Two women in saris sitting together outside.

Varta helps Gujarati women record everyday moments and memories in their own voice, no typing required.

Every Gujarati knows it's the women in the family who have lived a thousand lives. Their stories come out at the kitchen table or while rolling theplas before a big trip. Varta exists to give these stories a home.

Varta

/vaar-ta/

વાર્તા

noun. A story, a conversation, the thing someone shares once you ask the right question. Often shared over hot chai.

Varta app category list screen with Gujarati and English prompt topics.

Varta app recording screen with Gujarati prompts and saved voice notes.

Tap and talk

Varta is a voice-first storytelling app for the mom who doesn’t want to write but is always willing to chat. She can record freely or choose from topics like faith, recipes, and family, with prompts written in Gujarati and English. All she has to do is tap the red button and start talking. Her stories are saved automatically, with options to transcribe, share, or keep private. Prompts can always be skipped.

Next up: I’m still working on reminders, editing, sharing, photo inspiration, and the final storybook experience (written and audio, in English and Gujarati).

Simple prompts. Real stories.

Chitthi

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?What would you consider your motto?Think of someone who showed you unexpected kindness.What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?What would you consider your motto?Think of someone who showed you unexpected kindness.

Kitchen

What dish brings a memory back to life?What do you love to make for your children?If food is how you show love, what do you hope people feel?What dish brings a memory back to life?What do you love to make for your children?If food is how you show love, what do you hope people feel?

Childhood

What was your favorite place as a child?What fascinated you when you were a girl?What feeling from that time should your grandchildren know?What was your favorite place as a child?What fascinated you when you were a girl?What feeling from that time should your grandchildren know?

Family Vaat

Think of a vivid memory of your mother or grandmother.Who in your family influenced you the most?What is your favorite story about your father?Think of a vivid memory of your mother or grandmother.Who in your family influenced you the most?What is your favorite story about your father?

Faith

Who first showed you how to pray?Where did you worship when you were young?When did you feel God’s presence most clearly?Who first showed you how to pray?Where did you worship when you were young?When did you feel God’s presence most clearly?

Coming Here

Think of one of your first days in a new country.What was the hardest thing to leave behind?What story from that time should your grandchildren know?Think of one of your first days in a new country.What was the hardest thing to leave behind?What story from that time should your grandchildren know?

Family gathered around a table with cups of tea.

An elder woman leaning toward a child in conversation.

Women sitting together in a family sitting room.

A woman embracing an elder family member near a bright window.

A mother reading with children in a quiet nook by the pool.

A person walking through an old arched gate.

Courtesy of Arjun Lall

I'd love to hear from you.

I'm building Varta for the women who shaped me, and for the wisdom, gentle jabs, and recipes I'm still hungry for 🙂 This product is early and personal. If you'd like to try Varta with your family, or if you have questions or ideas, please reach out.

meenal@whyalchemy.com