Using Creativity to Bring Cultures Together Featuring the Kolam Project

With the election of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris whose mother is of Indian descent, three Indian American women created the Inauguration Kolam 2021 Project to creatively welcome the new administration and Vice President Harris, in particular, as she became the first Asian American and Caribbean American woman to hold a nationally elected office. This public art offering was featured in the official Presidential Inauguration Kick-off events.

The three creators of this project are Shanthi Chandrasekar, Sowmya Somnath, and Roopal Shah. Shanthi has a deep understanding of kolams from her grandmother, formal training and her own practice. While many of Shanthi’s works are influenced by her Indian heritage, her true inspiration comes from the mystery and majesty of the world around her.

Sowmya brings together three amazing skill sets: she’s a structural engineer who has spearheaded a decade of design and construction projects throughout the US, a community water, sanitation and hygiene education specialist focusing on community development projects in various countries and she’s a Tamil mother raising two beautiful daughters with language, culture and wisdom of her family traditions.

Our third guest, Roopal Shah enjoys being a journey woman of the Narmada Parikrama. She co-founded and co-led Indicorps’ Service for the Soul fellowship program helping Indians from around the world understand self and heritage through immersive, grassroots community-based service in India. Visit www.2021kolam.com.

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