India is a land of vivid, unique, colorful art forms. Each region boasts a unique form of art. Be it paintings, sculptures, metal work, marble work, wood work or textiles, the art forms of India are sure to impress. Indian art form with its rich history and skilled artisans, offers something for every art lover.

Indian artwork is influenced by culture and religion with many artwork depicting Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism deities and symbolisms. Despite the diversity in religion, the artistic style remains the same. Traditional art forms are passed down from one generation to the next which keeps these art forms alive in these modern times.

The name “Meenakari” means, placing paradise into an object. It is an artform that originated in Iran and now is practiced in India as well. Meenakari originated in the 15th century in Safavid, Iran. In the 16th century, during the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s rule this beautiful and unique art form was brought to India and thus India was introduced to Meenakari. When it was first introduced, Meenakari was used to adorn the Palace walls of the Emperor. Then it was used in jewelry making and on to Marble and Metal. In India, Rajasthan and Gujarat are most famous for pieces of art as well as jewelry depicting the intricate and beautiful Meenakari artwork.

Meenakari is the art of enamelling metal, ceramic and marble surfaces with beautiful vivid colors and intricate patterns. This process involves fusing colored powdered glass, or powdered semi precious gemstones, onto the surfaces of the piece the artisan is creating, at very high temperatures. The powdered glass/gemstone melts and cures into a colorful, smooth and durable coating on the surface. Using this artform, skilled artisans create vividly beautiful, intricate, elegant and durable pieces of art. This beautiful artform can be found in vases, sculptures, serving dishes, and jewelry.

Red, Green, Blue and White are the predominant colors used in this artform. Beautiful and vibrant motifs of birds, especially peacocks, flowers and leaves adorn the jewelry, sculptures, vases and paintings.

I see you as someone with great depth but are floating on top due to fear. I see you as a dolphin swimming in the vast ocean, but swimming close to the surface. So capable of plunging to the depths of the ocean to discover hidden treasures in the deep waters, yet so afraid to do so. You are someone who can see a great beautiful light coming from the ocean floor, not just see the light but feel it. You know that wonders lie there, your dreams lie there, your goals lie there, your purpose lies there, your destiny lies there, your legacy lies there. And it draws you towards it and sometimes reluctantly you start to take the dive. Eyes looking at the light, heading straight for it. Then you start to feel the pressure of the ocean waters surrounding your body, you are finding it hard to breathe. Now you are getting scared, wanting so badly to go towards the light yet the lack of air and pressure from the water is getting harder and harder to ignore. So what do you do? You turn around and swim right back to the surface. Now you are on familiar grounds again just going about your life floating on the surface. Why do you do that? Why do you turn back up to the surface? Because it is easier to float on the surface than to tackle the depths of the ocean to reach the light no matter how much it beckons, and no matter how much you know that light is what you want more than anything in your life. That dream, goal, vision, purpose, whatever that light is to you, draws you to it in a way that you can’t ignore. You can, and most probably have, put it aside and try to ignore it but it rears its beautiful head every so often.

Our fears a lot of times stop us from dreaming big and even if we dream big it stops us from pursuing it. We get caught up in the norm of getting our education, pursuing a career, getting married, buying a house, having kids, then raising kids. Unless you are working your dream job and living your dream life, there is something missing in your life and you know it. The reason why I am able to say this with such confidence is because that used to be my life, I lived the norm. I dreamt of being a journalist and I wanted to do something to help people. This was my dream ever since I was a teenager. But I didn’t become a journalist and only started to help people and fight for a cause so much later in my life. I became an Accountant instead because I could get a good job, get married, buy a house, have kids, the norm. And my dream of becoming a journalist and travelling the world writing stories became just a dream. I didn’t have the strength to go against the norm and follow my dream. I should say I was too fearful. I chose to swim on the surface instead of taking the plunge into the depths. And thus years went by, I got married, had a son, got divorced, all the while working a job that I hated from the start.

