Asmita Khemka hails from Surat, Gujarat, India, born into a traditional Agrawal family. Growing up, she excelled in Bharatnatyam, earning a graduate degree, and engaged in various artistic endeavors. Despite her academic achievements, including a Master's in Commerce and qualifications as a Cost and Management Accountant, her traditional upbringing emphasised family above career. After marriage, she pursued further studies with her husband's support but eventually dedicated herself to homemaking. Living in Saudi Arabia and later the UK, she explored spirituality and self-development, becoming a Certified Neurographica Instructor and Kriya Yoga Practitioner, teaching art and neuro art. She’s the only Indian original Neurographica Instructor in the UK. She spoke exclusively to Asian Voice about it:
How did your journey as a Neurographic Instructor begin, and what drew you to this unique form of art?
My formal journey to qualify as a Neurographica Instructor began in 2022 when I was looking for some inspiration to share in my monthly free inspiring classes for women which I started in May 2020 during the Pandemic. I came across a random YouTube video and it hooked me. I had a deep intuition that this is what has been the missing link in me to become a fully qualified professional artist who can bring a positive change in the psyche of many beings through Art. I realised that the discord which I felt in me while growing up and later in married life, must be in many Indian women of my genre. Neurographica can help us to create beneficial positive changes in our psyche. I have explored so many different ways to keep myself away from depression and anxiety.
In what ways do you incorporate elements of Indian culture and heritage into your Neurographic art and teachings?
I am privileged to be the first and so far only Neurographica Instructor of Indian origin in the whole of the world. Neurographica was developed by Russian Psychologist Dr. Pavel Piskarev in 2015. It is very much prevalent in Russia and Eastern European countries. Neurographica started being taught in English only in 2021. I was in the second batch of English-speaking instructors. With my unique blend of deep spiritual studies and mind management techniques, I can create unique drawings on various topics. I have been an ardent follower of Sanatan Dharma and my artworks in all forms reflect that. My first drawing as an interview with the Institute after qualifying as an Instructor was based on the allegory of Bhagavad Geeta to rise above our downward pulling tendencies (Kauravas) and focus on the upward pulling tendencies (Pandavas) Drawing session with Asmita instructor (youtube.com) I keep looking for ways to integrate our Indian culture with Neurographica drawings. Have created drawings on the themes of Buddha Purnima, Gurupurnima, Ganesha, Navdurgas, and Sri Ram Neuro Sketch so far along with many others on different topics. So, in Neurographica drawings we work to imbibe the essence of these topics into our psyche. We are not just working on the aesthetic beauty of the drawing. We are taking the essence of the topic in us, like calmness from Buddha, devotion and gratitude for Guru Purnima and many more.
Can you explain what a Neurographic Instructor does, and how this role contributes to both personal development and artistic expression?
A Neurographica Instructor has deeply transformed themselves through extensive self-reflection and learning. They overcome limiting beliefs and face their authentic selves, driven to share Neurographica's benefits selflessly. Instructors teach certified courses, create conceptual drawings, and guide personal development through this artistic method, which combines thoughts, emotions, and kinesthetic expression, promoting neuroplasticity.
How do you see Neurographic art helping preserve traditional Indian artistic techniques and cultural narratives while also adapting to a contemporary global audience?
Traditional Indian artistic techniques, such as Lippan Art, Madhubani, Warli, Kalamkari, Kerala Mural, Tanjore, and Pichwai, adorn homes and temples, narrating stories from scriptures. Similarly, churches feature altarpieces with frescoes and glass paintings, while mosques showcase Islamic patterns based on sacred geometry. Art across cultures and religions serves as a soul expression, speaking the universal language of the soul. Neurographica integrates this concept, allowing a simple drawing to transform into soul work. Each artist's unique interpretation and meaning bring individuality to the art. Unlike symbols, Neurographica uses shapes and lines to connect with the psyche, fostering conscious change. This scientific art form spans globally, reflecting personal resonance in its conceptual drawings. The foundational algorithm ensures self-transformation, making Neurographica a versatile and unique art modality.
What impact do you hope to have on your students and the broader community in the UK through your work, particularly in terms of fostering an appreciation for both neurographic art and Indian cultural heritage?
I have a very big vision for the impact of my work using Neurographica, especially in Indian communities as the awareness about it is negligible. I feel I have a very beautiful purpose and responsibility to bring awareness about Neurographica in our Indian communities as the only Neurographica Instructor of Indian origin. I bring with me the best of the essence of our sacred scriptures and Neurographica principles together into the drawings. I have so many topics in my mind. I feel I have tapped into the Kalpavruksha of drawing ideas to imbibe the Indian culture deep within, with Neurographica. For example, my last drawing session was on a Water Lily as the flower of July. I happened to draw three lilies and for me, they resonated with the Trinity aspect as I am the creator of my thoughts (Brahma), preserver of my good thoughts (Vishnu) and destroyer of the not-helpful thoughts (Shiva). Until I drew, I did not know how I would be directed to create this insight in my psyche. So each drawing is imbibed with deep meaning. So, one thought, one line, one conjoining is the term we use in our drawings. Line by line, thought by thought we are Creating Conscious Change.
