Pune: Suchitra Kharvandikar’s journey is a testament to perseverance, determination, and the power of turning challenges into achievements. Born with Meningomyelocele, a rare neurological disorder, she faced medical complications from infancy. Despite spending her early years undergoing surgeries and treatments, she never let her condition define her future. Instead, she transformed her hardships into stepping stones for success.
From a young age, Suchitra was passionate about art. She mastered several creative fields, including Mehendi, ceramic art, pot painting, soft toys, and murals. Her exceptional Mehendi skills helped her gain recognition at exhibitions, where she not only built a strong reputation but also won multiple awards. Encouraged by this success, she decided to turn her passion into a full-time career and established ‘Art Corner’ in 2000, a Mehendi training center.
Her artistic journey took a historic turn when she set her sights on the India Book of Records. Although her first attempt was unsuccessful due to technical reasons, she remained undeterred. On October 14, 2018, with 18 fellow artists, she conducted a Mehendi Marathon, applying henna to 1,622 hands within 12 hours, setting a new record in India. However, she did not stop there. On October 22, 2023, she broke her own record by applying Mehendi on 2,652 hands within 12 hours, this time setting a record in the Asia Book of Records.
Her achievements are not limited to the arts. At the age of 42, Suchitra entered the competitive swimming arena, winning over 35 medals at state and inter-state levels. Her determination and resilience also led her to the world of beauty pageants, where she participated in VPR Miss India and was honored with the title of ‘Miss India Best Friendly Personality.’
In addition to these accomplishments, she holds another distinction—Pune’s first wheelchair dhol player. Her energetic and inspiring performances have further cemented her status as a trailblazer.
Speaking about her journey, Suchitra says, "I never gave up, no matter how many obstacles came my way. I always held on to my dreams. My mission is to empower young girls by teaching them various art forms, helping them become financially independent. Additionally, I aspire to reach the international stage in swimming."