It wasn’t until my son was older and financially independant, that I was able to not only dream again but to actually take the deep plunge and make my dream a reality. I didn’t pursue journalism but I did join the fight against human trafficking. My initial dream of helping people that I had as a teenager finally materialized. I have always wanted to help women and children who have survived some form of violence. And I sought out opportunities and helped in any way I could. In this pursuit the vision for Shal’s Treasurez was born. This is my way of not only helping but making a lasting positive impact in the lives of the women and children who have survived the horrors of human trafficking.

Life has taught me many lessons and one of them is that no matter how long it takes, if we never lose sight of our dreams and when the time comes are not afraid to plunge into the depths despite our fears, then nothing can and will stop us from achieving our dreams. I am a woman of faith so I always remind myself, Faith over Fear. So I’m reminding you of the same. Even if you don’t believe in God, believe in yourself. You are so capable of making all your dreams come true. No matter how much time has passed or you are young and just starting your life, pursue your dreams and doors of opportunity will open up. Just as it did with me. Good luck and God Bless!

Much love,

Shalini

Human Trafficking, we have heard these words so many times, but what does it mean? The official definition, according to the dictionary is, “the unlawful act of transporting or coercing people in order to benefit from their work or service, typically in the form of forced labour or sexual exploitation”.

My definition of Human Trafficking is, “Human Trafficking, is an evil act carried out by people who have no conscience, no compassion, no feelings for another human being whatsoever. It’s an act of pure greed and evil. A person, woman or child or young men, is looked upon as an object to be sold and made money out of. They are not seen as human beings, because the trafficker is human, in his or her eyes, but the victim is not, the victim is a commodity, a product to be sold for money. In my opinion the Human Traffickers are incapable of looking at the victims they choose to sell, as humans like themselves. If this way of thinking isn’t pure evil, then what is?

Human Trafficking is a business where the product is another human being, a child or woman or young man. The mission of this business is to make profit, just like any other business. This business is based on supply and demand. As long as there is a demand for a child, woman, or man to be tortured, these Human Traffickers will stay in business. And unfortunately, the demand is great. Are the Human Traffickers the only ones who are evil? No. The buyers are an even worse evil!!!

Those people that think it is ok to buy a child, woman, or man in order to use them for labor or sex are truly sick, I honestly can’t even call them human beings. They find pleasure in inducing pain and torment on another person. Even in forced labor, not just sexual exploitation. It’s modern day slavery at its best.

Every time I meet a Human Traffic survivor or read about one, or hear stories, I feel immense anger and immense sadness at the same time. Immense anger at the Trafficker, how dare these people sell another person to be tortured without any remorse. Who do they think they are? Why do they think their lives and greed is above that of the one they sold?

Immense sadness for the survivor! Not just for what they have been through but how it has now affected the rest of their lives. I call them “survivors” not “victims” because they made it through. “Victim” is such a negative word, and yes they were victims while they were going through the ordeal, but they made it through which makes them “survivors”, a positive word that depicts strength and courage. Each and every survivor of Human Trafficking is strong and courageous beyond measure and we need to recognize that in them. Not only that but we need to constantly remind them of this, they are survivors! So much has already been taken from them, their dignity, their self worth, their self respect, all stripped from them by another human being. But they made it through, broken and battered, but alive. And as long as they breathe they have hope. And in some shape or form, those of us who have sworn to fight this evil, will do what we can to give them this hope. There can be life after this, all they need to do is believe it. A tough task for each and every one of us who have taken on this battle against Human Trafficking. Tough but not impossible!

It doesn’t matter which way you choose to be a part of this battle, and yes it is a battle, the most important thing is that you choose to join this battle. That you choose not to ignore this evil any longer. Whether it is through being aware, spreading awareness, volunteering at an NGO that is fighting this battle already, or whichever way you feel moved. Like I said, the most important thing is that you do something and no longer remain a spectator while this evil reigns. Join the battle!!

Much love,
Shalini

 Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to: GET HELP and connect with a service provider in your area; REPORT A TIP with information on potential human trafficking activity; or. LEARN MORE by requesting training, technical assistance, or resources.