A former Sociology professor turned creative visionary, Prof. Veena Mhatre founded the Veena Mhatre Institute of Creative Arts in 1974 — and has since transformed the lives of over 80,000 students across India and beyond.

After teaching Sociology at L.J.N.J. College, Veenatai left academia in 1974 to pursue her true passion: sharing the joy of creative arts with the world. What began as small hobby classes has grown into one of Mumbai's most celebrated creative institutes, spanning flower arrangement, bonsai, painting, sculpture, gardening, and much more.

Her first exhibition in 1976 was inaugurated by the legendary Nargis Dutta, and her second by the Consul General of Japan. Her most recent exhibition in January 2025 saw 75 students showcase their work, inaugurated by MLA Shri Parag Alavani.

Veenatai has authored "Bonsai for Everyone", appeared on national TV and radio, given demonstrations at five-star hotels across India, and been featured in Femina, Eve's Weekly, SAVY, Bombay Mirror, and major Marathi dailies. She was honoured as a Women Entrepreneur in 1995 and 1998.