About us
KOYO Sharmila Agarwal
About Me
Ms. Sharmila Agarwal, the Founder of Prisha Publications and Prisha Art Gallery, is the epitome of artistic creativity and versatility. Hailed as the Indian Queen of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, her love for the art, combined with her skills as an author, poet, painter, and publisher, makes her a woman of remarkable talents and vision. Ms. Sharmila’s creative endeavours not only reflect her artistic expression but also inspire others to explore the beauty of diverse art forms.
A Creative Maven
With a Master’s degree from the renowned Ohara School of Ikebana in Japan, Ms. Sharmila has dedicated over two decades to mastering the art form. Her expertise has earned her the title of “Koyo,” which means an orange maple leaf in Japanese culture. As a dedicated practitioner of this ancient art form, she has conducted workshops and demonstrations across India and abroad to spread the beauty of Ikebana. Moreover, she has participated in various Ikebana exhibitions on both national and international platforms, including cities like Taipei, Paris, Shanghai, Okinawa, Tokyo, and London.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Over the years, Ms. Sharmila has also exhibited a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. As the founder of Prisha Publications LLP, she provides a platform for aspiring writers, along with professional guidance and workshops to hone their skills in editing, creative writing, and storytelling. Likewise, as the founder of Prisha Art Gallery, she has created opportunities for artists to promote their talent. She is also the founder of Artistakriti, a platform for nurturing the talents of young women painters in Hyderabad. Her motto, “You create, we design, print, and publish on an international vista for you,” reflects her commitment to nurturing creativity and providing ample avenues for expression.
Literary Pursuits
In addition to her contributions to Ikebana, Ms. Sharmila is a prolific author with several books to her credit. Her works encompass diverse topics, ranging from Ikebana to poetry and beginner’s guides. To date, she has authored four books on the Japanese art form. Notably, her book “Ikebana, JapaniPushpkala” stands as the first and only Hindi-language publication on the subject. Furthermore, her second book, “Ikebana for Beginners: Fun with Flowers,” explains both the basic and the advanced styles of Ikebana. Additionally, her literary talents also stand out in her poetry collections, such as “Chand Lamhe,” which offer readers a glimpse into her soulful expressions and artistic sensibilities.
Beyond literature, Ms. Sharmila’s artistic talents extend to painting, where she excels as a contemporary miniature artist. Her paintings have garnered recognition in solo and group exhibitions, both locally and internationally. Additionally, her upcoming book, “Inner Reflections,” incarnates her artistic journey through a collection of paintings accompanied by verses.
From 2018 to 2020, Ms. Sharmila held the position of President at the Hyderabad Chapter of the Ohara School of Ikebana. Additionally, the multitalented leader has served as the inaugural Vice President of the Ikebana International Hyderabad Chapter. She is also a founding member of the Active Teacher’s Association of Ikebana in Hyderabad.
Embracing the Digital Age
Being a forward-thinking leader, Ms. Sharmila embraces the digital age and has made strides in digital publishing, with many of her books available on platforms like Kindle. She believes that creativity is a precious gift and a blessing that connects individuals to a higher power. Her dedication to encouraging creativity and supporting fellow artists and writers highlights her commitment to the arts and the community.
A Socially Conscious Individual
Ms. Sharmila’s commitment to community service is evident through her involvement in various committees, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Transport FLO, where she channels her passion and dedication for bettering the community. She is not just a leader but a source of inspiration for future generations.