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Marathi Aai Initiative (MAI), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting Marathi-raised mothers through cultural programs, has launched Chimukle Sur, a music immersion program for children ages 4 to 36 months.
According to a statement from MAI, the program introduces age-appropriate “rhythm, movement, melody, and language” through Hindustani classical music. It is based on the belief that pattern recognition and creative development begin as early as infancy.
Chimukle Sur was conceptualized by Dr. Sayli Natu, a medical professional and classical dancer. Under her direction, the program is led by Sarika Natu and Dr. Pallavi Murugkar, both trained classical dancers and vocalists with 15 years of performance experience.
According to the statement, more than 80 families expressed interest in the program through community outreach, reflecting strong early demand. Chimukle Sur currently operates four batches in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving 36 registered families, with another 18 families on the waitlist. MAI plans to expand the program to children ages 3 to 5, with both age groups eventually being offered across North America.
“Being born and raised in America, I had limited access to my cultural roots outside our home until I was almost a teenager. Now, I want a different experience for the next generation, one where children are introduced to their language and culture in their early childhood,” said Dr. Sayli Natu, co-founder of MAI. “I can see my vision coming to life. The program helps children learn their cultural roots through joyful, immersive music, dance, and storytelling and begin to carry them as a natural part of who they are.”
MAI said the vision resonated with Dr. Pallavi Murugkar and Sarika Natu, who brought their passion for the performing arts and their experiences as parents to the initiative.
“As someone trained in Hindustani classical singing, I’ve seen firsthand how music calms and delights children. Watching young minds engrossed in rhythm and melody has made this work deeply personal to me,” said Sarika Natu, co-lead of Chimukle Sur. “We hope to give infants and toddlers their first joyful exposure to Marathi, helping them build a lifelong bond with their language and culture.”
“As a classical dancer, I have always found joy in the performing arts, which makes this program very close to my heart,” said Dr. Pallavi Murugkar, co-lead of Chimukle Sur. “We’re building a strong foundation for young children in Indian classical music, shlok, rhythm, festivals, and cultural stories, while also creating a joyful way for parents to bond over and pass on the culture they grew up with.”
The statement said early feedback from participating families has been encouraging. One parent reported that her toddler began “identifying mudras” after attending classes, while another described how the program strengthened the mother-daughter bond beyond the classroom.
“Feedback like this continues to shape how Chimukle Sur grows,” the statement said.
Families interested in joining the enrollment waitlist can contact Dr. Pallavi Murugkar or Sarika Natu at chimuklesur@marathiaai.org.
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