MISSION AND PURPOSE Our mission is to create curiosity about the languages, traditions and culture of India through a variety of high-quality products including books, audio CDs, DVDs and interactive toys.
OUR TEAM
Publishers and Founders
Sonali Sahni Herrera Sonali immigrated to the US from India with her parents at the young age of four. At that time, the Indian population in the US was considerably smaller with far fewer resources to expose children to the Indian culture and heritage than what we are accustomed to today. Sonali's parents encouraged her to participate in both Indian and American activities providing an environment that exposed her to both cultures. It is that early exposure that fosters her desire to pass on her Indian heritage to her own children today.
Working as a marketing professional for such organizations as Golden Gate University, PeopleSoft and Coherent, Sonali brings a strong business background to MeeraMasi. She currently lives in San Francisco, CA with her husband, Carlos, and children Indira and Emilio.
Sheetal Sahni Singhal Born in Bombay, educated at Welhams Girls Boarding School in India, Sheetal immigrated to the US to join her family at the age of sixteen. Upon her arrival she encountered many cultural and social differences. She made the prudent choice not to shed her Indian culture. Instead she proudly built upon a heritage that she highly esteemed and integrated the best qualities of both cultures.
A trained classical dancer and teacher, Sheetal is well respected in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her dance school, Sthree Productions specializes in folk/free style dancing. She teaches Bharatanatyam dance as a staff teacher for Shri Krupa Dance Company. Sheetal’s knowledge of Indian language coupled with her understanding of both cultures are a valuable asset to MeeraMasi. She currently lives in San Jose, CA with her husband, Anil, and children, Anchal, Esha, Nina, and Mohan.
Authors
Sheetal Sahni Singhal The Khushe Manäo Series, Opposites, Counting In addition to publishing and founding MeeraMasi, Sheetal has also put her talent into our beginner book series. These books are sweet, simple and get children singing and moving.
Madhu Aggarwal,Varnamala Geet Madhu has been teaching Hindi in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1987. She has successfully taught both heritage and non-heritage Hindi learners by developing simple Hindi learning materials. She has made promoting Hindi her life’s work.
Manisha Kumar, Diwali: Khushiyon Ka Tyohaar, Jay and Juhi’s Peacock Adventure Manisha was inspired after the birth of her first son to write children’s books that share her culture. Story time is a very special time in her house and she wanted to share that joy with many families. Originally from New Delhi, India, Manisha now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two sons.
Monica Kumar, Diwali: Khushiyon Ka Tyohaar, Jay and Juhi’s Peacock Adventure Coming from a bicultural background, Monica hopes to inspire children to want to learn more about and embrace different cultures, and to help create awareness of different thoughts and ideas, in this case, for Indian culture. Originally from Michigan, Monica now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and son.
Musicians
Eesha Bemra, Varnamala Dhun, Jay and Juhi’s Peacock Adventure, Opposites, Counting Eesha Bemra – only eight years old when she first sang for us, Eesha is now also composing background music for MeeraMasi. Her enthusiasm and passion for music are matched by her talent.
Manoj Tamhankar, Varnamala Geet Manoj Tamhankar is a well respected composer and music teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Varnamala Geet song is a perfect illustration of his exceptional talent. This is one tune you just can’t stop singing!
Chris Shahin, The Khushe Manao Series Chris Shahin, of SJG School of Music www.sjgschoolofmusic.com offers quality private lessons for Guitar, Piano, Saxophone, Clarinet, Drums, Percussion and Electric Bass for students of all levels and experience.
