Nishta Karvat

Hello I am Nishtha Karvat and I’ve been a part of the art class for about 7 years. These years have been the most important years of my life, as I’ve not just grown physically but also mentally and emotionally. I’ve grown from a shy introverted 11 year old girl to a more outspoken respectful adolescent and this is all thanks to the art class.

My journey has been a complete rollercoaster, I still remember telling my mom I don’t think I want to join the class and her pushing me to go for it. When I first joined the class I was in awe when I walked into the art room 1000s of books of just ART I was astonished. I remember a few portraits on the wall done by ma’am herself and my favorite was the one with the lady with a candle and I was AMAZED to see how detailed it was, it looked printed , I also remember seeing a seniors work for the first time and thinking I’m in the middle of an art exhibition. I never thought I would be capable of working to that extent but Lakshmi ma’am thought differently. She thinks the sky and above is the limit for all the kids. Her teaching styles and techniques and how she asks the children themselves to identify and correct the mistake is just fantastic.

I still remember my first frame ever I was on the verge of tears because I thought it wasn’t good enough but after ma’am made all the children discuss my picture and talk about all the beautiful things, I was so proud of it. Growing up I’ve always been shy of showing my art, it would always be “mama come look at what I drew” and getting praised only by her, but now I’m so so proud of all the pieces I make. I have a wall of my own paintings in my house and every single time a guest visits my house I get a long list of praises and nothing can make me more confident than that. Speaking about confidence, my speaking skills have been affected greatly by the art class. At school we have elections and I won this year's election because of my speech and the way I talk and it’s all thanks to the class. My words have become so much more clear, confident and to the point since joining the class. I’ve been called to speak at all events at my school because of this.

I would also like to talk about my maturity. I feel like ever since I’ve joined the class I’ve matured so gracefully and you can tell that just by looking at my works. I’ve been able to handle my temper and anger through this class. Re-draws have made me as patient as ever, I’ve been able to do all tasks in my life calmly. The switch from oil pastels to water colours was big for me especially because it was online ,I never thought I would be able to do it without physical guidance. I started off really shy without using bold colors and couldn’t work freely but later with the affirmations from ma’am and my other friends in the class I was working well. I remember talking to a lot of people who question the online class and how that works but once I show them my work and some of the other works from class I think they understand how efficient it is. When ma’am calls family members of all the children and ask them to take a look at the children’s art pieces it really boosts your confidence knowing that so many people have seen it and appreciate you. The claps from everyone is another confidence booster where you feel like nothing can stop you.

I can’t believe I’ve grown into such a mature artist I really can’t, if little me sees what pieces I'm working on currently she wouldn’t believe it for a second. Every once in a while I open my older art books and reminisce the past and make fun of how I used to colour or draw but it just reminds me of how far I’ve come. My first picture ever was 1 swan swimming in the lake and recently I worked on a picture with a green lake and a forest and just comparing the two about everything - the details, the water, the ripples, the difference is truly mind boggling.

Recently, I worked on a picture of Lord Hanuman for my uncle. I started working on it by myself and applying all the concepts I know. I never thought I could do it by myself but I did and that’s the confidence the art class has given me. After I was done I showed it to ma’am and she showed it to the other kids and made them comment on it I felt thrilled with the number of positive responses and feedbacks I got from it . When I gifted it to my uncle I saw his jaw drop at the work. After all the praise I found out that my uncle did a Pooja with the frame everyday for 7 days at 5:30 am and that made me so happy to hear that. When I say I’ve seen changes in every way possible in my character I truly mean it. My parents are evidence of that. They peep into the room sometimes when the class is going on and when they see the intensive discussions going on about everyone’s picture and they hear me talk and use words they’ve never heard of before they are always in shock and praise me for how I’ve grown.

I would just like to say a very big thank you to the class and everyone who has been a part of it because it really shaped me for who I am today and who I will be tomorrow. I’ve picked up the way ma’am words things so gently and so caring. Which I think place a big role in people’s minds. Words are the most powerful thing in the world and I think the class has taught how to word things in a way that will never hurt anyone’s feelings. I would like to end this by saying thank you to ma’am personally for really moulding me into this mature being. Her unwavering commitment to providing the best for all her students is truly commendable. She has a really big part in building my character and who I am as a person. I am so grateful for this class and I want to thank Lakshmi ma’am for everything she does for all of us!

Thanking you
Yours sincerely,
Nishtha Karvat