USA (Commonwealth Union) – Avani Modi Sarkar, an Indian-American entrepreneur, has created a unique platform to introduce young minds to Hindu culture through her company, Modi Toys. Launched in 2018 alongside her brother, Viral Modi, the brand’s flagship products include mantra-singing plush toys and children’s books. The company aims to provide children—especially those of Indian descent—with an accessible and engaging way to connect with their cultural heritage. Sarkar, a mother herself, came up with the idea for Modi Toys out of a personal need. “The idea stemmed from a personal need,” she explained.
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Sarkar and her brother, raised in an immigrant household, found it challenging to find a toy that could both entertain and teach Hindu culture. When they could not find one, they took matters into their own hands, creating plush toys that play Hindu mantras when squeezed. Sarkar’s deep connection to her cultural roots, nurtured during her upbringing, served as the driving force behind the brand. The first product introduced by Modi Toys was a plush toy modeled after Lord Ganesha, followed by other iconic Hindu deities such as Krishna, Saraswati, Durga, and Lakshmi. While the toys initially catered to Indian-American families, the brand’s reach has expanded globally, shipping to over 50 countries—including the UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and India.
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Modi Toys has also garnered attention from high-profile figures, such as actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and has become a staple in prominent Hindu households, including those of the Ambani family. Beyond its success with children, Modi Toys has gained emotional significance for individuals of all ages. “Our products have become sources of comfort for all ages—from couples on IVF journeys to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and even elderly Hindus seeking solace in their final days,” Sarkar noted. These toys are not just educational tools; they provide a sense of emotional connection and cultural grounding, resonating deeply with many people around the world.
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Operating in a niche market with a family-run business model presents its own set of challenges. Over the past two years, Viral Modi relocated to India to manage the company’s operations—particularly after moving manufacturing from China to India. Ensuring product quality, maintaining authenticity, and fighting against counterfeit products have been significant hurdles. However, Sarkar has remained resolute in her mission to represent Hindu culture authentically while making it accessible to children. “Perhaps our biggest challenge is representing Hindu culture accurately while making it accessible to children,” she explained.
Sarkar’s entrepreneurial journey does not end with toys. She is also an author, having initially written children’s books to explain Hindu concepts to her daughter. These books, now part of Modi Toys’ product offerings, complement the plush toys. Each toy comes with a rhyming storybook inspired by Hindu mythology, designed to help parents engage their children in cultural storytelling. Sarkar believes that these books provide additional context and color to the toys and foster meaningful conversations between parents and children about Indian cultural heritage.
Living in New Jersey with her husband and three children, Sarkar finds that running a family-owned business makes it easier to balance work and family life. “My brother and I don’t have official job titles, but I say he’s the head, I’m the heart, our parents are the soul, and our kids are the spirit of Modi Toys,” she shared. By involving her children in the business, Sarkar hopes to pass on both cultural pride and entrepreneurial values. “The business has strengthened my bond with my roots, and that enriches our family life,” she concluded. Through Modi Toys, Avani Modi Sarkar is not just shaping the future of her own family but also connecting a new generation of children to the rich cultural heritage of Hinduism.
