“I have been in the business of construction and architecture for over a decade now. Initially I was helping out with my husband’s company, managing the day to day operations. However, deep down I knew that it was not fulfilling enough for me. I had a deep void deep inside me.

We received different projects to design marriage halls and shopping complexes but it didn’t cut it for me. As I set out in search for the elusive work, the universe worked its magic to help me back. The Sathya Sai trust in the US commissioned us to design and build a model village for the Irular tribes in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu.

As I began my research on this sect of the society, I was baffled with my findings. These tribe members are one of the existing members who still led a life close to nature. I came to know that governments from different parts employed them to extract the venom from different snake species without killing them, to act as an antidote. They were excellent mandala artists and their art spoke for itself.

It seemed to me that I had finally found my calling. We were commissioned to work on the rehabilitation of these tribal members by building a model village for them and helping them transition. The designs had come out well and we began our work by commissioning paintings of tribal members in their element – weaving bamboo, mandalas etc. But due to the pandemic, the plans have been postponed a little and we are waiting on funds to wrap this up! But I’m sure the day is not far off and we would see the rehabilitation of all of these beautiful tribal people in their new homes.

For close to a decade, I had been working in different projects but like I mentioned, they never fulfilled me. I would even go on to say that I was pushed into a depressive phase but I moved to a path to help explore myself more. I went down the path of meditation and self exploration and it has helped me in finding my true calling and finding work that I find meaningful and fulfilling.

My only message for companies would be to step up and come forward to fund projects like these and help preserve whatever little heritage we have left of our ancient tribal associations and village artisans. It would make a world of difference to them as well us, on the whole.”