With a child-like smile and a clear idea of perfection, she carries her legacy wherever she goes. Kanwarani Meghna Singh Deo who belongs to the royal family of Patna Bolangir is a jewellery designer who feels that travelling widens ones creative knowledge and jewellery designing is therapeutic for her.
Married to Parliamentarian Kalikesh Deo from Orissa constituency, Meghna’s design philosophy is based around amalgamating traditional Indian art with a contemporary outlook. “Jewellery is art, expression, passion and happiness for me. The natural transition of metals and stones into something so beautiful is my driving force,” expresses Meghna.
She adds, “India has so much to offer. There are so many ingenious craftsmen in the country. If one can successfully combine their design ideas with the local craftsman’s skills, the outcome is potentially incredible.”
Brought up in Nepal, this Mayo College pass-out did her under-graduation degree from Washington. “After my bachelors in advertising and marketing in the US, I joined a fashion house in New York. I quit the job and came to India when I got married,” says Meghna. Her stint in the US added a layer of professional understanding of the design world. “Working with jewellery initially began as a cathartic activity for me, but this has now evolved into a very important form of self-expression. This is the first business I have ever managed, and it has helped me learn a lot about the fashion industry and about myself as a person. I am a big fan of antique and Victorian jewellery,” shares Meghna.
She continues, “Living in different parts of the world during my growing years has also helped me a lot. Travelling is one of the best ways to understand different cultures and it also gives you the liberty of incorporating the qualities of each place in yourself.”
Apart from jewellery designing, Meghna keeps herself busy with social work commitments. “I used to work with an NGO based in the USA, which has tied up with tribal schools in Orissa but after the birth of my daughter, who is 22-months-old, I have taken a little break from my social commitments,” she says.
A mother of two kids, Meghna says bringing a fine balance between home, work and passion is not an easy task. “It takes a lot of commitment and compassion from one’s side. To maintain a balance, I ensure that I take out time and pamper myself with travel,” she adds.
A travel addict, Meghna says, “Both my husband and I are a travel junkies. Europe is our favourite destination. The cities are rich with beautiful architecture, landscape, history and culture, which always charms us and we escape to Europe very often. We have turned our kids also into travel junkies. They also love to explore new places, culture and cuisine.”
Food is a quintessential part in Meghna’s travel plans. “I love to explore new cuisines wherever I travel. I believe food gives a great insight into cultural history of the place you are visiting. My personal favourite is Italy. Italian food culture is all about joy, family and tradition.”
