About Me
I am Sayaree Kundu, an economics graduate student at Jadavpur University, Kolkata. My pursuit of economics stemmed from a deep-seated desire to understand income disparities across social classes, ultimately aiming to help those in need. While my academic focus lies in economics, my passion extends to painting and dance. I firmly believe in art’s transformative power to stimulate young minds, and I aspire to harness my artistic abilities to promote education, particularly within India’s lower-income communities.
In pursuit of this vision, I would like to continue my journey in art education. This path reflects my commitment to bridging economics and art—two seemingly distinct fields—to foster a more equitable and vibrant society. My journey exemplifies the effectiveness of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex social challenges. Through my dedication to using art as a catalyst for education and social change, I invite you to join me as I work toward painting a better tomorrow.
Something exciting happened...
My artwork was the cover of the Mrinalini magazine! Mrinalini is the official magazine of the Kingston Durga Puja Committee. The picture in the middle frame shows Lakeside counselor Wendy Stephan integrating the 2023 Kingston Durga puja with the committee president. This was a proud moment to see my art work travel across the world to Kingston from Kolkata!
When not working...
Dancing
Dance, for me, represents the complete expression of body, mind, and spirit—a profound medium of self-expression and human connection. As a professionally trained Odissi dancer, I have completed my fifth year at Bangiya Sahitya Parishad with first division and distinction. My journey in dance began at the tender age of three, and it continues to shape my artistic identity.
Odissi, an ancient classical dance form from India, boasts a rich heritage spanning over two millennia. Originating in the state of Odisha, this art form is deeply rooted in temple traditions, characterized by its graceful movements, intricate footwork, and narrative storytelling. The dance form continues to captivate both classical dancers and art enthusiasts, maintaining its allure and significance in contemporary times.
Throughout my journey, I have showcased my passion for Odissi through various competitive platforms, participating in dance competitions at school, college, and prestigious events like Taal and Indak.
Gardening
For me, gardening is more than a hobby—it’s a way of life, offering a peaceful sanctuary from the world in my own private space. This natural and therapeutic pursuit brings incredible rewards while promoting physical and mental well-being. Through gardening, I’ve discovered the joy of creating and designing my personal oasis, finding deep satisfaction in watching my efforts bloom into achievement.
My journey into gardening began with a single lucky bamboo plant, traditionally valued in Chinese Feng Shui. Today, my collection has flourished to include 24 diverse plants in my cherished corner of joy. This nurturing practice has taught me patience and responsibility, giving me a taste of motherhood as I tend to each plant. Looking back over the past year, I’ve noticed not only my garden’s growth but also a remarkable brightening in my own spirit since first donning my gardening gloves.
Photography
In my explorations of India’s remote corners, where modernity gently fades away, nature reveals its most captivating faces. In the hillside town of Shimla, rows of colorful houses cascade down the mountainside like a vibrant waterfall, often shrouded in mysterious mists that weave through the buildings. These ethereal clouds transform the landscape into a dreamlike tableau, where pastel-colored homes emerge and disappear in the shifting fog.
Just as these mountain towns offer their mystical dance of clouds by day, the night sky in places like Kaza, Himachal Pradesh, unveils its own spectacular show. Here, on a crisp winter night, the sky reveals itself in its deepest indigo, creating a perfect natural canvas for stargazing. The experience was profoundly rewarding, offering breathtaking views of the pristine dark sky and glimpses into the infinite wonders of our universe.
These contrasting yet equally mesmerizing experiences—the cloud-veiled towns by day and star-filled skies by night—showcase the raw beauty of India’s mountains, where each moment holds the potential for wonder, whether looking up at the stars or across at the mist-wrapped hillsides.
