Diwali
We have put together a Diwali tool kit along with our friends Indigrow Kids.
Check out this video in which our Founder talks about Diwali and how it is celebrated. Here we focus on introducing Hindi while celebrating this beautiful festival.
Here are some books we love:
Amma Tell Me, Celebrate The World, Let's Celebrate Diwali, Kahani Purani, Twinkle Twinkle Diwali Lights, It's Diwali
Languages from India
The 28 states of India were organized based on the common language spoken in each region.
States within India have the liberty and powers to specify their own official language(s) through legislation. In addition to the official languages, the constitution recognizes 22 regional languages, which include Hindi but not English, as scheduled languages.
Source: Wikimedia
Luminous Lessons From Ancient India
By author Roopa Pai
An introduction to bright young minds on the luminous lessons on equality, success, happiness, competition, mindfulness and more contained in Ancient Indian texts, through interactive discussions. From unearthing frequently asked questions on the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagvad Gita to many other such intriguing facts will be explored in this course, while providing a background and context to the time and social situation in which the texts were first conceived.
Hamara Tiranga
Three stripes and a wheel – doesn’t seem like much, does it? But the mere sight of it fluttering in the breeze against a vast blue sky can set over a billion hearts racing with pride and joy. But who was the unsung heroes who designed it? What were the avatars it passed through before arriving at its final form and shape? When was it first hoisted?
This is a talk by award-winning author Roopa Pai.
Movie Recommendation
Cinema and movies are a huge part of a culture. Families should watch movies together to bond, share experiences and broaden perspective.
We have put together a curated list of movies from India, that any child can enjoy and learn from.
Eidgah
A charming story set during the Muslim festival of Eid, showing the empathy of an orphan, Hamid, towards his grandmother.
Written by 11 year old Nikhil Sethi and performed by Preeti Vasudevan from Thresh Dance Co.
The Tree Hugger
The Tree-Hugger is based on a true story from 1730 in India. A young woman, Amrita Devi and her three daughters sacrifice their lives to protect the trees in their community. On seeing their sacrifice, many people from her village follow suit: laying down their lives to save the trees.
The script for this performance, inspired by the true events, is written by Mona Sehgal for young audiences and performed by Thresh Dance Co.
Kids Talk Culture
An unforgettable, delightful video by young minds, for young minds to break stereotypes & spark conversation about culture. Indian culture is vibrant and visibly different. So, we & indigrowkids gathered questions from curious munchkins and attempted to answer them from a child’s point of view.
Language Tips
Tips to teaching native language at home from our founder Anu Sehgal.
Identity Journeys
Nearly 5.6 million South Asians live in the United States. It is not surprising that the experiences of South Asian students in the United States are just as nuanced as the countries their families originate from. From the pressures to assimilate, to the stereotypes of being model students, this segment will aim to bring light to the true identities, dreams and aspirations of this growing population of students in the United States. Partnership with Asia Society.
Preview: Fauja Singh
Fauja Singh Keeps Going is the true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one hundred-year-old to run a marathon, shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to positive representation of the Sikh community. It is written by Dr. Simran Jeet Singh, he is an educator, writer, activist, and scholar who speaks regularly on issues of diversity, inclusion and equity.
Eid Around The World
Book Reading with Author Hena Khan
Hena Khan is a Pakistani-American author of picture books and middle grade fiction. Her middle grade novel Amina’s Voice launched Simon & Schuster’s Salaam Reads imprint and was named a Best Book of 2017 by the Washington Post, NPR, Kirkus Reviews, and others. In this segment Hena will read her latest middle grade book More To The Story.
Conversation with Master Calligrapher Taha Al-Hiti
In this segment we will do a live interview with the renowned Iraqi master calligrapher and architect Taha Al-Hiti. He will share the history of calligraphy and also share some tricks to make calligraphy animals.
Making Eid Cards with UrduMom
Tamania and her daughter will teach children how to make pop-up Eid cards to exchange with family and friends to celebrate the community spirit of Eid. The supplies used will be those that are available at home. Making these cards will help develop excitement and anticipation for Eid. For instructions please check out her blog.
Super Satya Saves the Day
In conversation with Journalist, Activist and Author Raakhee Mirchandani and her daughter Satya. Raakhee reads from her book Super Satya Saves the Day.
Amma Take Me
Our Vaisakhi celebration included a chat and a book reading by Bhakti Mathur, the author of the Amma Tell Me and Amma Take Me series. Here Bhakti reads from her Golden Temple book.
Guru Mantra
The talented and accomplished Indo/Jazz vocalist and music educator Ramya Shankar from The Raga Monsters did an introduction to ragas and then sung beautiful Guru Mantra.
Square Breathing
Square Breathing is a type of breathwork that can shift your energy, connect you more deeply with your body, calm your nervous system, and decrease stress in your body. It is also referred to as box breathing and 4×4 breathing.
Finding Om
Checkout this exclusive interview with author Rashmi Bismark and her daughters, and book reading session of her new book Finding Om. Enjoy this session with your child!
Finding Om is an illustrated children's book that shares the story of Anu, an American girl of Indian and African descent who explores the mantra Om with her beloved grandfather, Appuppa.
Kahani Purani
Great Bilingual Hindi-English video on Kahani Purani, narrated by Akruti Babaria, from Kulture Khazana. They provides Indian cultural books, workshops and online content. Kahani Purani is published by T4tales.
Das Din
Das Din Author Pridhee recites from her book. Published by T4Tales. T4Tales is all about reviving the magic of stories in Indian languages through interactive story books. Our aim is to help parents, living across the world, introduce Indian languages to children in their early years through books that are simple and enjoyable to read.