In our increasingly interconnected world, preserving cultural heritage within diaspora communities presents both challenges and opportunities. For Indian-origin children living abroad, exposure to India’s rich traditions and history is often limited, as their educational curricula seldom encompass the depth of India’s cultural tapestry.
During my time living overseas, I observed that while these children are smart and intelligent, they often lack sufficient avenues to connect with their ancestral culture. The absence of Indian history in their curricula and lack of knowledge of Indian heroes often lead them to idolize mainstream media figures, detached from their heritage. Recognizing the inquisitive nature of this younger generation and their demand for engaging, well-substantiated content, I envisioned an innovative approach to cultural education.
In 2020, I founded Creative Koder with the mission to intertwine computational skills with cultural learning. This initiative aims to foster a deep appreciation of Indian history, culture, and traditions among children, inspiring them to explore our rich heritage through digital applications. In this digital era, it’s imperative for them to enhance their technological skills, seamlessly blending creativity with technology. Since its inception, Creative Koder has embarked on a transformative journey of cultural preservation and exchange, with a series of impactful initiatives designed to engage and educate Indian communities worldwide.
In collaboration with the Indian Embassy in Thailand, the organization orchestrated the unique ‘Heroes of Bharat’ Coding Competition in 2021, the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Digital Abhiyan’ to commemorate India’s 75th Independence anniversary in 2022, and the ‘Environmental Awareness Digital Campaign’ in 2023 to promote environmental preservation among the younger generation.
Through vibrant cultural celebrations, we offer immersive experiences such as a specially curated series of innovative workshops for children, encompassing digital greeting creations for Indian festivals, Chaitrangan Rangoli artistry for Gudi Padwa, Ganesh idol crafting for the Ganesh Festival, and even diya-making sessions for Diwali. These initiatives have provided children with a vibrant exposure to Indian festivals.
We have partnered with various global Indian diaspora groups in different countries. A recent initiative in 2024 was the ‘Heroes of Bharat Global Contest,’ celebrating the 350th Coronation Day of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which attracted approximately 250 children from 18 countries, including Japan, Singapore, Mauritius, Germany, Switzerland, UAE, Nigeria, the UK, and the USA. Participants were encouraged to submit their creative digital videos showcasing their chosen heroes. To enhance engagement, we offered workshops in video editing, storytelling sessions, and hackathons. Children also had the unique opportunity to interact with real-life heroes from the Indian Army.
Recognizing the importance of digital literacy, we have also empowered over 200 homemakers on the occasion of International Women’s Day with essential digital skills, fostering greater inclusion in the digital age and encouraging them to start their own ventures.
My relocation to Colombo, Sri Lanka, marked a new chapter of cultural engagement. I galvanized the local Maharashtrian community to celebrate festivals such as Gudhi Padwa and Maharashtra Day. A landmark achievement was the inauguration of Sri Lanka’s first Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in 2024, which showcased traditional Dhol, Tasha, and Lezim performances. Promoting cultural exchange, I trained local Sinhalese girls in the energizing Lezim dance to perform at events organized by the Indian High Commission.
Through these endeavors, we aim to cultivate a profound appreciation for Indian culture, transcending geographical boundaries and weaving a global Indian community enriched by our diverse traditions and rich heritage. By empowering the younger generation of the Indian diaspora with a strong cultural identity, we can nurture future leaders who will contribute meaningfully to both India’s growth and the broader global landscape.
I am deeply inspired by the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from Indian diasporic children and their parents. This encouragement fuels my unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage.
Jai Hind!
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