Grammy Award-winning musician, entrepreneur and philanthropist Chandrika Tandon brought an inspiring message of creativity, spirituality and community to New York’s Asia Society during a special gathering ahead of Diwali. Held on October 7, 2026, the program, titled “Love, Light, Laughter: An Evening with Chandrika Tandon,” explored how music, personal experiences and a sense of purpose can connect people across cultures and generations.
Organized in partnership with The Culture Tree, the event brought together cultural enthusiasts and community leaders for an evening of reflection and artistic expression. Farwa Ahmad introduced the program, while New York City Council Member Shekar Krishnan delivered the opening keynote, emphasizing the value of cultural identity, shared traditions and community participation in the city’s diverse social landscape.
Krishnan also recognized The Culture Tree’s 10th anniversary, highlighting its work in promoting South Asian heritage and creating opportunities for cultural exchange. Founded by Anu Sehgal, the New York-based organization has spent the past decade connecting audiences with South Asian traditions through education, literature, storytelling and the performing arts.
The evening’s central feature was a conversation between Tandon and Sehgal, the organization’s founder and chief executive. Their discussion examined the role music plays in shaping identity, communicating emotions and building relationships beyond linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Tandon’s artistic journey also came into focus, particularly following the success of her album “Triveni,” which won the Grammy Award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album in 2025. The conversation considered how artists continue evolving after major achievements and what motivates them to explore new creative possibilities.
Purpose and personal transformation formed another important part of the discussion. Sehgal reflected on how a serious health crisis had encouraged her to act on a longstanding desire to make a meaningful contribution. Her experience echoed Tandon’s own transition from the corporate world toward music and philanthropy, prompting attendees to consider how personal values can translate into meaningful action.
Music remained central throughout the gathering, with Sanskrit chanting and shared moments of contemplation creating an atmosphere of calm and connection. The collective experience offered attendees an opportunity to engage with music not merely as entertainment but as a means of fostering reflection and togetherness.
As Diwali approached, the event extended the festival’s symbolism beyond traditional celebrations, emphasizing gratitude, compassion and the cultivation of inner light.
The program ended with a meet-and-greet, giving guests an opportunity to interact with Tandon. For The Culture Tree, the gathering also underscored its decade-long commitment to celebrating South Asian heritage and creating inclusive spaces where traditions can be shared across generations.
