Param Sara is a Journey Made of Eastern Modern Harmony

Ankita Gill grew up in the capital city of Punjab, Chandigarh, also called ‘the Linear City.’ The town's urbanism was inspired by the new modernism of the post colonialism period, steered by Nehru, and designed by le Corbusier. With its clean modern lines, the town's minimalistic architecture was to create radical aesthetics for a new India. The alternative modernism became a symbol of the country's new political aspirations, of its independence, and of its progress. The partition between India and Pakistan in 1947 had indeed the immediate consequence of Punjab finding itself without a capital. Chandigarh was chosen to be the one and was to represent Indian modernism on a large scale. Chandigarh is where Ankita’s family is from, a city celebrated for its cultural avant-garde, intellectual stronghold and modern architecture. This background has made cities around the world, rich in culture and history, feel like home to her.

In her family, the beginning of every day starts with a spiritual ritual, the lighting of the sacred incense before parting and going off to work or study. Hindu festivities on most occasions celebrate the renewal of life and Ankita learned them with passion. Learning traditions also entailed dancing and she participated in national competitions. Her upbringing is the explanation of why Ankita manages with so much ease to embrace ancient traditions and modern dimensions at the same time. It will come to no surprise that when asked if she was a city, she promptly answered:

‘Chandigarh is a perfect representation of myself. A blend of tradition, order, and modernity, thriving at the intersection of structure and creativity.’ Ankita Gill, founder of Param Sara, talking about her home city.

Ankita blends history and modernity seamlessly.

Departing from India and living in Shanghai is for her a thrilling new chapter. She explains her life contains three ‘F’s, being finance, fashion, and fragrance. Achieving a career in finance was her first cycle, working in fashion was the second one, and launching her fragrance brand was the third. Joining her husband in China eight years ago translated into a more daring attitude. The Eastern experience is a new life full of international friendships, exciting business acquaintances, and multi-cultural learnings. The launch of a fragrance brand corresponds to a strong yearning of stepping out of her comfort zone and nurturing a strong bond with her cultural heritage. Something was missing in her life, and she decided to embark upon an emotional and spiritual adventure. Fragrances crystallized her vision of accessing another world, so she decided to attend a summer learning course at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery.

She ventured into the development of her perfume brand wholeheartedly and decisively. Becoming an entrepreneur followed a natural flow of things; her finance chapter had taught her how to manage a business and her fashion experience had further developed her sense of elegance. Fragrances fluidly became her new area of expertise.

Through perfumes, Ankita aims to convey a universal message of sharing joy while encapsulating the essence of the East. It is not about India, nor China, it is about expressing a new Eastern modernity, made of spirituality within an urban city, mixing with fluid memories and present stories.

For her brand, she chose the name ‘Param Sara’ - in Sanskrit ‘transcending to another world’ – to exemplify the transformative power of scents. Her perfumes are a celebration of life, a vision of an everyday philosophy made of modern harmony. The choice of her logo was a Mandala, the Eastern pattern representing life in a self-revolving circle. The chosen red color encapsulates the balance between a daring emotion and a caring protection.

Ankita is deeply inspired by the vibrant marigold fields of Punjab, the magnificent roses from Kannauj, and the delicate osmanthus flowers from China. These Eastern ingredients, embedded in the daily rituals of life, are more than just scents, they are a symbol of cultural heritage rich in emotional significance. Fragrance is hence a way to connect to her roots, bringing forth cherished memories, like the comforting presence of her father's embrace. Today, her favorite smell is the one of the fresh rain falling on warm soil, when water drops nurture the dry earth and vanish.... until the next rain happens again. It is an illustration of her vision of life, of a refreshing renewal, of cycles within cycles.

Scents of Fluid Movements and Vivid Moments.

Param Sara’s first collection is called Season 1 ‘moments within moments’ as life will bring returning seasons and new scented creations. This is the base of the ancient and eastern belief that life is made of cycles, that there is nothing linear but only circles.

