Bliss-Girls

In the early 21st century, as the world opened up to technology and fast paced life, newer ideas and desk jobs looked lucrative to a vast majority of youth. Entering the corporate world, holding big titles and making money became the definition of success. But all this came at a cost – loosening ties with tradition. Ancient wisdom and practices that once held the secrets to a healthy and happy life became burdensome and uncomfortable to follow. Yet, like a silver lining amidst dark clouds, a few have embraced these traditions with joy; quietly carrying forward age-old wisdom, knowing that the time will come when they must offer it back to society.

In this era of busy lives where people are focused more on earning money and climbing the corporate ladder there is hardly any time to cook, and cooking has taken a backseat handing the steering wheel to processed food that are easy on time and pockets. On top of that, cooking traditional foods requires time and expertise. But what options do we have in such cases, given that our health is at stake? The answer is to find someone who knows the recipes and can prepare them for us with love.

Meet Sahana Krishnamurthy, the knowledge steward who is on a mission to preserve, protect and spread the age old legacy of her grandmother H. S. Sharadamba (fondly known as Ajji), who was an epitome of culinary skills.  Ajji had inherited the recipes from the women in her family and gained expertise over years by serving everyone in and around her. Sahana had the privilege to spend a majority of her time with Ajji and during that time, she gathered a great wealth of knowledge about traditions, food, and postpartum care. Though Ajji is no more, Sahana continues to share this wisdom with those in need through her homemade food products under the label Ajji’s Homemade.

Born in Bangalore, she spent a majority of her childhood in Uttar Pradesh. The earliest memories of her childhood are filled with love, fun and relishing the authentic dishes from Uttar Pradesh. During school, despite of having a keen interest in extracurricular activities, her shy nature stopped her from approaching people, but her teachers were supportive enough to give her chances to showcase her talent.

After finishing school, she moved back to Bangalore and fulfilled her grandfather’s desire for her to become an engineer. She graduated from Sir MVIT, and it was here that she met her soulmate, Rishu Kumar. After graduating, she pursued an MBA in Pune, away from her family. At her college, she was selected to be a part of the Corporate Relations Cell, and that was truly a turning point for her. She discovered her ability to talk to anyone and lead meaningful conversations.

Sahana is a management professional who has worked in insurance firms, education sector and having moved homes in different cities she has learnt the skill to gel with people of different roots. When she was in Calcutta, she began writing articles and blogs, and creating YouTube videos. She is also a big dog lover and secretly brought home her pet dog, Poochi, surprising her family with the unexpected addition. Sahana and Rishu have adopted a daughter, and through her YouTube channel, she spreads awareness about adoption. Sahana is a multi-talented woman of great strength and character. She has authored a book titled ‘Beyond Womb’, a novel that explores the world of adoption in a narrative storytelling style and touches the emotional journey of prospective and adoptive parents along with adoptees.

Apart from being an active advocate of adoption, Sahana has also been spreading awareness about pregnancy and postpartum care. On her YouTube channel, you can find some valuable tips on postpartum care shared by her grandmother, Sharadamba Ajji. Unfortunately, her grandmother passed away in 2021.
A few months later, Sahana received a call from one of her followers, asking if she could speak to her grandmother. Upon enquiring, Sahana discovered that the distressed caller was a new mother who had no one to take care of her. The caller asked if Sahana could make the postpartum ladoos, the recipes for which had been shared by her grandmother on YouTube.
And that is how Ajji’s Homemade was conceived— a small initiative started three years ago with the intention of helping people in dire need. Today, it has its own loyal customer base and continues to build trust with new customers.

I wish Sahana’s venture, Ajji’s Homemade, continued growth and success. By carrying forward her grandmother’s treasured recipes, inspiring people through her advocacy for adoption, and spreading awareness about maternal care, she is truly making a difference—one tradition, one message, and one act of kindness at a time.