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)
“My interpretation of combining Ihsan and Ishan is :
Beauty is Omnipresent. Faith is Beauty. Beauty is Knowledge.”
AWARD WINNING DESIGNER. GALLERY ARTIST. FASHION. MUSEUMS. CALLIGRAPHER. MUSICIAN. DANCER. SPIRITUAL ADVISOR. INTERFAITH / HINDU CHAPLAIN. DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ADVOCATE.
About Ihsan Ishan Design
Founded by Sangeetha Kowsik, Ihsan Ihsan Design is a multiple award-winning multidisciplinary studio dedicated to inspiring understanding, peace, and positive change through meaningful art and design.
The studio creates its own product lines, including textiles, art prints, and accessories, while offering custom design and development services for museums, companies, and institutions.
Sangeetha’s journey is unparalleled: a Hindu Indian-American woman who is traditionally trained in Arabic and Islamic calligraphy, she is a Parsons School of Design graduate with a degree in Arabic Calligraphy from NYU.
She made history as the first Asian, Indian, and woman to lead a design team at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her extensive career spans industries—from fashion, beauty, luxury, and museums—designing for iconic brands like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Estée Lauder, Tiffany & Co., and many more.
As the Hindu Chaplain at NYU and founder of the NYU Hindu Center, Sangeetha advocates for inclusivity, accurate representation of global faiths, and interfaith dialogue. She has been honored as Chaplain of the Year by Chelsea Clinton and serves on boards like GAMA (Gathering All Muslim Artists) and Daya Arts.
Sangeetha not only offers design services to institutions and brands but also educates through lectures and consultations on interfaith dialogue, the spiritual significance of art, inclusive design, and the empowerment of underrepresented communities.
Her work embodies the values of connection, understanding, interconnectedness, and cultural appreciation.
“My mission is this: to engage all people and communities interested in knowing about the diversity of this world. My designs educate, start conversations, fight negative stereotypes, celebrate global cultures, showcase unique stories, and create appreciation and understanding which leads to a more unified, harmonious, compassionate, beautiful world.”
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 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.
–Sangeetha Kowsik (Founder Ihsan Ishan Design)
Why?
Ihsan Ishan Design was launched 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 is displayed by the Mosque at NYU as a reminder that we share more than we differ.
It delights the Muslim community, who are often surprised to learn that a Hindu artist created it.
The studio continues to evolve taking inspiration from various global cultures, celebrating what connects us!
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