Chander Kala Ahuja has been an integral and cherished member of the Westchester County community for over four decades, calling Scarsdale and Hartsdale home. She’s widely acclaimed for her tireless dedication as a volunteer, community advocate, teacher, and a beloved friend to generations of Indian Americans in the region.
Alongside her late husband, D.P. Ahuja, Chander played a foundational role in establishing and fostering numerous cultural and spiritual organizations that have become vital anchors for the Indian community in Westchester. These include, but aren’t limited to, the Durga Temple of Westchester, the India Center of Westchester, and the Hindu Temple of the Tri-States.
Musical Legacy and Educational Impact
Renowned throughout the New York tri-state area for her exceptional vocal and instrumental performances, Chander Kala Ahuja’s lifelong commitment to Indian classical and devotional music is paralleled only by her profound passion for education. For more than two decades, she’s shared her extensive knowledge of vocal music, sitar, Harmonium, andTabla with hundreds of students of all ages across Westchester. Shedemonstrates a particular dedication to mentoring young students, guiding them not only in musicalproficiency but also in the rich tapestry of Indian culture and values.
Beyond her musical instruction, Ms. Ahuja served for many years as a special needs teacher at Alcott Montessori School. In this role, she innovatively utilized both Indian and Western music to inspire and connect with her students. Her invaluable contributions to the arts and local community have been recognized through numerous awards and significant press coverage, culminating in her induction into the Westchester County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2017.
A Journey of Excellence
Chander’s distinguished musical journey commenced in India, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music with honors from Delhi University. She subsequently pursued and completed a master’s degree in Sitar under the guidance of the legendary Pandit Debu Chaudhuri, a lineage rooted in the esteemed Senia Gharana, directly descended from the illustrious Mian Tansen. A notable highlight of her academic pursuits was the rare privilege of performing for two of India’s most revered sitarists, Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan. Furthermore, she deepened her vocal studies under Guru B.N. Dutta of Mangalore, earning a degree in vocal performance (Kirana Gharana) from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. Her extraordinary talent was nationally acknowledged when one of her original compositions was selected for the Asian Games and personally presented to her by Dr. Zakir Hussain, then President of India.
Chander Kala Ahuja raised two children in Westchester: Sameer, residing in Scarsdale, NY, with his family, and Shalini, residing in Newton, MA, with hers. She’s the proud grandmother of four grandchildren—Arman, Joya, Anya, and Ella—and remains a constant source of inspiration, strength, and cultural continuity for both her family and the broader community.
