About Me
A Journey of Art, Passion, and Purpose
From a very young age, it was evident that I had a deep connection with art. At just four years old, my parents noticed my fascination with drawing and painting. I would spend hours doodling and creating visuals far beyond what one would expect from a child that age. A defining moment came one holiday when I was drawing with my father. He sketched a simple landscape—a mountain, a river, and a bridge. I watched closely and recreated the same scene. When we showed both drawings to my mother, she couldn’t tell which one was mine and which was his. That moment was a turning point; it affirmed for my parents that I had a special talent.
My mother, always proactive and supportive, immediately enrolled me under the guidance of my first mentor, Shubhangi Miss. She recognized my potential early on and encouraged my mother to nurture it further. With her support, I began participating in art competitions. Winning soon became a pattern—whether it was first prize, second, or a consolation, I rarely came home empty-handed. These victories weren’t just trophies; they were building blocks of confidence. They reinforced the belief that I had something unique to offer.
Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by strong, inspiring women—mentors, teachers, and family members—who encouraged me to pursue art no matter the challenges. My school years were also filled with academic and artistic support. I received opportunities to create, compete, and grow. One of the most meaningful milestones during this time was receiving the President’s Award—the Bal Shree Puraskar—a national recognition that validated my work on a larger platform and became a catalyst for my future.
As I approached the end of school, the pressure of career choices mounted. Being good in academics, I was constantly told to consider conventional paths like science, engineering, or medicine. But this is where my father became my pillar. He firmly believed that true success lies in doing what brings you joy. He would often say, “Do what brings you peace—your hobby can become your career.” His belief in me never wavered, and that gave me the strength to make my own path.
One of the most inspiring moments of my life was meeting the late President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. His words left a lasting impression on me: “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.” Those words became my guiding force. I began dreaming not only for myself but also for my community, my society, and my country.
I went on to pursue my passion formally at Sir J.J. School of Art, one of the most prestigious institutions in India. There, I deepened my understanding of visual storytelling, refined my skills, and eventually completed my Master’s in Mural Painting. Studying at J.J. gave me not just technical expertise, but also a platform. With the reputation of the school and my dedication, opportunities began to find me. I started freelancing and working on commissioned projects—each one teaching me something new.
When passion and purpose align, doors open naturally. Every step of the way, I’ve stayed rooted in the same dream I had as a little girl with a sketchbook—creating something meaningful, something that speaks without words.
The Birth of Urmi’s Art Forum
The next chapter in my journey began as an act of gratitude. On the occasion of Guru Dakshina, I wanted to honour my Guru, Shri Vitthal Shanbhag, a mentor who not only refined my technical skill but also shaped my philosophy as an artist and educator. It was he who encouraged me to share the knowledge I had received—to pass it on, just as it had been passed to me.
Inspired by his words, I founded UAF —a space dedicated to nurturing young minds through the arts. The name itself reflects the spirit of offering, mentorship, and artistic growth. UAF wasn’t just a platform for teaching—it was a calling.
It allowed me to give back to the community and create opportunities for students to express themselves, just like I once had.
From small group sessions to larger workshops, art exhibitions, and collaborative projects, UAf has grown into a vibrant space where creativity meets purpose. The joy I see in students when they discover their voice through art is the same joy I felt as a child—only now, I’m on the other side of the table, helping guide that journey.