Season 1 contains four main stages that follow each other fluidly and orderly, The Mandala, The Kama, The Bodhi and The Nirvana. ‘The’ has a capital as it refers to a spiritual condition. For each scent, Ankita has selected ingredients belonging to her cultural universe. The Mandala represents a luminous rise, sparkling with a top crisp green mango, a solar heart of marigold flower and a soft woody base. The Kama encapsulates an intense desire, ignited with pink pepper, seductive tuberose, sacred sandalwood and incense. The Bodhi is made of soothing emptiness, with a comforting ginger, musk and vetiver ‘roots’ base. The Nirvana offers the ultimate bliss of completeness with a fruity mandarin, the luxury of jasmine Sambac and the luminosity of ambrette.

When asked about one single emotion, Ankita chose gratitude:

‘I believe in appreciating the journey and the people I encounter along the way. I am thankful for my ability to persevere and grow through adversity.’ Ankita Gill, founder of Param Sara.

‘The Chamber’. The Meditative and Transformative Room.

China being the domestic country of Param Sara, developing a robust online presence is evident. However, Ankita also believes in the importance of brick-and-mortar client interactions. She therefore looked for the ideal location to open a flagship boutique in Shanghai. She picked the street ‘Fumin’, filled with vintage brands and new trends to open ‘The Chamber.’ It is not the Chamber of Secrets of Harry Potter, but a nest for scents inspired by the dream of the Red Chamber and the original concept of meditative chambers and of the transformative power of fragrances.

For the representation of the circles of life, the dark room features Tibetan sand riddles symbolizing reincarnation, a semicircular island in the center with a mirroring effect for self-completion, fluid shapes, cozy fabrics in a deep rich red and an airy outside garden ... The Chamber is a clear translation of Param Sara’s vision of a ‘fragrance transportation’ or ‘transcendence’ to another world. A place to dream, just like the protagonist of The Alchemist, the favorite book of Ankita, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

Mindful Luxury and Respectful Sustainability.

A strong commitment to the environment, to respect nature in all its forms was essential for Ankita. The perfumes of Param Sara are formulated with 100% natural sugar-beet alcohol from France, cultivated without pesticides and fertilizers; they are vegan, cruelty free, and 80-85% certified natural. Glass is produced locally in China, packaging is ecofriendly, FSC recycled, printed with soy ink, uses Blue Angel 100% secondary fibers and PCR post-consumer recycled plastic for the bottle lid. She believes there is still much more to be done, and as such, investment in a sustainable model will remain a continuous focus.

Ankita shares the enchanting story of Diwali, as she reflects on her recent October celebrations. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama and his wife Sita after a fourteen-year exile, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival transforms homes and hearts alike: vibrant marigold flowers cascade from doorways, their golden hues bringing energy and prosperity. Homes sparkle with a fresh touch of paint, while family and friends come together to share sweets, laughter, and new beginnings. As dusk falls, countless lamps and candles are lit, filling every corner with a warm, inviting glow that reaches beyond physical spaces and into the soul. For Ankita, Diwali is more than tradition; it’s a cherished time of renewal, generosity, and hope. It is the most important celebration in Ankita’s personal life, a yearly returning festivity.

Photo Credits for Param Sara brand images: Vaibhav Passi

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An Eastern Transcendence as The Essence of Life.

Param Sara offers ‘Nirvana’ through an array of ways: mandala, incense, senses, philosophy, beauty, reflection, meditation... To experiment a fragrance from Param Sara has an immediate consequence; a permanent feeling of peace permeates the surrounding space. With a subtle and gentle way, Param Sara guides along a clear journey of self-discovery.

A Place of Happiness, Stillness and Completeness.

There is so much quiet energy in store and such lively tranquility. Going inside the Chamber is thrilling. Stepping out might be challenging. How to leave this unique soothing feeling?

Thanks to the ritual of a fragrance, the magical permanence happens, from rise to dust, from one season to the next, from one moment to the other...