In this special episode of ChaiTime on KZSU Stanford 90.1 FM, Pranjali speaks with poet, musician, and yoga teacher Priyal Maheshwari about his remarkable journey from IIT Kharagpur and the world of technology to music, spirituality, and self discovery. Rooted in the traditions of Kabir, Ghalib, and Mir, the conversation moves through bhakti, shayari, love, longing, philosophy, and inner transformation. Guided by the teachings of Padma Shri Prahlad Singh Tipaniya Ji, Priyal reflects on music as both a personal and collective experience. With live tanpura and guitar in the studio, the episode unfolds like an intimate mehfil of reflection and song.

This week on ChaiTime at KZSU Stanford 90.1 FM, I had the pleasure of hosting Ben Kramarz, a Berkeley-based songleader, music educator, author, and founder of the Sacred Music Fellowship. Ben is devoted to creating immersive musical experiences and building communities through the shared power of song. We spoke about his upcoming Earth Day gathering, the beauty of participatory music in nature, and how voices raised together can create connection, healing, and a sense of belonging. Our conversation also explored sacred sound traditions from around the world and the role music can play in uncertain times. A thoughtful and uplifting episode filled with insight, warmth, and soul. Hope you will like it. For more information on Ben and the Earth Day celebration (Sacred music fellowship), please visit: https://www.benkramarz.com https://sacredmusicfellowship.org

On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, we had a special guest, Dr. Rewa Kumar. In a deeply meaningful conversation, we explored TriAnsh, a vision where music becomes prayer and devotion transforms into a shared community experience. More than an event, The Grand Night of Mahashivratri in the Bay Area is an immersive spiritual journey of sound, energy and collective elevation. Grateful for the opportunity to bring this sacred dialogue to Chai Time and to reflect on how music can awaken something timeless within us. Come with family, come with friends, come with your parents, bring your teenagers, invite your neighbors, and make it a beautiful night of togetherness. Join this extraordinary Bay Area celebration on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 5 PM to 11 PM at the iconic Fox Theatre in Redwood City. This is more than just an evening out; it is a shared spiritual and musical experience designed to uplift, energize, and connect us through devotion and collective prayer. For details, tickets, and more information, please visit triansh.org and divinitybyrewajee.com.

In this special episode of ChaiTime Radio, we continue our journey into the timeless ocean of knowledge — ज्ञानेश्वरी, the divine dialogue of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj. Centuries ago, at barely sixteen, Dnyandev poured the Sanskrit Bhagavad Gita into the lyrical rhythm of Marathi ovi, turning philosophy into poetry and wisdom into song. As we celebrate the 750th birth anniversary of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, we present a modern echo of that spirit through Geet Dnyaneshwari — a remarkable musical project by Dr. Dinesh Katre and Paritosh Katre. With over seventy original compositions inspired by the Ovis of the Dnyaneshwari and the Abhangs of Sant Dnyaneshwar, their work bridges Hindustani ragas with Western harmonies, devotion with innovation. About the Guests Dr. Dinesh Katre — Scholar, composer, and former Senior Director at C-DAC, Pune, with a Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction. He has devoted over two decades to interpreting the Dnyaneshwari through music, art, and calligraphy. Paritosh Katre — Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer trained in both Western and Hindustani classical traditions. A Machine Learning Scientist at PayPal, Paritosh brings a contemporary soundscape to ancient wisdom. Together, they have created Geet Dnyaneshwari — a living bridge between philosophy and melody, tradition and technology. Tune in as we explore how timeless verses find new voice in today’s world. You can listen to their beautiful compositions on: https://www.youtube.com/@GeetDnyaneshwari And you can get in touch with them and know about their latest productions through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/geet.dnyaneshwari

In this special episode of ChaiTime Radio, we journey into the timeless ocean of knowledge — ज्ञानेश्वरी, the divine dialogue of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj. Centuries ago, at barely sixteen, Dnyandev poured the Sanskrit Bhagavad Gita into the lyrical rhythm of Marathi ovi, turning philosophy into poetry and wisdom into song. As we celebrate the 750th birth anniversary of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, we present a modern echo of that spirit through Geet Dnyaneshwari — a remarkable musical project by Dr. Dinesh Katre and Paritosh Katre. With over seventy original compositions inspired by the Ovis of the Dnyaneshwari and the Abhangs of Sant Dnyaneshwar, their work bridges Hindustani ragas with Western harmonies, devotion with innovation. About the Guests Dr. Dinesh Katre — Scholar, composer, and former Senior Director at C-DAC, Pune, with a Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction. He has devoted over two decades to interpreting the Dnyaneshwari through music, art, and calligraphy. Paritosh Katre — Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer trained in both Western and Hindustani classical traditions. A Machine Learning Scientist at PayPal, Paritosh brings a contemporary soundscape to ancient wisdom. Together, they have created Geet Dnyaneshwari — a living bridge between philosophy and melody, tradition and technology. Tune in as we explore how timeless verses find new voice in today’s world. You can listen to their beautiful compositions on: https://www.youtube.com/@GeetDnyaneshwari And you can get in touch with them and know about their latest productions through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/geet.dnyaneshwari

