The controversial Narmada dam project spearheads Kahani’s new current affairs column as America’s first South Asian magazine for children expands its content in its newest issue.

“Narmada is such a complex topic, even adults have a tough time understanding it,” said Monika Jain, editor of  Kahani. “With our new column Update, we’ll discuss such issues at a child’s level, complete with original interviews, educational sidebars and even new photographs that really break down the topic for our young reader.” Jain said. The Update team will focus on tsunami reconstruction work next. “The new column really strengthens our editorial mission to empower, educate and entertain our children,” she added. “Kahani is really ground breaking in so many ways.”

Adding to the magazine’s expansion is eminent child psychiatrist Dr. Vanita Braver who will pen a regular column called Mind Talk. “Dr. Braver is a practicing child psychiatrist and published children’s author. How cool is that for our readers!” said Jain. Kahani’s masthead already boasts Anu Garg, founder of wordsmith.org and author of the best selling book A Word a Day. Garg writes an original column for Kahani called The Language Playground.

Kahani, based in Massachusetts, is targeted at children in elementary school. Along with its nonfiction articles, the magazine features original short stories and artwork from published as well as upcoming South Asian writers and illustrators. A biography series, interactive activities, book reviews and even North America’s first cartoon strip starring South Asian kids round out the magazine.

“Parents spend anywhere from $15 to $20 per lesson when they enroll their kids in an Indian music or dance class," said Leena Chawla, the magazine's director of finance and marketing. "For $29, they can buy a subscription for the entire year to Kahani," she added. "That's less than five dollars per issue."

Kahani was recently reviewed by the eminent publication Multicultural Review. Chawla said public libraries across the country have also started buying subscriptions. "Even teachers have approached us because they want to use Kahani as an educational tool in their classrooms," Chawla added. "All this attests to the fact that we have a quality product."

Kahani is available at www.kahani.com.

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