When Shonchori turned 16 in May 2020 she decided to use her passion for dance to give back to the healthcare professionals dealing with COVID19. As part of this initiative, she performed a new dance for 11 consecutive days on her Facebook page, raising over $4,000 for critical PPE (masks, gowns, etc.) from 100 individuals.
In July 2020, Shonchori collaborated with another dancer, based in Virginia and trained in a different style of Indian classical dance, to choreograph and virtually perform a dance. This piece was featured in the Virtual Arts for Humanity concert, organized by the University of Texas at Austin, which helped raise over $7,000 to feed the underprivileged who suffered greatly due to the pandemic in the US. Shonchori is currently an ambassador for the organization and feels honored that she can spread the word on an issue close to her heart.
In 2018 Shonchori had her Arangetrum, or debut solo performance, in New Jersey which was attended by 450 well wishers. This event was a 2.5 hour performance dedicated to Project Udaan. This project rehabilitates the children of victims of sex trafficking in India, who are struggling to get back on their feet. She contributed 50% of her gift money to this cause, which made this event a catalyst for future giving back projects which she would engage in during her high school years.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a violent resurgence in India in Spring, 2021. Shonchori was invited to perform at a virtual fundraiser organized by the International Association of Human Values (IAHV) and the Art of Living. This effort helped raise over $100,000 for providing oxygen concentrators, respirators and critical medical equipment for Indians worst hit by the pandemic.
Shonchori Mukherjee 