From the ER to the Playroom: The Story Behind Sanskar
When the world shut down in March 2020, I was on the frontlines as an emergency medicine physician. Like so many others, I faced uncertainty, long hours, and stretches of time away from my family while staying in hotels and Airbnbs. To find balance, I turned to meditation—and, to a childhood hobby, art.
That creative outlet became a lifeline. What started as small personal projects eventually grew into a collection of modern, geometric digital art pieces inspired by traditional Jain symbols. When one of my pieces was displayed in an art auction, a friend mentioned, “These would look great in a child’s room.”
That simple comment sparked an idea that wouldn’t let go: what if this artwork could be transformed into something both playful and meaningful for children?
The Spark of an Idea
The vision took shape as a matching game—a way to introduce children to Jain values and stories in a playful, engaging format. I collaborated with my dad, poring over Jain art books until we selected 18 symbols and stories that felt right for young learners. These ranged from sacred symbols to story illustrations and Tirthankars, each one carrying a message worth sharing with the next generation.
To stay true to the original artwork, I recreated each concept in the same modern, geometric style. But I added a twist: instead of having identical pairs, each match consists of one card with only the image and another with the image plus its name. This small difference encourages learning, storytelling, and conversation.
With the help of my husband, who is Hindu, I was able to do the same with 18 Gods/Goddesses from Hinduism and created a Hindu version as well.
Choosing the Name
Every game needs a name that reflects its spirit. Sanskar, meaning “values,” felt both simple and profound. It represents the roots and teachings passed down from parents to children—the foundation on which our lives are built.
Beyond the Game
Since its creation, Sanskar has made its way into the hands of family and friends. For me, the greatest reward has been watching grandparents and grandchildren gathered around the cards, laughing, matching, and sharing stories. One young player carefully went through each card, reading the titles aloud and teaching her younger brother what she had learned at her Jain pathshala.
After the hardship of the pandemic, it has been deeply fulfilling to see Sanskar bring connection, joy, and cultural learning into homes. What began as an artistic reprieve during one of the most difficult times of my life has become something I hope will inspire curiosity, conversations, and values for many families.