Meet Mindra Sahadeo | Musician, Music Teacher & Harmonium Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mindra Sahadeo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mindra, how does your business help the community?
My father started his own business, so I practically grew up in a Family owned Clothing/Garment and Accessories business in my country of birth. Starting my own business in the U. S. was like moving up to another level in a new country.
I began by repairing Harmoniums, firstly by taking one apart and then putting it back together, I did this as Seva…donating my service selflessly to the Hindu Temples first in Guyana, South America, my country of birth and later in New York. The harmoniums in the Mandirs/Temples were in dire need of repairs and there was no one capable of doing so. Then people within and outside of our community started to contact me to repair their harmoniums and some also wanted to buy, thus, my business, Mindra’s Harmonium Sales and Repairs was launched. In Queens, New York, where I commenced, there are tens of thousands of West Indians, South Asians and Westerners who all own harmoniums. There are also hundreds of Mandirs/Temples and Yoga Studios with harmoniums. Soon after, clients from other states started to contact me for Harmonium Repairs. As I worked, I was able to see all the manufacturer’s defects and thoughts of designing and manufacturing my own Brand Harmoniums started to conceptualize in my mind. I then decided to create a small portable harmonium which my Yogi friends could just grab and go, on the run, even on buses, the train, Retreats and in the overhead cabins for overseas travel. I created the now world famous Bhakti Baby to answer the call of the Yogis and Bhakti is that Brand. Two of my other Brands are Madhura and Madhavi which are Scale Changing Harmoniums, used in temples and by professional singers. Some of these Scale Changers are customized whereby I listen to the singers then use a combination of reeds unique to their voices to create that special sound and effect. I revolutionized the Harmonium Industry by moving away from the mundane colours to making harmoniums in different colours using diverse arrays of coloured fabrics and accessories….now all the old renowned harmoniums makers are following suit. Along with Harmonium Repairs, I also do Harmonium Outreach, where I travel to different locations to offer Harmonium Sales and Repairs which includes Free Demo, everyone gets to play the Harmoniums and I conclude with Kirtan. I define my sucess as Blessings from the Supreme Being and my availability to all my clients, some of whom are now a part of my extended family, also my ability to work with my clients to assist them in furthering their development and achievments.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Music is my passion. I love and often get lost in my music. I play the harmonium, dholak and tablas, just to name a few musical instruments. When I began to visualize my harmonium, it was different from the others, small, compact with colour coordination.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I just recently relocated to Texas, so everything is new to me. It’s an adventure, almost like learning a new culture. I love seeing the ranches with all the animals roaming around freely as I drive by. The air is super fresh in the mornings when I open my back door. The atmosphere, the openness and the quietness reminds me of my country of birth. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, always smiling and polite, ever so ready to help and assist in every way. As a practising Hindu, I am in awe of the Hanuman Temple in Frisco but even more amazing is the Hanuman Murti/Statue in Sugarland.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My late father, Mohanlall Sahadeo, for his leadership by example, his courage, faith and dedication. My mother, Phulmati and two sisters, Nanda and Sandra for their continuous support. My late brother, Junior for his strength and confidence in all our pursuits

Website: https://www.mindraharmoniums.com

Instagram: mindra01

Facebook: Mindra’s Harmonium Sales And Repairs Mindra Sahadeo

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nandasahadeo

Other: Face Book…… Mindra Sahadeo