Art For a Cause: Jharna Madan Brings 30 Artists Together Virtually, Ekal Vidyalaya.
An interior designer by profession, Jharna Madan’s passion is giving back to the community, in many different ways. This summer presented challenges like no other; Jharna has been a true trailblazer rising to the occasion, bringing the community together through art. She shares the beautiful digital journey of IndiArt, and how she viewed the pandemic as the time to virtually volunteer and do good for those around her. Check out her inspiring story below!
1. How did you come up with the concept of Indiart? What was the inspiration and goal behind it?
I came up with the concept of IndiArt in 2013 during my Volunteering time for Ekal Vidyalaya. I wanted to connect our children here in the US with the rural children in Ekal villages. The art contest was a medium to do so. Our theme was always based around Rural India, and kids needed to research for the contest. The research then opened up this whole world for them that they were unaware of. As a result of the contest, we got many families that joined the Ekal volunteer base, including kids. I ran Indiart for two years till 2015. This year with COVID the importance of Digital education has skyrocketed. One of the big missions of Ekal, as we advance, is to digitalize Ekal schools. I wanted to relaunch Indiart to highlight and fundraise to digitalize Ekal schools. I wanted the contest to have a mass reach, and we opened it up nationally to all ages from 5 to 99. IndiArt today has become an art movement, and I so grateful and humbled to see it grow. My inspiration has always been my mom and my daughter. My mom taught me the concept of Seva. She always inspired me to give back and try to do my bit to make the world a better place. I hope to set the same example for my daughter.
2. Who are some of the people (and their roles) involved in the program?
It truly does take a village! Ranjani Saigal, Santhana Krishnan have been a guiding light for IndiArt since its inception. Their guidance and support have helped shape IndiArt, and I am very grateful to both of them. This year Parveen Minocha has partnered with me, and together we have been able to take IndiArt to new heights. We also have a fantastic Ekal team that supports us. And what can I say about our amazing ambassadors, they are the heartbeat of this project. We are indebted to each of them for their unconditional support.
Thank you, Anju Saran - Artist, Archa Malhotra, Deepti Agrawal Mittal, Esha Shetty, Gopaal Seyn, Gopika Narula, Grishma Mehta, Helina Gajjar Randeria, Java Mehta Joshi, Kala Kumar, Kavita Chauhan Gohil, Manjushree Roy, Minaxi Choksi, Mona Kalariya, Mridula Satyamurti, Naeem Khan Kittur, Nafisa Husain, Navneeta Khemka, Nishi (Nishi Dhiman), Nita Sahay, Nitraj Arts (Nitasha Sahay), Nupur Nishith, Pallavi Mantri Wagh, Poppy Charnalia, Pragati Sharma, Pratibha Varshney, Priti Lathia, Purvi Shah, Raksha Soni, Rohini Mathur Chakravarty, Sampada Kodagali Agarwal, Sanjana Krishna, Seema Moondra, Sunanda Sahay, Tullika Bhatia
3. Which classes or genre has been the most popular genre?
With over 30 art workshops, we have covered a variety of art techniques. To name a few, we have had Madhubani, 3d textured art, Digital art, acrylics, pour painting, sketching, Indian temple architecture, Lippin art, and Amitabh Bachchan caricature.
Each workshop has been unique and creative in its way, and we have had a tremendous response.
4. Tell us how Indiart has grown under your leadership, and what plans do you have for Indiart?
IndiArt is a labor of love, passion, and commitment. I have had the honor of leading a great team with Parveen Minocha. We made IndiArt a household name and created a National art movement. We have around 525 families that are currently registered, which translates around 700 contestants. Our goal in the future is to take Indiart global and create a platform that brings all artists and art enthusiasts together from around the world.
5. This year was probably exceptionally challenging for you too. What are some critical challenges and lessons learned, especially with navigating through these unusual times?
COVID has been a humbling experience for us all. With challenges come opportunities. In times like this, it became even more critical for me to do my bit. I had the opportunity to be part of many initiatives that provided relief during stressful times. Besides Indiart, I have been part of the following:
Sew We Care – I helped create and form a team of 200 volunteers that made over 20,000 masks and scrubs for Hospitals and nursing homes.
Care for Janitors- A group of us five friends got together and raised funds to provide over 1500 hot meals to Janitorial staff in different hospitals and nursing homes.
Hindi Manch Virtual events – As a volunteer for Hindi Manch, I was part of many virtual events that were organized to provide much-needed entertainment for the community. Being part of many projects my key learning has been that Hard work, Honesty and Humility will help you over come all challenges. So to everyone reading this go out and make a difference coz every drop in the ocean counts.
Thank you so much Jharna for all you have done during this tough time, and inspiring our empowered women’s network!
Bio: Jharna Madan is a senior interior designer and project manager and a TV Asia correspondent in Boston. A passionate event planner, Jharna is involved in several community and charitable organizations in the Boston metro area. Jharna has been an Ekal volunteer for the past 10 years. She is the Steering Committee member of Hindi Manch and played a pivot role in the First Hindi Manch Rashtriya Mahotsav in 2018. She has also worked with South Asian Art gallery and launched “Local Art for Local Cause”. In 2020, Jharna co-founded Sew, We care and Care4 Janitors initiatives to help communities during the covid Pandemic. IndiArt is Jharna’s brain child and started the art contest in 2013. Jharna is a true believer and follower of the concept of Seva, and has tried to incorporate that in her life. Jharna lives in Reading MA with her husband and 12 year old daughter Aaria.
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