In an age where traditions risk fading into the background of fast-paced modern life, Ranjani Saigal has become a bridge between generations. An academic, author, and Executive Director of the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation USA, she is best known to thousands around the world as “The Hindu Grandma” on social media. With a warm smile, traditional sari, and the wisdom of her heritage, she has found a unique way to connect people—especially the youth—with Hindu culture, philosophy, and values.
Her journey is not just about personal success; it is about building pathways for others to thrive—whether they are rural children in India and Nepal gaining access to education, or Hindu American youth seeking to understand their cultural roots in a land far from their ancestors.
Ranjani Saigal: A Legacy of Education and Service
Education has always been deeply rooted in Ranjani Saigal’s life. Her father was among the founders of IIT Bombay, one of India’s premier institutions, and from an early age, she was raised with the understanding that knowledge is the most powerful tool for transformation. She herself went on to graduate from IIT Bombay before pursuing advanced studies in the United States.
Her career spanned over 25 years in the field of education technology, with contributions to prestigious universities like MIT and Tufts. But a visit to a rural school in India was transformative—it sparked in her a deep conviction to dedicate her life to education initiatives that uplift those in underserved communities.
This conviction ultimately led her to the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation USA, where she now serves as Executive Director. Through this role, she helps steer a movement that has touched millions of lives. Ekal runs over 100,000 single-teacher schools across India and Nepal, offering not just literacy, but holistic development—healthcare, digital literacy, vocational training, and empowerment.
Ekal on Wheels – Education in Remote Corners
One of Saigal’s proudest initiatives has been “Ekal on Wheels”, a mobile digital literacy program. With this innovation, even children in the remotest tribal and rural areas have access to technology, enabling them to gain critical 21st-century skills.
For her, education is not limited to textbooks. It is about opening doors—whether through digital knowledge, vocational training, or values that instill confidence and purpose in children.
Ranjani Saigal: The Hindu Grandma – Faith Meets Social Media
While her work with Ekal has brought education to thousands, Ranjani Saigal found herself stepping into another unexpected but powerful role—becoming a global cultural guide on social media.
At the urging of her daughter, she created an account with the handle @thehindugrandma on Instagram and TikTok. Initially skeptical, she wondered who would care about a “Hindu grandma.” But within months, her followers grew to hundreds of thousands.
Her videos—short, warm, and insightful—range from explaining the significance of Hindu rituals to sharing verses, stories, and prayers in ways that resonate with today’s youth. She simplifies complex traditions, reminding her viewers that Hinduism is not about superstition, but about inquiry, connection, and a celebration of life.
One of her most popular videos explains the meaning of lighting a lamp, not just as a ritual, but as a metaphor for bringing light into one’s life. In another, she teaches busy young professionals how to do a short version of puja, making spirituality accessible in the midst of their packed schedules.
Her followers, spread across the globe, now affectionately call her Nani, Dadi, or Amma. For many young Hindus growing up in the diaspora without grandparents nearby, she fills a cultural and emotional gap.
My First Om – Passing on Spiritual Roots
Adding to her efforts to connect younger generations with their roots, Saigal authored My First Om, a children’s book that introduces the sacred symbol “Om” to young minds. Written with love for her granddaughter and future generations, the book simplifies spiritual concepts without losing their essence.
Through her writing, she emphasizes that Hinduism encourages curiosity, reflection, and an openness to truth—values that are critical in today’s diverse and interconnected world.
Beyond Tradition – Dance, Chaplaincy, and Play
Her multifaceted journey also includes training as a Hindu chaplain and years of teaching South Indian classical dance, through which she shared her love for culture and spirituality. Additionally, her involvement with the Khel Planet Foundation reflects her belief in nurturing life skills in children through the power of play.
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