Founder
Nanda Kalsi, a Visionary Educationist, Fibre and Macrame artist, is the dynamic founder of MANKKE. She is an exceptional blend of creativity and intellect, with a passion for both, education and fibre/Macrame artistry.
Nanda has pursued a Master of Arts degree in English from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and Bachelors in Education. Additionally, she holds a Post Graduate diploma in teaching English, and is a certified corporate trainer and a keynote speaker. She learnt macrame art from her mother in her childhood. Started doing it in covid t9 as meditation or therapy to cope up with the stress and found ikigai in this.This is passion turned into profession for noble cause.
The initials have been taken from her father-in-law S. Mewa Singh Kalsi; her parents, S. Kehar Singh Sehmi and Manjeet Kaur Sehmi and her niece, Mandeep kaur and nephew, Khushwant Singh.
Nanda has dedicated her life to inspire and nurture creativity to so many students and people around her. She believes in holistic learning that transcends traditional classroom boundaries. With a deep understanding of literature and the power of communication and Macrame art, she has shaped her teaching philosophy around fostering critical thinking, encouraging self-expression, and cultivating a lifelong love for learning for underprivileged people and the society around her.
Nanda is a celebrated fibre/macrame artist known for creating intricate and innovative designs. Whether working with natural fibres or experimenting with modern materials, she weaves stories of nature’s beauty into each piece. Her artistic practice is deeply intertwined with a profound love for nature, serving as both an inspiration and a material source for her work. Through her art Nanda expresses her creativity and reflects a deep commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Nanda and Mandeep were best Niece & Aunt duo ever. They had future plans of working together for less privileged women of India to empower them. It was Mandeep's idea that Nanda should teach visually challenged girls macrame art. It took 10 years for Nanda to gather up courage and start working on Surabhi Ardaas project which they planned together.
Learnt macrame from my mother in childhood. In 2020 during COVID, started doing macrame as therapy or meditation to cope up with the grief in the community. In March 2020, I converted my coaching institute to macrame studio and had first exhibition.
Did Women Start Up course by NSRCEL IIM Bangalore in 2021. In March 2021 participated in bird nest making competition by Star India and won prize, used macrame art to make nest. Taught macrame to many boys and girls of city who lost their jobs and gave them livelihood opportunities to support them. Some of them are still working in my team.
Dec 21 conducted one day free workshop at Four S College of Education Amritsar and Mission Deep Trust Amritsar. Dec 21 taught macrame to visually challenged women of North India living below poverty line. They are part of my team. As they belong to conservative families, so can’t reveal their identity.
22 Started teaching macrame to visually challenged girls of local school. It was herculean task but by the grace of almighty 2 girls of that school Falguni and Rinku are capable of teaching macrame to others also. First display of their products was at beautiful Savitri urban forest fruit garden Alkapuri. First product was sold to fine arts student of M.S.U.
First income of girls were handed over to school authorities after Ardaas by my friend Jaspreet Kaur Sahni as being grateful is our core value. Next event Udhyan care NGO pop up mela. Showcased their products there. An African student from M.S.U bought small key chain made by them which she values a lot.
Mr. Simarjeet Singh, a highly sought after international keynote Speaker, has inspired Nanda Kalsi to be a change maker by creating something authentic for the less privileged. Guided by a philosophy of balance between intellect and creativity, she continues to inspire others with her passion for education and the arts, whilst always staying rooted in a deep appreciation for nature’s wonders.