Redefining careers

Every evening, a group of kids welcome you enthusiastically at Alka Mahajan's home. They are Alka's students who learn art and craft from her. Her aim is not only to make them able to earn for their livelihood but also make them understand the importance of education.
The classes are regularly held at her residence near Orchid Garden, Sun City Sector-64 in Gurgaon. Cityplus met 40-year-old Alka Mahajan, a graduate in Mathematical Statistics from Delhi University followed by PG Diploma in Computers, to know more about her experiences and future plans.
"Good education has always been a major concern for middle class and weaker class families. Keeping in mind the fact I decided to help such kids who are deprived of education," she said.
It has been almost four years since Alka has been teaching slum dwellers to lead a better life and choose a career where they can earn for their living. She not only teaches them art and craft but also English and Mathematics. "It was not easy to make parents understand to send their children to learn paintings and art as they are more focused on sending their children to earn and get wages. It took little time but I did it," says Alka.
She was associated with an NGO for some time but that did not attract her very much, as according to her their main focus always remains to catch maximum eyeballs.
"Since childhood, I had a keen interest in art, crafts and painting. This is no denying the fact that my father SC Gupta who is a retired professor and renowned author always encouraged me to pursue my interest but simultaneously he wanted me to focus and excel in academics," she said.
Within a year of completing her graduation, she married Avtar. "I am lucky to have a gentle, kind and very supportive life partner. He always supports me to listen to my inner voice and follow my heart," adds Alka.
One year after marriage they moved to UK. Her interest in painting got deeply entrenched during her over a decade long stay in UK. They moved back to India eight years ago but even after changing various professions, she was not satisfied. "I knew this frequent change of career was more due to lack of focus rather than my desire to learn," shares Alka.
But a meeting with a Reiki master changed it all. This had a transformational impact in their life within few months. "I got more clarity about my personal life and purpose of life became clear. I listened to my inner voice. I got the answer that my calling is to express myself through painting. I am thankful to the almighty that finally I was able to hear and follow my inner voice," she says.

Good education has always been a major concern for middle class and weaker class families. Keeping in mind the fact I decided to help such kids who are deprived of education.

I listened to my inner voice. I got the answer that my wish is to express myself through paintings. I am thankful to the almighty that finally I was able to hear and follow my inner voice.

--Arpit Gupta