My name is Gayathri and my connection to my heritage and culture is deeply rooted in the stories that I have been told.

As a child, we form an understanding about what is important through the stories that we are told. From fairytales to family history, stories - kathās - are the foundation that allow a child to perceive the world around them.

I remember vividly the stories that were told me to at bedtime by my Amma, read to me at school by my teachers and taught to me by my Gurus. In my Summer holidays that I spent in India, I would crouch in the kitchen next to my Aunty in Hosur as she cooked and I listened to kathās from the Ramayana, Mahabharath and Puranas. These are core memories that I still hold dear to my heart.

As a Bharathnatyam (Indian Classical Dance form from South India) artist, I have explored the characters and their stories through dance. The ability to be able to bring these characters to life was only possible because I had heard their stories so many times before!

Now, as a mother with 2 young children, I have a deep desire to pass on the love of our kathās to the next generation. I hope that they will love the bravery of Lord Rama, the mischief of Lord Krishna, the wonders of the Dasavatar and the enchanting mystery behind the stories from our culture!

Join me in my journey to share these stories and love these characters!

What started as telling bedtime stories to my kids is now a podcast, live storytelling session, workshops for children, abhinayā workshops and more!