IndianTies, founded by Heather and Siddharth Chatterjee, is a venture born out of a desire to bridge the gap between Indian heritage and North American upbringing for their children. Initially starting as a blog focusing on intercultural relationships, IndianTies transformed two years ago, pivoting towards a new direction to connect kids with their Indian roots through storytelling and interactive resources.
"Getting caught up in our naturally busy lifestyles is easy. However, unless we intentionally plan cultural experiences for our kids and tell them stories about our childhood or travels in India, it's hard for them to grasp Indian culture. If children have their own experiences to draw on, they are even more likely to connect with the Indian culture," elaborates Heather.
Driven by pride, appreciation, and understanding of Indian heritage, IndianTies aims to instill these values in children growing up in North America. Heather and Siddharth recognized the need for intentional efforts to immerse their children in Indian culture, which led to the development of IndianTies Mystery Letters, a monthly subscription service catering to kids aged 7-12.
Through the Mystery Letters, subscribers embark on a virtual journey across India, visiting nearly every state. Each month, children receive a package containing a letter from a virtual pen-pal detailing a new destination in India. Accompanying the letter are interactive elements and activities designed to engage young minds and foster a deeper understanding of Indian culture.
Each month, subscribers receive a large envelope in the mail, including:
• A full-color, two-page, illustrated introduction letter
• A souvenir postcard from the destination
• Three sealed clue cards
• A special custom-designed paper craft or activity that goes along with the story
• A sealed conclusion letter to open after the mystery is solved
• And more!
Despite the diverse landscape of India presenting a challenge in covering every aspect of its culture, IndianTies focuses on spotlighting each state, aiming to spark curiosity and encourage further exploration among families. By providing immersive experiences, IndianTies hopes to counteract the drift from Indian culture that can occur in busy lifestyles.
Sharing a heartwarming anecdote, Heather recounts how their daughter identified her dentist's roots in Kerala, "I was shocked and asked her how she knew. She said, 'By his last name…we just visited that state in IndianTies!'" Such experiences highlight the impact of storytelling and engagement in connecting children with their cultural heritage. With a commitment to fostering cultural connections and learning as a family, IndianTies stands as a beacon for celebrating and preserving Indian heritage globally.
In an exclusive offer for DARPAN readers, IndianTies is offering a free downloadable Mini Mystery Letter (here) and a special discount code, SPECIAL2024, offering $5 off a new subscription for the first three months for those subscribing to IndianTies Mystery Letters.