Lokvani community hero Raksha Soni worked as a software engineer for over twenty years before beginning an epic second act: to follow her true calling for art. She is the founder of Brush & Paisley, through which she showcases her beautiful artwork and offers art workshops and classes for a range of students. Raksha’s art is her life’s mission, and her rigor and drive for it come from her commitment to creativity, community, and compassion.

 

She is a key member of many charitable and cultural Indian organizations, and she feels much joy and satisfaction in serving the community. 

The lockdown affected our way of thinking, how we relate to others, and how we do our daily routine and activities. I stopped my art classes as soon as school closures were announced, and two weeks of social distancing taught me to find new ways to interact with my students. Over the last few weeks, I started teaching art classes using Zoom video conferencing.

When I started, I was not sure how online classes will work. After completing six weeks of art classes on Zoom, I am truly amazed to see an impressive outcome from the students. In person classes are lot of fun, and I am missing them, but it is heartwarming to see that kids are engaged and creating beautiful artwork during these online classes as well. Thanks to Zoom and the latest technology in making this type of interaction possible during this time of isolation.

The outbreak of coronavirus is building lot of fear, anxiety and strong emotions in adults and children. With schools and offices shut down, the new reality is much harder for many working parents. One of the biggest reasons I started online classes for kids is to keep them engaged, productive and learning while they are at home. Classes are held from Monday to Friday, with multiple class options each day.  I also offer “Free Community Online Art Classes” on Mondays as part of a way to engage with and give back to the local community through art.  

Thank you for giving the opportunity to serve. It is heartwarming to see the compassion and care for the community in people’s hearts. I started the “Meals to Heal” program with Vaishali Gade and 80+ selfless volunteers who came together to fight this battle and worked tirelessly, to serve people in need.

We provide simple, nutritious, homemade meals to patients with Covid -19 or any other major illness, surgery, pregnancy, postpartum, elderly people, students or families in need. Our volunteers are all over Massachusetts, and they deliver food at the door steps of the recipient every day. 

It started organically when one of our friends was impacted by Covid-19 and needed food during the recovery and healing phase. We reached out to community groups and friends for help, and built our volunteer base. This time is difficult, but it is bringing the best out of everyone. With tremendous support from everyone in the group, we decided to extend this service to anyone who needs help with food.

The crisis has touched many lives and families at different levels, and they are going through a tough time and are in need for food. With strong support from our selfless volunteers, we decided to expand the offering to non-Indian communities as well. Our services are available to anyone regardless of their race, religion and ethnicity. Currently our group is serving 2 patients and 12 families in Burlington, Wilmington and Newton areas. 

Together we can make a difference. We are communicating with different organizations, individuals and groups, and expecting to get more food requests. Please reach out to us if you know someone in need. We will also need more volunteers in different areas as soon as we get more requests.

I am actively involved in several projects for Ekal Vidyalaya foundation. One of them is “Ethnic clothes drive” with Bhavna Motiwala, Monika Manocha and many dedicated volunteers. This project collects new and gently used ethnic party wear and raise funds for Ekal by selling them locally. 

I led IndiArt efforts in 2018, and introduced Art workshop concept to this initiative. IndiArt was initiated by Jharna Madan in 2012 and we are continuing the program this year under her leadership.  

I am part of Hindi Manch six people Steering Committee for HMRM 2020 and I was also part of the Steering Committee in 2018, when we launched first national Hindi Manch convention.

I am currently working on “Art for Charity” program, where I am selling my art work and limited edition prints to raise money and send proceeds to charities directly supporting issues related to Covid-19. My goal is to use the power of art to provide charities with the much needed help they deserve.