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A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

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Trio of Vaishnavi Podcasters are Bringing the Bhagavad-gita to a Global Audience
By Atma Tattva Das, ISKCON News Staff Writer   |  May 07, 2024
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(L-to-R) Priyadarsani, Syama Sangita, and Shyamali Prananti.

In a world often consumed by chaos and uncertainty, thousands of listeners are finding solace and direction through “The Modern Yogi Podcast” hosted by Shyamali Pranati, Syama Sangita, and Priyadarsani. Together, these young Krishna-conscious women have embarked on a remarkable journey, bringing the transformative message of the Bhagavad-gita to a global audience.

The trio of friends are the faces of the five-person effort and share a common vision—to make the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita accessible to all, irrespective of age, gender, or background. Their podcast serves as a platform for discussing the Gita’s relevance in contemporary life, exploring its philosophical depth and practical application.

Born and raised in different parts of the world, each member of the team brings a unique perspective shaped by their personal experiences. Shyamali Pranati delves deep into philosophical insights; Syama Sangita brings her light-hearted approach to the discussion, and Priyadarsani balances the conversation with her calm demeanor, forming a harmonious blend that captivates their audience.

In an ISKCON News interview, the team shared glimpses of their personal journeys and the inspiration behind their podcast. Shyamali, reflecting on her upbringing, shared, “Growing up, the Bhagavad Gita was always a part of my life. It was like a guiding light during challenging times.” Priya, echoing similar sentiments, added, “For me, the Gita is not just a scripture; it’s a way of life. It provides timeless wisdom that is relevant to every aspect of our existence.”

As the conversation unfolded, the team reminisced about the genesis of “The Modern Yogi Podcast” and the collaborative effort that brought it to life. Priya highlighted the team’s collaborative spirit, saying, “We each bring our strengths to the table. While Syama adds a touch of humor, Shyamali dives deep into the philosophical aspects, and I ensure the discussions flow smoothly.”

Shyamali shared, “The idea of starting the podcast emerged from Priya’s brilliant mind and manifested through a collective desire to make the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita accessible to all. We wanted to create a platform where we could discuss its relevance in contemporary life.” Syama added, “We are grateful for the unwavering support of Abhijit and Ella, who play a crucial role in bringing our vision to life. Their technical expertise and creative input have been invaluable.” This synergy among the five team members is evident in the podcast’s engaging and insightful content.

Priyadarsani reflected on the journey, saying, “We’ve come a long way since our first episode. The success of the podcast is a testament to our teamwork and shared passion for sharing Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual wisdom.”

Their message is resonating with a global audience, Syama shared, “We receive messages from listeners around the world expressing gratitude for our discussions on the Gita. It’s heartwarming to see the impact we’re making.” Priya added, “We aim to bridge the gap in representation, particularly among young devotees in the ISKCON community and seekers alike.”

Navigating the depths of the Bhagavad-gita has been both enlightening and challenging for the team. Shyamali reflected, “Delving into complex texts and topics has taught us resilience and patience. We’ve learned to approach difficult subjects with humility and an open mind, allowing for deeper understanding and growth.” Priyadarsani added, “It’s been a journey of self-discovery for us as well. The process of exploring spiritual concepts has helped us develop a deeper connection with our own spirituality.”

As young women in the ISKCON community, the team recognizes the importance of representation. Syama expressed, “I have come to understand the significance of our role as young female devotees. Our podcast represents a revolutionary shift, offering a fresh perspective on ancient wisdom.” Priya emphasized, “By amplifying the voices of women in spirituality, we hope to inspire others to embrace their spiritual journey, regardless of gender or background.”

Like any journey, “The Modern Yogi Podcast” has had its share of challenges. Syama recalled, “We faced technical issues with our equipment, which prompted us to start a GoFundMe campaign.” The team was overwhelmed by the support they received from their listeners and friends. “It was heartening to see the community come together to help us overcome these challenges,” Priya said.

As the podcast approaches its 100th episode, the team is filled with gratitude and excitement. “We plan to celebrate organically, much like our podcast’s vibe,” Shyamali Pranati shared. Additionally, the team is exploring new avenues to expand its reach, including populating its YouTube channel and launching merchandise as a fundraising effort to sustain the effort.

To subscribe to the podcast across multiple platforms, click here, follow them on Instagram, and share the podcast with friends and family. Donations to their GoFundMe campaign are always welcome , as the team continues to invest in equipment and resources to improve the podcast’s quality.

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