About Me
I am Sayaree Kundu, an artist by passion, a teacher at heart, and a Year One Teach For India Fellow based in Kolkata. I hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Economics from Jadavpur University, where I built a strong foundation in policymaking and data analysis. My pursuit of economics has always stemmed from a deep-seated desire to understand income disparities and help those in need, laying the academic groundwork for my current path.
Today, I am putting that foundation into direct action. My commitment to grassroots education by integrating art is rooted in my past work with ActionAid in rural Bengal and various government schools of Kolkata, which naturally paved the way for my current fellowship. My Teach For India journey began in Pune at Ahilya Devi Holkar School and continues today in Kolkata. Every day in the classroom is a chance for all of us to learn something new, think a little deeper, and become just a bit better than yesterday.
Beyond economics and traditional teaching, my passions lie in 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 within India’s lower-income communities. By bridging these seemingly distinct fields economics, education, and art, I am committed to fostering a more equitable and vibrant society, and 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.
