Our Mission
EDUCATE • PRESERVE • EMPOWER
Vanakkam was created to celebrate the extraordinary diversity of India’s traditional art forms and the artists who keep these traditions alive.
Our goal is simple: to introduce these art forms to a wider audience, help preserve their traditions for future generations, and create meaningful opportunities for the artists who practice them.
My Story
I am not an artist, but I have always been an art lover.
After spending 27 years as a telecommunications engineer, I found myself drawn to a very different world—one filled with color, imagination, tradition and stories.
The idea for Vanakkam began almost by accident.
During a visit to Orchha in Madhya Pradesh, I met a Gond artist named Ranjana, who was selling her paintings outside Orchha Fort. I was immediately captivated by the intricate patterns of dots and dashes, the vibrant colors and, most of all, the wonderfully expressive animals.
I loved the paintings so much that I bought all twelve she had with her.
Back home, those paintings became a gallery wall—and a constant reminder of how much remarkable art exists in places that many of us may never encounter.
It made me wonder: How many other traditional Indian art forms and talented artists are waiting to be discovered?
That question became the beginning of Vanakkam.
Since then, my travels have taken me in search of artists and art traditions from different parts of India. What began with Gond art has grown into a collection representing multiple regions, styles and artistic traditions.
There is still so much to discover.
“Science feeds the mind. Art feeds the soul.”
— Sashikala Dalvie, Founder, Vanakkam
Supporting the Artists
Vanakkam is about more than discovering beautiful art. It is also about helping traditional art forms and the artists who practice them reach a wider audience.
We purchase original works directly from artists and, where appropriate and with the artist’s permission, may reproduce selected works as fine art prints or incorporate their art into thoughtfully designed pieces.
Our partnerships vary depending on the artist and the art form. When an artist’s work is reproduced, Vanakkam provides ongoing compensation from the sale of products featuring their work, creating an opportunity for a single original artwork to continue benefiting the artist.
Through these partnerships, we hope to play a small part in creating greater awareness, appreciation and economic opportunity for the artists who keep these traditions alive.
Art for Every Home
You do not have to be an art collector to bring traditional Indian art into your life. Vanakkam offers several ways to discover and enjoy these remarkable art forms:
Original Art
One-of-a-kind works created by the artists themselves.
Limited Edition Fine Art Prints
Selected works reproduced in limited editions for those who would like to own the art in a more accessible format.
Art for the Home
Traditional artwork reimagined as decorative pieces that bring color, culture and story into everyday spaces.
Functional Art
Tote bags, coasters and other useful objects featuring artwork inspired by India’s artistic traditions—because art does not always have to hang on a wall.
A Growing Collection
Vanakkam is a journey of discovery.
Our collection will continue to grow as we meet artists, learn about regional traditions and discover art forms from across India.
We hope you will discover something here that speaks to you—and perhaps encounter an art tradition you never knew existed.
Interested in a Piece?
Our online shop is currently being developed, but you don’t have to wait to purchase something you love.
If you are interested in an original artwork, print or functional art piece, please contact us directly by email, phone, or WhatsApp. We will be happy to provide additional photographs, dimensions, pricing and purchasing information.
Contact
Sashikala Dalvie – Founder and Curator
Phone: +1 302 609 8482
Whatsapp: +1 302 609 8482
Email: vanakkamall@gmail.com