There are moments in life when you begin to reflect on what impact truly means. For me, that journey has always been closely tied to creativity - not just as a form of expression, but as a way to connect, communicate, and contribute to something larger than myself.
My background in fashion and design gave me a strong foundation in creativity, but I wanted to use that creativity in a more meaningful way. This led me to painting and eventually to founding Art Be a Part, a platform that combines art and philanthropy to support social impact initiatives.
“I’ve come to believe that art is not just something we experience - it’s something that we can use to actively create change.”
Working alongside UNICEF India has been an important part of this journey. It has offered me a deeper understanding of the realities many children face, and the role that creative, collaborative efforts can play in supporting them. It has also reinforced that meaningful change is often found in quiet moments that are easy to overlook.
Learning Through the Field
One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been visiting the UNICEF projects on the ground and spending time with children, families, educators, and communities. These visits gave me a much deeper understanding of the importance of inclusive spaces and their impact on a child’s confidence and development.
I remember walking into classrooms where children expressed themselves through painting, colour, movement, and storytelling in ways that felt incredibly natural and uninhibited. What stood out most was the visible sense of confidence and comfort that emerged when children felt accepted and encouraged.
Through creativity, many of these children were able to communicate emotions and individuality in ways that often went beyond words.
“Sometimes inclusion begins with something very simple - creating an environment where a child feels safe, encouraged, and valued.”
The visits also gave me immense respect for parents, caregivers, and teachers who continue to support children through challenges that are often emotional, social, and financial. Their resilience and commitment are truly inspiring.
The Stories That Stay with You
While large-scale initiatives are important, it is often the individual stories that stay with you the longest.
In many villages across India, limited understanding around special needs often leads to fear and misunderstanding rather than support. Years ago, I witnessed a situation where a child with special needs was restricted in their movements
simply because the community did not understand their condition, and the parents, who had to work, did not know how else to keep the child safe.
During the field visit with UNICEF, a mother told me how happy she was to see her child with special needs interacting and playing alongside other children. She said that through the support of our programme and access to education, her child had been given that opportunity - something she once thought would never be possible.
Moments like this stay with you. They remind us that the challenge extends beyond access to education - it is also about building awareness, understanding, and acceptance. Every child deserves to grow up in a world where they are seen for their abilities, supported by their community, and given the opportunity to thrive.
“Real change begins when we choose understanding over fear, and empathy over assumption.”
Art has a powerful role to play in reshaping this narrative. It creates opportunities for conversation, fosters empathy, and helps communities move from exclusion to understanding. Through creativity, we can begin to change perceptions, encourage inclusion, and create lasting social impact.
Visiting the UNICEF Supply Division in Copenhagen
Early in my relationship with UNICEF, I had the privilege of visiting the UNICEF Supply Division warehouse in Copenhagen - the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world.
It was an incredibly eye-opening experience
Seeing the scale of the operation firsthand gave me a completely new appreciation for the work UNICEF does behind the scenes to respond quickly during emergencies and humanitarian crises.
Every section of the warehouse reflected the level of planning, urgency, and coordination required to ensure life-saving supplies reach children and families around the world as quickly as possible.
What left the strongest impression on me, however, were the people behind the operation.
The teams responsible for delivering aid under extremely challenging conditions are the true heroes of this work. Their dedication and commitment to reaching communities in need, regardless of circumstance, was deeply inspiring to witness.
“The visit was a reminder that humanitarian work is driven by people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure help reaches those who need it most.”
What was equally striking was learning that even a warehouse of this scale is beginning to run short on space - not only because natural and man-made disasters continue to increase globally, but also because UNICEF continues expanding its reach into communities that previously had limited access to support and aid.
It was also a timely reminder that the needs of children continue to evolve. As Art Be a Part looks ahead, we're exploring ways to expand our support to include children affected by emergency situations, with exciting initiatives currently in development alongside partners including Dubai Cares and UNICEF.
That, more than anything, left me feeling hopeful.
Looking Ahead
Working alongside UNICEF has reinforced my belief that meaningful change comes through awareness, collaboration, and creating environments where children feel supported and included.
For me, this journey has never only been about art. It has been about using creativity to contribute to conversations around inclusion, empathy, and opportunity.
“What we create matters - but what that creation makes possible for others matters even more. And that is what continues to inspire me.”
For more information on Art Be a Part, please visit artbeapart.com
