The Forgotten Essence

Yakshagana is an ancient dance-drama tradition from coastal Karnataka. It is a unique blend of dance, music, song, dialogue, and vibrant costumes. 

Beyond being a vibrant art form - like all of our traditions, it has deep roots in spirituality and ritual. Thus, each performance is not just a show but carries a profound Dharmic essence - the basis of our culture.

Storytelling is the spine of our culture. Our grandparents pass down their wisdom through stories. Our Gurus have long used them to elevate consciousness. Even physics finds expression in our grand epics and Puranas, where profound truths are personified in beautiful stories.

In this episode, meet Shobha Viswanath, founder of Karadi Tales, and hear how she continues this tradition in a modern context. Since 1996, Karadi Tales has created picture books and audiobooks that bring these timeless stories to life, captivating audiences across generations and backgrounds.
This episode delves into the power of storytelling, with Shobha ji offering lesser-known insights into its role in modern parenting — especially within the Indian diaspora.

On the surface, Bali may seem like an exotic vacation destination. But beneath the touristy facade lies an extremely beautiful and mystical culture.

Balinese Hinduism is a fusion of indigenous culture and Hindu traditions. Despite centuries of invasions and attempts at colonization, Bali has maintained its unique cultural identity. In fact, we Indian Hindus could learn a lot from them.  They are shining examples of devotion to tradition and preserving cultural roots despite all challenges.

During centuries of colonization, a vibrant process known simply as “Sanatana Dharma” began being perceived through the colonial lens of “religion.” Historical narratives were crafted to fit colonial agendas.

And the rest, as they say, is “history.” 

But whose history do we really know today? What are the forgotten truths behind our roots? 

Join us on a journey of unlearning and seeking with Shreya Kesarwani of popular Indic history platform - Virasatya! 

Nutritionist Neha Shah of Diaspora Nutrition speaks about traditional food and cooking practices that today have been sacrificed in the name of dieting and convenience. Food is traditionally seen not just as sustenance, but as a sacred process for healing and health.

Dr. Kavitha Chinnaiyan is the founder of the Svatantra Institute and The Renegade Method™. She integrates modern medicine, Yoga, nondual Tantra, Āyurveda, and Vedānta, guiding practitioners in applying these teachings for personal and professional development.

In this episode, she discusses Srividya Upasana, a sacred system of Devi (feminine) worship. In today’s world, there’s a common misconception that the ancient spiritual sciences of Bharat hold little relevance in our daily, modern lives. 

Through personal anecdotes, insightful sharings, and eloquent examples, Dr. Chinnaiyan illustrates the profound impact of not merely studying— but ‘living’ Shakti and the spiritual path.

How do Hindu youth who are born and brought up outside India, retain a connection to their roots? 

On this episode of “The Forgotten Essence,” we have YouTuber and educator Shawn Binda of Hindu Lifestyle Official. He speaks about the nuances behind teaching Hinduism to youth in the diaspora. 

The episode also covers interesting anecdotes and insights from his identity as a Indo-Caribbean Hindu based in Canada.



Explore the world of holistic strength training and the ancient art of Vyayam with Krishna Rajaganesan in the next episode of “The Forgotten Essence.”

“Vyayam” comes from Sanskrit and means “to tame the inner breath.” It has been practiced for thousands of years and has spread in different forms across the world. 

Learn more about how it can empower one to achieve wellbeing and alignment on the level of the body, mind, and spirit.

Ever wondered what makes a space “sacred” (Theerthas) in India? Or about the reason behind a deity or Moorthy in a temple? On the next episode of “The Forgotten Essence,” we have Anuradha Goyal - founder of IndiTales sharing all this and more. But what is unique is, in this episode her answers are tailored for the Hindu diaspora and youth. She blends her immense research and insights with anecdotes to provide interesting explanations that can be easily understood by all.

Vidya speaks with Dr. Ramanand. He is a social scientist, scholar, and director of the Abhinavagupta Institute of Advanced Studies in Vagamon, Kerala. In this episode, he de-bunks myths related to how Hinduism and Tantra are displayed in the media. Through anecdotes and personal stories, he sheds light on the profound connection between spiritual practices (sadhana) and self-discovery. His insights come from his extensive research in Kashmir Shaiva Tantra. Moreover, his own practice of Devi upasana (traditional form of goddess worship) add depth to the conversation.