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.”
Ihsan Ishan Logo
The crescent moon holds shared significance in both Islam and Hinduism. In Hinduism, Lord Shiva, the Lord of Dance is depicted with a crescent moon in his hair.
Bharatanatyam dancers from South India also wear the crescent alongside a sun ornament, symbolizing cosmic balance.
The form appears again in South Indian temple goddess iconography, from crescent-shaped nose rings to the pleated drape of traditional saris.
The logo’s purple hue references the colors of sunset, sacred in Islam, and the cosmic associations of Lord Shiva. This particular shade was also influenced by the rich, luxurious lipstick tones I worked with in the fashion industry.
Designed to feel ornamental, like a piece of jewelry, the logo features “Ihsan” on the right and “Ishan” on the left, rendered in stylized Kufic script.
–Sangeetha Kowsik (Founder Ihsan Ishan Design)
AWARD WINNING DESIGNER. GALLERY ARTIST. FASHION. MUSEUMS. CALLIGRAPHER. MUSICIAN. DANCER. SPIRITUAL ADVISOR. EDUCATOR.
INTERFAITH LEADER. HINDU CHAPLAIN. CULTURAL AND FAITH INTELLIGENCE ADVISOR. DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ADVOCATE.
Meet Our Founder
“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 Design was founded by Sangeetha Kowsik, a multiple award-winning Creative Director, Hindu Chaplain, and interdisciplinary artist dedicated to creating understanding, compassion, and connection through art and design.
Sangeetha is a Hindu Indian American woman with an exceptionally rare background: formally trained in Islamic and Arabic calligraphy with a degree in the subject, a graduate of Parsons School of Design, and deeply rooted in lived spiritual practice. Her work is shaped by extensive global travel, having visited over 65 countries and counting, fashion, beauty, art history, music, and a lifelong curiosity about what connects humanity and creation, rather than what divides it.
She made history as the first woman of color, Hindu, Asian, to lead a design team at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her career spans fashion, beauty, luxury, museums, and cultural institutions, with work for Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Estée Lauder, Tiffany & Co., and more.
As a rare Hindu Chaplain and founder of the NYU Hindu Center, Sangeetha is a respected interfaith leader and educator, advocating for accurate and greater representation of global faiths and cultures. Her honors include Chaplain of the Year (presented by Chelsea Clinton), and she serves on boards such as Gathering All Muslim Artists (GAMA) and Daya Arts.
Through Ihsan Ishan Design, Sangeetha creates, teaches, and advises, using beauty, research, and storytelling to unite cultures and faiths, heal generational divides, and inspire a more compassionate world.
ABOUT THE STUDIO
What We Create
Ihsan Ishan Design creates meaningful art, design, and experiences rooted in cultural intelligence, spiritual literacy, and research. We translate ancient traditions and global histories into contemporary design that educates, connects, and resonates today. Every project carries a story, designed with purpose, respect, and beauty.
What Sets Us Apart
Led by Hindu Chaplain and Creative Director Sangeetha Kowsik, former Head Designer at The Metropolitan Museum of Art with decades of experience across fashion, beauty, luxury, and cultural institutions, Ihsan Ishan Design brings a rare blend of lived practice, museum scholarship, and global design leadership. Our work is informed from the inside out, ensuring cultural and faith accuracy, storytelling, and design that honors meaning and education not just aesthetics.
Social Impact
We use beauty to unite. Our work counters misinformation, stereotypes, and division by making culture visible and human. Through art, education, and storytelling, we create understanding, compassion, and connection across communities and faiths.