It was such a joy to welcome back Ambika Sahay, the inspiring Founder and Executive Director of the South Asian Literature & Art Festival (SALA Festival), on Chaitime today. A year ago, she joined us to share her vision for this incredible festival. Today, she returned with powerful updates, fresh ideas, and a sneak peek into what’s coming next. From culture to creativity to community, you won’t want to miss this vibrant conversation (recording link coming soon). Mark your calendars for September 13 and 14, 2025 at Menlo College, Atherton, and be sure to grab your tickets at www.salafestival.org (http://www.salafestival.org/). #Chaitime #SALA #SouthAsianVoices #CultureAndCommunity #StanfordRadio #BayAreaEvents #ArtsAndLiterature

This week on Chai Time, we sit down with Dr. Lalita du Perron — Associate Director of Stanford’s Center for South Asia — for a rich and honest conversation about her journey, research, and the stories that shape her work. A scholar of Hindi poetry and performance, Lalita is the author of Thumri Lyrics and co-author of The Songs of Khyal. Her work spans courtesans, queer parenting, and questions of consent — always bold, deeply human, and full of heart. She also hosts SASSpod, giving voice to South Asia at Stanford. Don’t miss this thoughtful exchange on identity, storytelling, and life at the intersection of academia and lived experience. Dr. Lalita du Perron is the Associate Director of the Center for South Asia at Stanford University. She earned her PhD from the University of London and is the author of Hindi Poetry in a Musical Genre: Thumri Lyrics, and co-author of The Songs of Khyal. From thumri lyrics and courtesans to queer parenting and questions of consent, her work is bold, thoughtful, and deeply human. She’s also the host of SASSpod, a podcast that brings stories and voices from Stanford’s South Asian Studies community to life. Lalita brings both intellect and heart to everything she touches — and today, we have the privilege of learning from her journey.

The Vasu Dixit Collective is a vibrant ensemble that fuses folk traditions with contemporary sounds, creating a musical tapestry that resonates with both the heart and the soul. At its core is Vasu Dixit, renowned for his open-throated vocals and dynamic performances, whether with his band Swarathma or through his solo endeavors. His artistic journey is a celebration of life's nuances, blending his roles as a composer, musician, and filmmaker to craft music that transcends mere entertainment .​ Joining Vasu are Joel Sakkari and Manu Shrivastava, whose contributions are pivotal in shaping the Collective's evolving sound. Joel, with his expertise in synth and guitar, and Manu, skilled in keys and synth, bring a modern edge to the band's folktronica style. The Vasu Dixit Collective's repertoire includes original compositions and special renditions of poems by revered saint poets like Purandaradasa, Basavanna, and Kabir, sung in Kannada and Hindi. Their music serves as a conduit for community connection and compassion, inviting audiences into a shared experience that is both introspective and celebratory. Want to know more and connect with them, here is the link: https://www.vasudixit.com

What an absolute blissful afternoon it was at the Stanford campus, immersed in the vibrant world of Nautanki—the rich folk theater tradition of North India. It was an honor to spend time with not just great artists, but also remarkable human beings who are preserving and innovating this beautiful art form. We had the privilege of engaging with Padma Shri Pandit Ram Dayal Sharma Ji, a living legend and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, whose dedication to keeping Nautanki alive is awe-inspiring. Adding to this enriching experience was his son, Professor Dr. Devendra Sharma, a prolific artist and scholar in his own right, and Shubhra Prakash, a familiar voice on Chai Time and a celebrated theater artist from the Bay Area, now making waves in New York. Don’t miss this special episode of Chai Time, where we dive deep into the world of Nautanki, exploring its timeless charm, evolving narratives, and the passion that fuels these extraordinary artists.

This Women's Day, we celebrate strength, leadership, and innovation by shining a spotlight on the North American Film Association (NAFA: https://northamericanfilmassociation.org), an organization where women don’t just have a seat at the table—they lead the way. With 95% of its top executives being female, NAFA stands as a true beacon of female leadership in the arts and entertainment industry. In this special episode of ChaiTime, we bring you an inspiring conversation with four extraordinary women—leaders, professionals, and passionate volunteers—who have seamlessly balanced careers, families, and a deep love for the arts. My heartfelt thanks to Arundhati Datye, NAFA Co-founder and Film Production Lead; Riya Thosar, NAFA Co-founder and Marketing Lead; Archana Saraf, this year’s Film Festival Lead; and Gauri Gholap, a dedicated donor, contributor, and volunteer. Together, they share their experiences, the challenges they have overcome, and their vision for a more inclusive and empowered future in film and leadership. Please click the link on the top to listen to this special episode as we celebrate the remarkable women shaping NAFA and paving the way for future generations. Their stories inspire us all to push boundaries, challenge norms, and embrace leadership with confidence and purpose. The North American Film Association (NAFA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to promoting, celebrating, and advancing Marathi cinema and culture on a global stage, with a special emphasis on engaging audiences in North America. Through film production, distribution, festivals, screenings, and educational programs, NAFA provides a platform for local talent to share their stories in a global format, fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence in Marathi filmmaking. By making Marathi cinema more accessible in mainstream theaters, curating masterclasses, and showcasing high-quality films, NAFA aims to preserve Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage, bridge cultural boundaries, and deepen the appreciation of regional Indian cinema worldwide.