Today we’d like to introduce you to Seema Navarathanmal.
Hi Seema, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my journey as a homemaker after moving to US. When my children started attending Hindi USA (language school) and Bal Vihar of St. Louis (cultural school), I began volunteering with these organizations. What started as a small step quickly became a meaningful passion.
Volunteering helped me build confidence, grow personally, and stay connected to my roots. Seeing the kids learn the language and embrace our culture brings me immense joy. As both a parent and a teacher, I truly believe that helping kids stay connected to their culture fosters pride, respect, and a strong sense of identity and that’s what continues to inspire me every day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was not as easy as I had thought to work with kids. Every child is different, and understanding their needs takes time and patience. Working with them has helped me grow as well. I have learned how to teach in different ways, slowly discovering new methods that work better for each child. Even today, I continue to learn something new every time I am with them.
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Moving to a new country came with its own challenges adjusting to a different environment, building confidence, and stepping out of my comfort zone after being a homemaker for years. Balancing family responsibilities with volunteering was not easy, and it became even more challenging when I started working full time as well. Managing work, home, and community commitments required careful planning and patience.
There were moments of self-doubt, especially when I took on new roles as a teacher and organizer. But every challenge helped me become stronger and more confident. The support from the community and the happiness of seeing the kids learn and smile made every struggle truly worthwhile.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Computer Applications. I have always loved working with children, which inspired me to start volunteering with various organizations. Through those experiences, I learned a great deal and grew both personally and professionally.
I later began working as an Instructor, and eventually transitioned into the role of an Analyst in an IT firm. In my professional journey, I continue to learn and grow, which has helped me build confidence and expand my skills over time.
I specialize in teaching Hindi and culture to children in a simple and engaging way, helping them not only learn the language but also understand and appreciate our culture and values. I am actively involved in organizing cultural events with multiple non-profit organizations and encouraging children to participate with confidence and enthusiasm.
I am known for my dedication, patience, and my ability to connect with children in a warm and positive manner. For me, teaching is not just about language or culture it’s about building confidence, nurturing cultural pride, and helping every child feel connected to their roots.
What I am most proud of is seeing my students grow speaking Hindi language confidently, performing on stage, and embracing their heritage with pride. What truly sets me apart is my journey starting as a homemaker in a new country, stepping out of my comfort zone, and growing into a confident teacher, professional, and community leader, all while balancing family and career.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about our city is its strong sense of community. The place where I live is very friendly and welcoming, and it’s truly a kid-friendly city. Children have so many opportunities to grow and learn in different ways. The cultural organizations here help kids stay connected to their roots and proudly be part of their culture. At the same time, there are many new experiences available, and being centrally located makes it even more convenient. It’s a beautiful city, and I really appreciate the supportive environment where families can grow, learn, and celebrate their culture with pride.
What I like least is that life here can feel extremely busy. With so many commitments and community activities, schedules can become very challenging to manage. While the many opportunities are a blessing, balancing everything can sometimes feel overwhelming.
