What does Ihsan Ishan mean?

Ihsan translates to “do beautiful things" in Arabic.
According to the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet, peace & blessings upon his name),
Ihsan means to worship God as if you saw Him, for even if you cannot see Him, He can see you.

Ihsan is the perfectly sincere worship of God, when knowledge and will have completely merged with the Divine.  Ihsan is primarily associated with intention and to approach and carry out everything in the most beautiful way possible. It is generally believed that a person can only achieve true Ihsan with the guidance of God, who governs all things.

Ishan means "omnipresent or omnipotent" in Sanskrit.  Ishan has its roots in the word "ish,” which means “the invisible power that governs the universe.” Several words in Sanskrit contain “ish” including “Ishwar” (referring to the third eye of Lord Shiva) and “Ishaan” (translates to a master or ruler)

AWARD WINNING DESIGNER. GALLERY ARTIST. FASHION. MUSEUMS. CALLIGRAPHER. MUSICIAN. DANCER. SPIRITUAL ADVISOR.

Ihsan Ishan Design

is an award-winning multidisciplinary design studio committed to inspiring peace, understanding, and positive change through distinctive, meaningful designs. Founded by acclaimed designer Sangeetha Kowsik, the studio creates one-of-a-kind textiles, art prints, accessories, and custom commissions—including work for museums and institutions—focused on cultural diversity, global iconography, and traditional Arabic Calligraphy, all with a modern, luxurious flair.

Sangeetha is the only designer of her kind: a Hindu Indian-American woman who is a trained Arabic/Islamic Calligrapher. A graduate of Parsons School of Design with a degree in Arabic Calligraphy from NYU, she was the first Asian, Indian, and woman to lead a design team as Head Designer at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Sangeetha’s career spans fashion, beauty, streetwear, luxury, and museums, creating designs for brands like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Estée Lauder, JLO, West Elm, Tiffany & Co and more.

As the Hindu Chaplain at NYU and founder of the NYU Hindu Center, Sangeetha champions inclusivity, diversity, and spirituality through her interfaith work. She was named Chaplain of the Year by Chelsea Clinton for her initiatives promoting interfaith dialogue. She’s also a founding member of the North American Hindu Chaplains Association and serves on the boards of GAMA (Gathering All Muslim Artists) and Daya Arts.

Ihsan Ishan Design offers custom design services for museums, institutions, and companies including consultations on inclusive design, and Sangeetha delivers lectures on interfaith, Hinduism, spiritual significance of art objects, Arabic Calligraphy, and empowering minorities.

Her work celebrates cultural richness, fosters global interconnectedness, and promotes peace and understanding.

Ihsan Ishan Logo

The crescent moon is significant in both Islam and Hinduism.

In Hinduism, Lord Shiva (The lord of dance) is depicted with it in his hair.

Bharatanatyam is a classical dance from South India and the first form of dance I learned. These dancers wear a crescent moon in their hair along with a sun ornament.

The crescent is also represented in the shape of nose rings South Indian temple goddesses are adorned with. The shape appears again in the fanned out portion of their Saris (traditional Indian garments.)

I chose purple in reference to the color of the sunset (significant in Islam) and because it is associated with Lord Shiva and the cosmos.

This particular shade was influenced by the rich luxe lipstick shades I worked with in the fashion industry.

I wanted the logo to feel ornamental, like a piece of jewelry. "Ihsan" is written on the right, "Ishan" is written on the left in stylized Kufic script.

Why?

Ihsan Ishan Design was launched in 2019 during the holy month of Ramadan, alongside the groundbreaking art exhibition “Allah Swami” which celebrates the shared traditions of Hinduism and Islam told through the art of Arabic Calligraphy.

This exhibit remains displayed by the Mosque at NYU as a reminder that we share more than we differ, especially in our classical music traditions. It delights the Muslim community, who are often surprised to learn that a Hindu artist created it.

The brand continues to evolve taking inspiration from various global cultures, celebrating what connects us!

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