Hailing from the land of monasteries, Bihar, artist Monita has found a new home in the ‘City of Nizams’. For our Hyderabond segment, she discusses the warmth she has received from
the city
Aarti Sreenath
For 24 years, Monita has inspired students as a fine art teacher at a government school in Bihar, specialising in Tikuli, Madhubani and Manjusha painting. Despite marrying at a young age, her supportive in-laws encouraged her artistic talents, connecting her with a pivotal painting teacher.
Her work has taken her to numerous art exhibitions, the most recent being in Dubai, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bihar on an international platform. Despite her roots in Bihar, her journey took a significant turn when she moved to Hyderabad, a city that has warmly embraced her and her art.
“Hyderabad is a good place; everybody is so friendly. The city has been very welcoming for me,” shares the artist.
Initially, the thought of leaving everything behind in Bihar to move to a new city was daunting. “I was nervous in the beginning because it wasn’t easy to leave everything behind in Bihar and move here to Hyderabad, an absolutely new city. The circumstances were very different,” she admits. “I always wished to live in a city where I could explore more of my artwork. I didn’t have any expectations, but it’s all so nice here.”
Comparing Hyderabad to her hometown, Monita observes, “It’s very different! We belong to a place where people are not so open-minded about almost everything. However, they are supportive and helpful. There’s a huge cultural difference between both places, as I belong from the North, Bihar to be precise.”
One of the aspects of Hyderabad that she cherishes the most is its vibrant culture and traditions and how people wake up early in the morning and make rangoli in front of their houses. “The one thing that amazes me is how they are connected with their roots and follow their culture.”
She further goes on to recall her fondest memories in Hyderabad and beyond a doubt, she says, “It would be my first workshop that I conducted here. It was so perfectly done. I wasn’t expecting it to be a success. It felt really warm to see all the women coming forward in support. It felt proud.”
Although the Madhubani artist does not see herself as forging a career, she is deeply committed to educating people about the traditional artwork of Bihar and giving them the experience of peace that art gives.
Hyderabad, with its clean streets, greenery and public art, has been a pleasant surprise for her. “I haven’t really been to many places here, but as far as I saw, it’s a clean city with so much greenery. I like the paintings that have been done on the pillars or walls. It looks decent.”
Her recent discovery of the city’s culinary delights left a lasting impression and it was none other than the concept of Mandi.
When asked about her likes and dislikes about the city, she gleefully mentions, “I like the weather here and the greenery, and of course, the traditional dresses (half sarees). There’s nothing in particular that I don’t like about Hyderabad. The city has been extremely welcoming to me.”
Having never visited Hyderabad before moving, the artist’s initial apprehensions quickly gave way to admiration for the city’s charm and opportunities. “This is my first time here. We read in the books about Charminar, so that was the first place my friends and relatives visited. They might wish to take back some chicken pickles that they ate here for the first time.” For Monita, Hyderabad is more than just a city; it is a canvas of dreams and new opportunities. “Hyderabad is a city that might fulfill my dreams, so for me, it’s a city of dreams and new opportunities that may.” Through her art and her journey, she continues to inspire and educate, bridging cultures and enriching lives, one painting at a time.
