Rekha Reddy

Instagram handle: @rekhaflora1

First Master, Ohara Ikebana

*President Ohara Chapter of Hyderabad [2004-2008], President, Ikebana International Hyderabad Chapter #250 [2008-2012]

Chairperson, FICCI Ladies Organization, Hyderabad [2012-2013], President, The Wednesday Club [2015-2016]

*Studied under Grandmaster Horyu Meena Anantnarayan and mother Shamala YR Reddy. Has been teaching Ikebana, holding workshops and demonstrations for over 25 years. 

Has given Ikebana demonstrations in India and abroad [Singapore, Belgium, Taiwan, Korea, USA, UAE, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Panama]. Demonstrated at Washington DC Chapter #1 and Kamakura Chapter #51.

*Received ‘Commendation Award’ from Japanese Consulate Chennai, 2015. Passionate about spreading Ikebana, promoting understanding of Japanese culture & friendship between the Japan and India.

*Held solo exhibitions with themes like ‘Tokonoma’, ‘Ikebana and Literature’, ‘Life of Buddha’ [inaugurated by HH The Dalai Lama], ‘From Gloom to Bloom’ etc. Holds regular workshops & exhibitions for children. 

* Authored ‘Petals & Palette’, its pages juxtaposing Ikebana with senior artist’s paintings. Conceived and co-ordinated books ‘Flowers & Flavours’ & ‘Pushpa Thoranam’ for I.I Hyderabad Chapter.  Edited book ‘Blooms & Looms’ on Ikebana & Saris with fellow Ikebana artists. 

Awarded an honourable Mention at the Essay competition at I.I World Convention, 2006.  Started a series of online presentations ‘Lockebana- Ikebana for lockdown times’ and done online presentations since April 2020.

 
*Masters in Foods and Nutrition with two gold medals. Awarded ICAR scholarship. Best outgoing student of college, University basketball captain and on table tennis team.
*Freelances articles on flower arrangement, gardening, travel & nutrition.