SELECTED PRESS MENTIONS

 
“Our judging panel was blown away by the caliber and thoughtfulness of the piece titled “One World Together. One World Be the Change. ”
— Keely Badger Executive Director MOZAIK Philanthropy
 

RISE & RECOGNIZE AWARD

"Honoring BIWOC who go above and beyond in their support of others."
This award honors a pioneering leader in interfaith engagement, design, and cultural representation. As NYU’s Hindu Chaplain and Founder of the NYU Hindu Center, she serves diverse communities through education, spiritual leadership, and creative direction. A trained Islamic and Arabic calligrapher, she uses art to counter Islamophobia and promote interfaith understanding. She was the first woman of color to lead a design team at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she also established its first internship and mentorship program for women and international students. Her contributions span museums, fashion, and branding—advocating for accurate representation of global cultures, challenging colonial narratives, and correcting misrepresentations of Hinduism. She is also the first South Asian woman to launch a skate brand. Guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—her work reflects a lifelong commitment to inclusion, compassion, and cultural integrity.

 

Ustadh / Guru Zakir Hussain

Ustadh/Guru Zakir Hussain is widely regarded as the world’s most renowned Tabla player, a multiple Grammy winner, recipient of India’s prestigious Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan honors. Growing up in California, I attended his concerts, always in awe—not only of his mastery of the instrument but also of his kind, compassionate, and loving personality.

My “Subhanallah” Tabla design, presented to him during the pandemic, celebrates the Tabla as a unifying instrument—reflecting Zakir Ji's ability to bring together diverse musical genres and communities.

He proudly wore the design on Instagram Live, appreciating its message of unity between Hindus and Muslims.

I met him as an adult, and he greeted me with the same warmth and affection he showed when I was a child. I shared that the “Subhanallah” Tabla design was inspired by him, as the Tabla symbolizes unity—much like Zakir Ji himself.

Zakir Ji was deeply proud of my efforts to unite Hindu and Muslim communities through art and design. He appreciated my role as a Hindu Chaplain, my close friendship with an Imam, and that the Tabla design is displayed near the mosque at NYU.

Music transcends religious divides. Thank you Zakir Ji for your blessings, you mean the world to me!

– Sangeetha Kowsik (Founder Ihsan Ihsan Design)