I got married when I was 16 years old. My husband died when my children were very young, after 8 years of marriage. I am Indrakala Nidhi, a 52-year-old Janakpur resident who has worked for JWDC since 1993 A.D.

I used to color and paint glass products like cups, plates, vases, trays, and so on when I first started at JWDC 27 years ago. But now I paint artworks on paper, which falls under the purview of the painting department at JWDC.

At my house, I learned Mithila painting. I used to draw pictures for our puja, wedding, and other special occasions such as Mundan, Arpan, Kober, Jitiya, Bhai-Tika, and so on. I also received training in Kathmandu. To observe and learn more about Mithila art, I traveled to Siraha, Dharan, Rajbiraj, Biratnagar, and Nepalgunj.

On request, I can paint any type of object on paper. I’m proud of my elephant painting on the JWDC logo. It has been 27 years since I began working at JWDC. Working gives me a lot of satisfaction and happiness. An organization called Lalitkala awarded me a prize for my artwork. I also took part in a tree plantation exhibition in Thamel, Kathmandu.

I did not have the opportunity to attend school as a child because there was no school in my village. However, at JWDC, I was able to learn through informal education. I am extremely grateful. I imagine that if I could read and write properly, I could accomplish much more in life.