On An Artistic Journey of Learning and Teaching at 64

An inspiring story of Chandra Rajani Raghavan (Khyaal Community Member)

“My name is Chandra Rajani Raghavan. I am 64 years old and was born and brought up in Renukoot, a peaceful town near Banaras. From the very beginning, I found joy in creative things like embroidery, painting, and cooking. I completed my studies at Banaras Hindu University, where my love for the arts continued to grow. After I got married in 1981, I stayed in India for some time, and later in 1990, we moved to Muscat. We were blessed with two daughters, and both are now happily settled in their lives. There, I got the chance to do a Diploma in Teacher Training and another in Fine Arts. During those years, I started writing small articles for a monthly magazine and began teaching art to students of all ages. I also conducted personality development and etiquette classes, which I could do thanks to a finishing school course I had completed. One of my proud moments was writing my first book, ‘Art Treasure’, which explored various art forms and crafts. Over time, I also travelled to Chennai to teach for Camlin and held exhibitions of my own work. In 2010, I returned to India and continued doing what I loved, teaching, learning and creating.

After retirement, life gave me the beautiful gift of time to focus fully on what I truly enjoyed. I started conducting full-time art classes from home, where I teach glass painting, silk painting, fabric painting, calligraphy, pottery, and more. I also run handwriting improvement classes where students learn basic strokes and eventually write entire paragraphs in beautiful styles. I conduct various workshops in schools and community centres during summers. I hold special sessions for women where we explore soft toy making, clay art, candle making and other crafts. I completed the Zentangle Teacher Training Programme, and I am also a teacher with Penkraft, where I conduct certification courses in fine arts. These activities bring me so much joy and keep my days meaningful and lively.

One dream I had kept in my heart for years was to learn classical music properly. I always enjoyed singing but never got the chance to take formal lessons. Finally, after retirement, I began learning from the basics. Now, music is part of my daily routine and I feel like I have reconnected with a part of myself that had been waiting patiently all these years.

Just before the pandemic, I travelled to the United States for a short art course. When COVID hit, I saw how hard it became for many people to stay positive. That inspired me to write my second book, ‘Affirmations and Tangles’, a small collection of simple thoughts and reminders to stay hopeful. We printed more than 300 copies, and I felt happy knowing it touched people’s hearts. Around that time, I also learned laughter yoga as I felt people had forgotten how to smile. Today, I take laughter yoga sessions once a week to help others rediscover joy in small things.

Joining Khyaal has been such a lovely experience for me. It feels like a complete world in itself. I was very happy to see so many interest-based sessions, where people of my age could take part and feel included. I especially enjoy the music sessions and even took part in a cooking contest. It also helped me restart my classical music journey after so many years. The community is warm and supportive, and it makes me feel part of something meaningful.

To my fellow seniors, I would just like to say, do what makes you happy. You do not need to wait for the perfect time or reason. If it brings you joy, it is always worth doing.” - Chandra Rajani Raghavan (Khyaal Community Member)