My husband died just one year after my son was born, and I married when I was 16 years old. People encourage me, but I avoid thinking about my son’s future. I am 62 years old and live in Janakpur with my son. My son works as a laborer to support our family. My earnings go toward my grandchildren’s education.

I’ve been painting professionally for 25 years. I can paint on mirrors, paper, and cloth as needed. At first, I was taught to paint by a friend. She would take me to her office and teach me how to paint. There, I learned the majority of the forms of Mithila painting.

I’ve worked as a maid in homes and factories, among other places. I applied for a job at the Janakpur Women’s Development Centre (JDWC) after hearing about it from a friend. I’ve been working in the painting department here. Through painting, I enjoy telling the story of my life as it appears in the mirror. I am overjoyed and grateful to JWDC for assisting me in growing.

When people from Brahma Kumari came to my village to promote themselves, I became acquainted with Om Santi. Because of my affiliation with the Om Shanti, I’ve never participated in any training outside of Janakpur because we have to eat in hotels. Eating in hotels and restaurants is discouraged in Om Shanti. This is the reason I fear leaving my hometown. However, the most recent training I received from JWDC, “Jeevan Kahani,” made me realize that painting has no boundaries and also altered my perception of Mithila painting and its significance.

Because education for girls was not valued in our society in the past, I was unable to study. I can only sign documents and write my name. If we work hard enough, we can achieve perfection in Mithila Art. Through Mithila’s painting, we can and do share our journey, including our ups and downs, with everyone. This is the primary reason I enjoy Mishler’s paintings. I’ve been through a lot in my life, and I always hope that my children will not have to go through what I did.