The slow pace of life during the Covid-19 pandemic brought with it profound revelations. For me, it was a time to pause, reflect, and connect with my teen daughters, only to observe their growing fascination with social media and Western influences. My son, who had completed his education in the US, once questioned why I hadn’t instilled a deeper connection to Indian culture during his upbringing.

As a parent with a PhD in history, these moments hit hard. Like many Indian parents, I thought I was doing enough—instilling values, celebrating festivals, lighting lamps in our puja room, and taking family trips to heritage sites. Yet, my children still felt a disconnect. This made me question where I had fallen short.

It dawned on me that while India’s cultural heritage is vast and deeply rooted, much of its essence remains untapped by the common person. Our history is meticulously researched, yet it doesn’t reach the masses in an accessible or relatable way. Too often, we treat our heritage as relics of the past, failing to see its relevance in shaping our present and future selves. This realization became the driving force behind Pleach India Foundation (PIF). I took over CCVA—a platform started by my husband in 2014 to promote arts, crafts, poetry, and dance in Amaravati and Vijayawada—and transformed it into PIF. With a focus on raising awareness about India’s tangible heritage and the knowledge embedded within it, PIF documents, disseminates, and celebrates our cultural legacy through offline and online initiatives.

Through PIF, I hope to inspire individuals to reconnect with their roots, fostering self-discovery and holistic growth while preserving India’s rich heritage for generations to come.