Nirali Sanghi
From launching IndiaParenting.com in 1999, well before the dot-com boom, to finding her voice in the world of bhajans decades later, Nirali Sanghi has never been afraid to reinvent herself. A former corporate professional and now tech entrepreneur with an MBA in finance and marketing, she is now embracing her creative and spiritual sides with the same energy. She studied Economics and Computer Science in her undergraduate years, followed by an MBA from Columbia University, and has worked at The Boston Consulting Group and Citibank, experiences that helped her explore different facets of her personality. Her recent Bhajan Sandhya marked a personal milestone, an artistic reintroduction, and a reminder that it is never too late to explore something new. For Nirali, life is about breaking boundaries: one verse, one venture, and one unexpected shift at a time.
1. You've worn many hats: corporate professional, entrepreneur, and now a voice in the world of spiritual music. What inspired you to reintroduce yourself through this new path?
After working in the corporate world and building IndiaParenting.com, I spent many years focused on growth, performance, and responsibility. I have not slowed down at all on that front and my business pursuits continue actively. While I continue to explore entrepreneurial ideas, I also began feeling a quiet pull towards something more inward and personal. Bhajans and spiritual study gave me that space. Bhajan Sandhya was my way of honouring that shift. It felt important to reintroduce myself through something that came from the heart, not only through roles or achievements, but also through something real and deeply meaningful.
2. Has your earlier experience as an entrepreneur shaped your approach to your creative and spiritual practices?
Yes, it has. My time in the corporate world and as an entrepreneur taught me the importance of discipline, structure, and commitment. Those qualities continue to support me today. Although the focus has shifted, the approach remains intentional. I still plan my time, stay consistent, and give importance to whatever I take on. What has changed is the purpose. This phase is not only about building something external on the tech side on parenting and happiness but also about deepening my inner journey. Whether it's technology, music or spiritual learning, I approach it with the same intention and zeal.
3. How did your journey with music and spirituality begin?
It started with what I thought was a simple singing class. Only later did I realize it focused on bhajans. I had never associated music with spirituality before that, but something clicked. As I continued, the lines between the two blurred beautifully. Bhajans brought in strength and connection I hadn't experienced before. That's when I knew this wasn't just a hobby but a deeper calling to be explored.
4. Was music always a part of your life, or is this a more recent connection?
It's a more recent connection, and one I didn't see coming. Growing up, I enjoyed listening to music and was inclined to learn it; however, I did not end up pursuing it. That changed just a few years ago, when I started exploring bhajans. What began almost by chance gradually became a meaningful part of my life. Today, music, especially devotional music, is woven into my everyday routine. I still find it surprising how naturally it all came together, as if it was waiting for the right time.
5. Balancing creative pursuits with responsibilities can be difficult. How do you manage it?
I approach it with the same commitment I once gave to my professional roles, but with a more purposeful intention. I plan my week in a way that allows space for everything that matters - family, work, and now, music. Having that structure actually creates more freedom, because it helps me stay present with whatever I'm doing in the moment. I've also realised that when you carve out time for what truly energises you, it brings a different kind of clarity and balance to every other part of your life.
6. Tell us about the Bhajan Sandhya. What was it like to share this part of yourself with a live audience?
It was my first live performance, and the experience felt both grounding and expansive. Until then, this journey had stayed within personal spaces or through online sharing. But being in that room with 250 people for nearly two hours, much to my surprise, something magical happened. I could see people smiling, singing along, dancing, completely immersed. It wasn't just about singing in front of an audience. It was about allowing myself to be seen in a more honest and complete way. The energy felt invigorating, as if I was elevating their spirits. That evening felt like a quiet turning point, one that affirmed how powerful it is to show up fully as yourself.
7. For those curious about spirituality but unsure where to start, what helped you take your first steps?
My journey into spirituality unfolded gradually through two beautiful and complementary paths: Bhakti Marg, the path of devotion, and Gyaan Marg, the path of knowledge. There was just a quiet curiosity and a willingness to explore.
The Bhakti Marg found its way into my life through my bhajan guru, Shri Ashok Johri. As he would explain the meaning and essence of each bhajan before teaching it, I slowly began to connect with the depth and beauty of devotion, without even realizing it, I started to truly enjoy the Bhakti aspect. It is with him that I have recorded four original bhajans on YouTube and had the privilege of performing live in a Bhajan Sandhya, which has been an incredibly fulfilling experience.
In parallel, the Gyaan Marg began taking shape as I engaged with the teachings of various spiritual masters and explored different spiritual texts. I also enjoy reading spiritual texts in my own time, which helps centre me and offers fresh insight. In fact, one of my current projects around happiness and corporate well-being is deeply influenced by these values: focusing on inner growth, emotional resilience, and living with purpose.
With each step, something new would unfold and gradually, a sense of spiritual direction began to emerge. I have found that staying open and curious often paves the most meaningful path.
8. What does music and bhakti offer you in a world that often feels rushed and over-scheduled?
They offer a sense of grounding and clarity. Surprisingly, I don't feel like I have slowed down. If anything, I feel more focused and accomplish a lot more, because my entrepreneurial work continues just as actively. I guess you could say I am a serial entrepreneur! Bhakti and music help quiet the mental noise, allowing me to move through each day with greater presence. That shift has made me more intentional and, in many ways, more productive. It is about engaging more deeply with what truly matters.
9. What would you say to someone who feels drawn to something outside their current life, but is hesitant to explore it?
Start small. You do not need to have everything figured out. Often, we wait for the perfect moment or a clear roadmap, but neither usually arrives. What matters is giving yourself permission to explore, even if it is just a little at a time. Consistency is very important. I have found that showing up regularly, even in small ways, can lead to powerful transformation. Reading Atomic Habits helped reinforce this idea for me. The right teachers also play a crucial role. Their presence can gently guide you when you are unsure. You may discover something that resonates deeply or leads you in an entirely new direction. The important thing is to stay open. I have learned that some of the most meaningful chapters begin quietly, with a single step.
10. Now that the Bhajan Sandhya is behind you, what's next?
I would love to do more live events. There is something powerful about sharing music in a collective space and feeling that shared energy. Alongside that, I am working on a project focused on happiness and well-being, which supports corporate teams and also involves volunteering with schools as part of a broader Happiness Project. It is something I feel deeply about, especially when it comes to building positive habits in young people. I also make it a point to keep upskilling myself. Whether it is through courses, reading, or learning from people around me, I believe growth is continuous. This phase of my life feels expansive in the best way. I'm exploring content, collaborations, and new ideas, while giving each of them the space to grow at their own pace.
11. What message do you hope people take away from your story?
That our journeys rarely follow a straight line, and it's never too late to rediscover a new part of yourself. I had built successful businesses, watched my children begin their own careers, and thought I had a clear idea of who I was and what my life would look like. I never imagined that I would one day find myself singing bhajans on stage. But here I am. It didn't happen through a grand decision, but through small, quiet steps that felt right in the moment. If something stirs your heart, even gently, honour it. You never know what path it might open, or how deeply it might connect you to yourself.
