Avani Modi Sarkar and Modi Toys: Reimagining Cultural Connection Through Play

 

In a world where cultural identity often risks fading across generations, especially among immigrant families, Avani Modi Sarkar has emerged as a visionary entrepreneur bridging the gap between heritage and childhood play. As the co-founder of Modi Toys, Avani has transformed a personal quest into a thriving business that celebrates Indian culture and Hindu faith through mantra-singing plush toys and children’s books. This article explores her inspiring journey, the ethos behind Modi Toys, and how the brand is making a meaningful impact on diaspora families globally.

From Corporate Marketer to Cultural Changemaker:

Avani Modi Sarkar’s professional background is rooted in over 15 years of experience in corporate marketing, including a senior role at American Express Global Business Travel. However, her transition to entrepreneurship was sparked by a deeply personal motivation: when she and her brother Viral Modi became first-time parents, they struggled to find toys that reflected their Indian heritage and spiritual traditions.

Recognizing this gap, Avani and Viral set out to create something that didn’t exist — toys that could help children connect with their roots in a joyful, accessible way. Thus, Modi Toys was born in 2018, combining Avani’s marketing savvy with Viral’s creative vision to bring culturally authentic, mantra-singing plush toys to life.

Modi Toys: Where Tradition Meets Innovation:

Modi Toys offers a unique product line featuring plush representations of beloved Hindu deities such as Baby Ganesh, Baby Hanuman, Saraswati Devi, and Durga Devi. What makes these toys special is their ability to sing traditional mantras in a soothing, nursery rhyme style when squeezed, making spiritual learning playful and engaging for young children.

Avani emphasizes the delicate balance the company maintains: “We strive to honor the sacredness of these deities while making them relatable and fun for kids.” Each toy is accompanied by a rhyming children’s book that brings Hindu mythology and values to life, sparking curiosity and conversation within families.

Building a Global Community Through Cultural Play:

Since its launch, Modi Toys has resonated with over 55,000 families across 39 countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and India. The brand’s growth is powered largely by authentic word-of-mouth from parents eager to nurture cultural pride in their children.

The toys have also found fans among Indian-origin celebrities like Mindy Kaling and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, amplifying the brand’s reach and normalizing diverse cultural representation in children’s products worldwide. Modi Toys has evolved beyond a niche market, becoming a source of comfort and cultural connection for people of all ages during significant life moments.

Navigating Challenges with Cultural Sensitivity and Integrity:

Creating toys based on Hindu deities posed unique challenges, especially in balancing reverence with child-friendly design. Some conservative voices expressed reservations about playful representations of sacred figures, but Avani and her brother viewed these concerns as opportunities for education and dialogue.

The company’s commitment to cultural accuracy, respectful storytelling, and community engagement has helped Modi Toys earn trust and admiration, setting a high standard for culturally rooted products in the marketplace.

A Family-Run Business with Roots in Two Continents:

Modi Toys operates from Edison, New Jersey, with manufacturing and fulfillment in New Delhi, India. This cross-continental presence reflects the founders’ own bicultural identities and reinforces their commitment to authentic Indian craftsmanship and sustainable practices.

In 2021, Modi Toys shifted manufacturing from China to India to better align with their mission and ensure quality control. The company uses sustainable, recycled materials and pays fair living wages, underscoring its dedication to ethical business practices.

 

The Road Ahead: Sustainability, Growth, and Cultural Legacy:

Avani Modi Sarkar envisions Modi Toys as a leader in combining cultural education with sustainability. By using recycled materials and emphasizing quality, the company meets the expectations of modern families who value both heritage and environmental responsibility.

With plans to expand further into India and other global markets, Modi Toys continues to foster cultural pride and curiosity among diaspora children, ensuring that the gift of heritage remains vibrant and accessible.

Conclusion: Preserving Heritage One Toy at a Time:

Avani Modi Sarkar’s journey from corporate professional to award-winning entrepreneur exemplifies how purpose-driven innovation can create lasting cultural impact. Modi Toys is more than a brand — it is a heartfelt mission to keep Indian culture alive and thriving in homes around the world through joyful, meaningful play.

By blending tradition with creativity, Avani and her brother have crafted a unique bridge between generations and geographies, nurturing a vibrant cultural legacy, one mantra-singing plush toy at a time. Find more Global Indian stories