“I was excellent at drawing and sports from a very young age. I won many prizes in various competitions. Gradually, I also developed an interest in painting. I was inspired by my drawing teacher in school, who used to draw with her left hand. It was thrilling to watch her draw on board seamlessly though she drew with her left hand.

As years passed by, I developed multiple creative skills. I started painting on glass/fabric and learnt embroidery. In my 2nd year of graduation, at the age of 19, I got married and post-marriage, I continued studying in college. After graduation, I completed NTT (Nursery Teacher Training) course. 

I began teaching in a school as a subject teacher but I couldn't hold my creative skills to myself and the school authorities noticed it. Looking at my creative calibre like paper folding, origami, and more, they offered me a new post as an Art & Craft teacher. I happily accepted that offer as I would be teaching what I really loved. 

For 20 years, I have been a teacher by profession and a painter by passion. 2 years ago, I started conducting online workshops for drawing and painting. Also, I formed a small business of painted sarees, suits, cushion covers, bed sheets, etc... One stroke and directly painting without any outline/drawing have been the highlights of my work. I got students and orders through social media platforms. My works travel all over Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Jabalpur, and many more places. In the past 2 years, I have sold around 50 suits and 15 sarees.

Over the years, I have experienced that it is really important to inculcate some or the other hobby in a person, especially for senior citizens to make their post-retirement life fruitful and engaging. I strongly believe profession and passion can beautifully go hand-in-hand if everything is managed properly. I dedicate my weekdays to profession and weekends to passion.” - Simi Anand (Khyaal Community Member)