maryland.
Rishab’s mom, Savita Jain, in an exclusive interview with South Asian Herald said, “The melodic and enchanting sound of his performance filled the hall, marking yet another milestone in Rishab’s incredible musical journey.”
In December 2023, Rishab, a high school senior at the River Hill High School in Clarksville, Maryland, performed at The Kennedy Center in Washington DC with renowned Hollywood singer Norm Lewis in a special rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy.”
“It all began when Rishab asked for drum lessons as his 8th birthday gift. His passion and dedication to percussion instruments have led him to exceptional opportunities, most notably after winning The Dove Marimba Competition, where he received his first marimba,” she added. “Despite mastering over 15 percussion instruments, the marimba holds a special place as his favorite. His relentless pursuit of excellence has earned him a spot to practice and perform with the National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center.”
According to his mother, Rishab not only maintains excellent grades, but has also achieved significant success in international music competitions, earning numerous awards. “His exceptional communication and leadership skills,” she said has led him to serve as a panelist at several prestigious music events. His remarkable talent even captured the attention of National Public Radio (NPR), which invited him for an interview and live performance after an audition. As such, he got an opportunity to play as a Soloist, for the NPR’s From the Top (podcast & radio show).
Beyond his musical pursuits, Rishab is deeply compassionate, she went on recalling their visit to the Akshaya Patra Kitchen in Bhopal, India, after which he was inspired to establish the first Akshaya Patra Youth Club. Under his leadership, she pointed out that the Club quickly expanded to 50 members and has since raised funds to provide more than 215,000 meals to underprivileged children in India within just six months.
Rishab has credited his parents for their “unwavering support and guidance,” which has helped shape his positive outlook and achievements. Looking ahead, he expressed that his dream is to perform with music legend A.R. Rahman.
Rishab is also the Editorial Director of an online music magazine “Cadence Corner,” an online music blog where music students’ stories and ideas are brought to audiences across the nation. He recently published an article titled “Celebrating 200 Years of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.”
Rishab’s mother, Savita Jain, a community leader in Maryland, is also creating impact in her community and across the US, through her work as the Director of Public Relations and Media for the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA), which represents over 150,000 Jains across North America and Canada.
Jain has been involved in organizing and hosting numerous international religious and nonprofit events. Notably, she has been the lead emcee for the past three JAINA International Conventions, where she introduced revered figures such as Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev, Gaur Gopal Das, Rahul Kapoor Jain, His Holiness Dalai Lama, and Shivani Didi.
Jain has been recognized with the prestigious Jain Ratna Award from the Jain Intellectual Social Organization, which according to her is a “testament to her immense contributions to the Jain community and her tireless commitment to service.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jain offered online exercise sessions and health talks to both the Indian community in the U.S. and India, helping people stay active and informed. Commending her volunteer service, she was honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Both Savita and her husband, Rahul Jain, serve as co-chairs of the Akshaya Patra Foundation DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) chapter. She is also a “talented,” singer, who has received positive feedback on her rendition of the Bhaktamar Stotra on YouTube.
Education is another area where her “impact is profound,” Jain indicated adding that she “passionately teaches,” Jain sutras to both children and adults worldwide, ensuring the preservation of ancient teachings in Sanskrit and Ardha Magadhi.
She also expressed that her wish is to perform Rashtra Geet (Indian national anthem) in front of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
