A Journey Through Time: Avani Yaltho’s Award-Winning Podcast
In a world that is rapidly evolving, the story of Avani Yaltho’s podcast, The Things We Buried, offers a poignant reflection on what is lost to urbanization and globalization. This captivating narrative, which opens with the haunting notes of a wooden flute, has earned Avani the title of NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge winner for 2025 in the high school category.
“My grandmother says mango trees used to belong to everyone.” With these words, Avani invites her audience into the lush landscapes of Kerala, India, where her story unfolds. Her podcast is a vivid exploration of her grandparents’ homeland, depicting a time when communities thrived with open doors and shared laughter beneath the mango trees—symbols of a simpler past.
Judges, including B.A. Parker from NPR’s Code Switch, were deeply moved by Avani’s storytelling. “It was a beautiful exploration of what can be lost over time,” Parker said. Avani’s ability to guide listeners through family conversations while maintaining a relatable tone was noted as a standout feature of her work.
Avani paints a picture of a vibrant community where children played freely, waiting for mangoes to fall. “No fences, no ownership—just laughter, sticky fingers and the simple joy of being together,” she reminisces in her podcast. This idyllic depiction contrasts with her grandfather Jacob George’s account, noting how many young people have left their villages in search of better opportunities abroad.
Saira George, Avani’s mother, reinforces this narrative: “It’s more like they were leaving for better opportunities—their education, jobs abroad.” The podcast chronicles the migration of Avani’s grandparents to Texas, where they planted roots and raised a family, highlighting the generational shift experienced by Avani, a second-generation Texan.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Avani expresses a sense of nostalgia. “It’s just kind of crazy to me that I haven’t had fruit that I picked from a garden,” she told NPR. Her visit to India revealed the stark changes; her grandmother’s house now reduced to ruins, and the once expansive fields near her grandfather’s home are now crowded with residential plots.
During the production of her podcast, Avani sought the sounds of Kerala’s vibrant past. However, audio clips returned with the overpowering noise of modern traffic, overshadowing the playful sounds she desired. Even capturing the call of the koel bird proved elusive, symbolizing the passage of time.
Despite these changes, remnants of her cultural heritage persist. Outside their Houston home, a curry leaf tree flourishes, a testament to Avani’s grandmother’s unintentional planting. “Maybe a garden is next,” Avani muses, contemplating the possibility of nurturing new roots.
To listen to Avani Yaltho’s The Things We Buried, click here.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
