Indian textiles, crafts, youth empowerment, women leadership, sustainable design.
She has taken three 10-day courses of Vipassana and a seven-day Satipaṭṭhāna meditation course.
Since 2016, introduced “Anapana” meditation at ARCH as a daily regime.
Has travelled to more than 30+ countries.
Conducted workshops on professional practice, mentoring, and entrepreneurship skills at various institutions.
A firm believer in Jain Terapanth tradition, she has completed multiple full fasts of 8–15 days.
Born within the pastoral landscapes of Mathbanga in Cooch Behar, Mrs. Archana Surana, began her story as Archana Kundalia in a family of jute traders. Her formative years were spent in Siliguri, a town in North Bengal where her Rajasthani family had settled. It was here, in the serene yet industrious atmosphere, that she grew up engaging in sports and absorbing the world around her.
Although Mrs. Surana is now recognized as a bold and outspoken leader, her childhood was marked by a quiet and shy demeanor. However, she was always an observer, picking up subtle details about people and the world, a trait that has stayed with her throughout her journey. The leadership qualities we see today began to take shape during her school years, slowly evolving as she moved into adulthood.
Born within the pastoral landscapes of Mathbanga in Cooch Behar, Mrs. Archana Surana, began her story as Archana Kundalia in a family of jute traders. Her formative years were spent in Siliguri, a town in North Bengal where her Rajasthani family had settled. It was here, in the serene yet industrious atmosphere, that she grew up engaging in sports and absorbing the world around her.
Although Mrs. Surana is now recognized as a bold and outspoken leader, her childhood was marked by a quiet and shy demeanor. However, she was always an observer, picking up subtle details about people and the world, a trait that has stayed with her throughout her journey. The leadership qualities we see today began to take shape during her school years, slowly evolving as she moved into adulthood.
As a child, Archana often felt constrained by the traditional roles assigned to girls. She saw how boys were given more freedom to explore and chase their dreams. This inequality bothered her, and she pushed to break away from these expectations. The turning point came when, at the age of 15, she received an award from Kiran Bedi for her school achievements. Meeting this pioneering woman in law enforcement—a field dominated by men—sparked a fire in Archana to embrace her identity as a woman and use it to fuel her future endeavors.
Archana’s leadership journey formally began during her high school years as Head Girl at St. Thomas Sr. Sec. School. But, like all leaders, she faced challenges. One such pivotal moment occurred when she forgot her prepared speech in front of a large audience at a school function. The embarrassment she felt that day motivated her to never rely on written speeches again.
From that point on, she delivered every speech spontaneously, whether as a keynote speaker at an international conference in Antwerp or as Chief Guest at a school event in Jaipur. This shift not only showcased her adaptability but also revealed her unique leadership style—one that thrives on self-confidence, spontaneity, and the belief that true strength lies within.
Despite her current influence in fashion and design education, Archana’s initial foray into the field was quite unexpected. “I had never even picked up a needle and thread during my adolescence, and fashion wasn’t part of my plans,” she recalls. Her interest in fashion was sparked when she attended a summer course, which marked her first real exposure to the world of creativity and design.
This budding passion, coupled with her love for Indian textiles and crafts, led her to pursue a diploma in Fashion Design from South Delhi Polytechnic. Her talent was evident, and she graduated with distinction, which earned her an invitation to return as a teacher. Later, she continued to teach at the JD Institute in Jaipur and Deepshikha College of Fashion Technology, solidifying her role as a mentor and educator in the field of design.
