The Mithila Heritage Workshop, Exhibition, and Award 2025” in New York
April 15, 2025- In celebration of the 6th Annual Mithila Festival USA and the NYC Mayor’s Proclamation of Mithila Culture and Festival Day, Mithila Center USA successfully organized “Art for SDGs: The Mithila Heritage Workshop, Exhibition, and Award 2025.” The event was hosted at the New York Tibetan Services Center in collaboration with Apan Foundation. More than 40 children from diverse communities enthusiastically participated in the interactive art workshop, which aimed to foster creativity, cultural education, and sustainability awareness by connecting the rich heritage of Mithila folk art with the theme of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
All participants were excited and deeply engaged in the creative learning workshop, which featured hands-on teaching and artistic guidance from renowned Mithila maestro S.C. Suman. Each child participant received a Certificate of Merit from New York State Assembly Member Steven Raga. In addition, Master Artist S.C. Suman was specially honored with a New York State Assembly Citation in recognition of his distinguished artistic career and lifelong dedication to promoting Mithila heritage and educating future generations.
Among the young participants, three outstanding artworks were selected by a jury and awarded the 2025 Art Champion Trophy, Certificate of Achievement, and Gift Hampers. The 2025 Art Champion Awardees were Rashmi Giri (Age Group 5–8), Tenzin Lhazey Kinga (Age Group 9–11), and Austin Shah (Age Group 12 and Up), whose creative work stood out for artistic merit and alignment with the SDG 15 theme.
The program was hosted by Amit Pratap Shah, Founding President and Executive Director of Mithila Center USA, who highlighted the cultural and social impact of the initiative. He expressed his appreciation to all collaborators and the NYC Mayor’s Office, emphasizing that such programs not only preserve cultural heritage but also foster youth engagement in global development goals. NYC Mayor’s South Asian Community Liaison Sookrani Dhanput presented the official proclamation and praised Mr. Shah and his team for their meaningful contribution to cultural diversity and youth empowerment in New York City. NYS Assembly Member Steven Raga’s Community Director Dolma Lama also spoke at the event, acknowledging the community efforts and presenting the citations to the awardees.
NY Tibetan Services Center Program Director Tenzing Tshering welcomed attendees and expressed pride in hosting this unique intercultural event.
Master Artist S.C. Suman, who is also a former Council Member and Head of the Folk Art Department at the Nepal Academy, shared his heartfelt gratitude for being part of the program. He expressed his deep appreciation to Mithila Center USA for providing him the opportunity to engage with the diaspora youth and share his expertise. He emphasized that such initiatives not only celebrate cultural heritage but also instill vital values of creativity, identity, and environmental awareness in the next generation. “It is a great honor to be part of this beautiful celebration. I am deeply thankful to Mithila Center USA for giving me the opportunity to mentor young diaspora artists and promote cultural learning through art,” said Suman.
Program Coordinator and Assistant Teacher Pragya Panthi guided the children during the workshop and reflected on the educational value of the program, stating that connecting art with SDG awareness helps children become thoughtful and responsible leaders of tomorrow.
The event also featured a special Mithila Art Exhibition showcasing the works of well-known artists S.C. Suman, Pratik Rayamajhi, Shivangi Singh, Subhadri Subha, and Rakhi Karn, each portraying the significance of biodiversity, nature, and environmental responsibility through their creative expressions.
The organizers extended heartfelt thanks to all artists, participants and their parents as well as all volunteers for their active involvement and support. A special honor was also presented to renowned photographer Raj Kafle for his exceptional contribution in capturing the spirit and stories of Mithila heritage through his lens.
More Photos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bkqED8MDmQecT5DOOFkw3FcUbxCoTkuu
Comment