When we began Peerbagh, part of the idea we were exploring was how to bring spotlight to South Asian stories to the world. As many different writers, publishers, and creatives were bringing out new stories, it was harder to find lists or recommendations we needed as parents. In 2025, our focus has been on intergenerational storytelling, and our Zubaani podcast season 2 was created for a deep dive into this topic.

Zubaani Season 2 on Intergenerational Storytelling

We will be hosting a free community event to celebrate intergenerational storytelling, books, and South-Asia-inspired ideas for parents and writers. This event will be hosting online on June 28th from 11-11:45am ET or 10-10:45am CT. We will meet season 2 podcast hosts Salma Hussain and Upasna Kakroo. They will welcome you to share more about their creative process as readers, writers, and podcasters!

In season 2, we talk about books that help us address the unique needs and experiences of South Asian children. We go through various facets of cultural representation including: food, stories of conflict, folklore, festivals. We will share kidlit recommendations as we go along. Ira Nagar created the theme art of this season.

Season 2 was produced with support from Michigan Humanities and the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department’s Elevate Grant.

“Zubaani” in Hindustani translates to “through the language” or “by means of language” in English. The first season produced by Peerbagh discusses South-Asian parenting tips and storytelling with folk, personal, and regional stories that build our common myths and community as people.

Peerbagh is an award-winning 501c3 nonprofit organization incorporated in Austin, Texas. The nonprofit produces storytelling events and workshops and produces an illustrated South-Asia-inspired children’s quarterly magazine Bento.

The name Zubaani was selected by Peerbagh’s late founder, Vatsala Kakroo.