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"Atu America, Itu India," Christina was born and raised in the United States. Her bi-cultural upbringing and interests give her a unique ability to teach Indian dance in a language that anyone can understand. She has over 20 years of performing, teaching, and choreography experience across the USA, Europe, and Asia. She has performed on Broadway in New York City and is the reigning Miss Asia America NE, after having won several pageants. In addition, Christina is an actress and starred as one of the lead roles in the first Telugu movie filmed in the United States, "Atu America, Itu India," as well as having performed in numerous dance dramas. Along side these endeavors, Christina has also gained extensive expertise in judging various dance competitions and beauty pageants not only on the East Coast but across the country as well as being an event program coordinator. Christina's love of dance drew her into sharing her love with others. She began her first dance school, with the immense support of the late Mr. Varghese Chandy, in June 2004, in association with the Kerala Cultural Forum of NJ. In February 2007, with the encouragement of Mrs. Viji Kurian, Christina began teaching at St. Mary's Orthodox Church of Rockland, NY where she was welcomed and loved. In addition to her love for the arts, Christina has a Bachelors of Science in Computer Engineering from Drexel University and a Masters of Science in Systems Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. In college, she was the first Asian AND woman to become President of her University’s Engineering Society (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). For the past 6 years, she has been working for BAE Systems in NJ. Christina has published technical papers which she co-authored with Harvard University Professors and has won the Chairman’s Gold Award for Innovation, where she was ranked #1 out of 95,000 people. She rose through the ranks at BAE Systems to become the youngest Senior Engineer ever within the company and more recently was promoted to the position of Program Manager where she currently manages a $16M government defense program. She is a true role model for this and future generations. Christina is a long-time resident of the Tri-State area. She is the eldest child of Thomas and Annamma John Mappilassary and is the sister of Christopher John. Christina and her husband, Dr. Jess Joymon, live in Riverdale, New Jersey. Additional information: my dance website: www.nirthalaya.com By: JOSEPINTO

POEM: "ATTITUDE" I woke up today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have. Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste. Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive. Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can Feel grateful that they allowed me to be born. Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses. Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships. Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do. I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge. Today I can murmer dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because the Lord Has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul. today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. what today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have. Forwarded By  Ann joseph ) ( Thanks to Mrs. Ann Joseph for  this great Poem by forwarding it for "Pravasi News") - Author Unknown --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beauty of Kerala

Beauty of Kerala (Cartoon Forwarded by Abraham G)