In this soul-stirring episode of Moments with Mamta, Mamta Narula sits down with the acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and educator Bina Menon. As the founder of the Kalashri School of Arts, Bina’s life is a beautiful tapestry of discipline, cultural preservation, and a lifelong devotion to the classical Indian arts. For decades, she has been a cornerstone of the New Jersey community, shaping not just dancers, but the very way heritage is passed from one generation to the next.

Born in India into a family where art and education were deeply intertwined, Bina’s journey began under the watchful eye of her father, a strict disciplinarian who understood that mastery requires both passion and persistence. She reflects on her early years of training, the rigor of learning Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, and the foundational values of respect and dedication that her parents instilled in her. Her story is a testament to the idea that true talent is cultivated through years of unseen practice and a deep reverence for one's roots.

The conversation explores the evolution of the Kalashri School of Arts, which Bina started with just a handful of students and grew into a prestigious institution. She speaks candidly about the challenges of maintaining the purity of classical dance in a modern world, the importance of teaching the "why" behind the movements, and the profound joy of seeing her students find their own voices through art. Bina also shares a touching glimpse into her personal life, discussing her relationship with her son, Manu, and the pride of seeing him carve his own path in the creative world with the same discipline she championed in her studio.

From the grand stages of international performances to the intimate moments of mentorship in her classroom, Bina’s message is one of grace and grit. She reminds us that dance is more than just movement; it is a language of the soul, a bridge between cultures, and a lifelong journey of self-discovery. Her commitment to her craft and her community serves as a powerful inspiration for anyone striving to live a life fueled by passion and purpose.

A rich and moving conversation that celebrates the power of art to transform lives, preserve history, and connect us all to something greater than ourselves.

Connect with Mamta Narula:

• http://voiceofmamta.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/mamta.narula
• https://www.instagram.com/voice_of_mamta/
• https://www.instagram.com/mamta1g/

Connect with Bina Menon:

• www.kalashrischool.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/menon.bina_kalashri_school/?hl=en

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In this engaging and insightful episode of Moments with Mamta, Mamta Narula welcomes Mr. Hemant Marathe, the Mayor of West Windsor, New Jersey, for a conversation about leadership, community, and the resilience required to navigate both public service and private business. A man of many hats, PhD engineer, business owner, and long-time public servant, Hemant’s story is one of adapting to change with grace and a persistent smile.

Born in India and having lived in West Windsor for over 31 years, Hemant considers the town his true home. His journey into public service began unexpectedly; after becoming a stay-at-home dad to support his wife's career, he sought to contribute to the community by running for the school board. Despite early losses, including one by a mere five votes, he remained undeterred, eventually embarking on a 25-year career in public service that led him to the mayor’s office in 2018.

The conversation delves into Hemant’s academic and professional background, from his days as a student leader at IIT Bombay to earning a PhD in electrical engineering and consulting for major utility companies. He reflects on the shift from the "boss" mentality of running his own Indian food distribution business to the collaborative, compromise-driven world of local government. Hemant also shares his experience leading West Windsor through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, where his focus was on calming fears and providing steady, evidence-based guidance.

Throughout the episode, Hemant’s philosophy of "incremental improvement" shines through. He discusses the importance of making decisions based on the best available knowledge, the necessity of accepting non-perfect solutions to achieve progress, and the unwavering positivity that keeps him focused on helping others. His message is a powerful reminder that while life may not always follow a logical sequence, success comes to those who are open to change and dedicated to the service of their neighbors.

A thoughtful and encouraging conversation that highlights the heart of a leader who believes that true fulfillment comes from the ability to make a direct, positive impact on the lives of others.

Connect with Mamta Narula:

• http://voiceofmamta.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/mamta.narula
• https://www.instagram.com/voice_of_mamta/
• https://www.instagram.com/mamta1g/

Connect with Mayor Hemant Marathe:

• https://www.westwindsortwp.gov/government/mayor/index.php
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hemant-marathe-57a56148/

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In this inspiring episode of Moments with Mamta, Mamta Narula sits down with Chef Nandini, the creative force behind Masala Clan, for a deep dive into the courage it takes to pivot toward one's true passion. From her humble beginnings in Patna, Bihar, to the high-pressure kitchens of Michelin-starred restaurants, Nandini’s journey is a masterclass in persistence and professional reinvention.

Born into a family where success was traditionally measured by financial stability, Nandini initially followed a conventional path, earning a Master’s in Financial Risk Management and building a career in finance. However, a move to the United States and the unwavering support of her husband provided the catalyst for her to finally pursue her lifelong love for food. She reflects candidly on the "Indian thing" of viewing culinary arts as a secondary career and the pride she felt the first day she finally donned a professional chef’s coat.

The conversation explores the grueling reality of the culinary industry, including the transition from home cooking to the precision of a professional kitchen. Nandini shares her experiences working under world-renowned names like David Burke and her transformative time at 11 Madison Park, where she honed the discipline and luxury etiquette that she now brings to her own brand. She speaks openly about the sacrifices made, including the radical hours that often meant waking up at 3:30 a.m. to balance motherhood with her culinary ambitions.

Today, through Masala Clan, Nandini focuses on "speakeasy" style curated catering, moving away from fixed menus to create bespoke experiences that honor her clients' unique visions. As she looks toward the future of the wedding industry, her message remains grounded in the belief that hard work, experimentation, and a clear vision are the essential ingredients for any success story.

A flavorful and motivating conversation that reminds us that it is never too late to trade a stable career for a soulful calling.

Connect with Mamta Narula:

http://voiceofmamta.com/

https://www.facebook.com/mamta.narula

https://www.instagram.com/voice_of_mamta/

https://www.instagram.com/mamta1g/

Connect with Chef Nandini:

https://www.themasalaclan.com/

https://www.facebook.com/chefsinghnandini/

https://www.instagram.com/chefnandinisingh/

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