SELECTED PRESS MENTIONS
MOZAIK PHILANTHROPY AWARD
BLACK LIVES MATTER DESIGN
“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 recognizes Sangeetha Kowsik's leadership in interfaith engagement, design, and cultural representation. As Founder of the NYU Hindu Center, Hindu Chaplain, and former Head Product Designer at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, she brings together art, scholarship, and creative direction to deepen understanding of global faiths and cultures.
A trained Islamic and Arabic calligrapher, she creates work that highlights the shared artistic and cultural traditions of diverse communities. Her career spans museums, fashion, beauty, luxury, and education, where she advocates for thoughtful representation of living faith traditions and greater access to creative industries. At The Metropolitan Museum of Art, she established the museum's first internship and mentorship program for women of color and international students.
Guided by the Hindu principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,
"The world is one family", her work reflects a lifelong commitment to education, compassion, and meaningful design.
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 unity, as the Tabla symbolizes 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)
