“I have always loved teaching and once my sons finished school, I felt the time was right for me to resume my calling as a teacher. I had taught for two years before getting married, but I had to give it up for my family and children.

I resumed teaching in 2007, with a small group of students. I received training in developing additional arithmetic skills using the Abacus and helped my students learn these skills. I continued this programme in a rented space for two years and gradually became accustomed to the daily demands of teaching young school-going children. It was a learning curve for me.

I worked hard and the programme succeeded. Then I started my own preschool for tiny tots with the help and support of my husband Jeet, who actively encouraged me. My mother-in-law shared household concerns and responsibilities, allowing me to concentrate fully on my teaching career.

I gradually developed original course material for the children based on my experience with them. Parents really appreciate that what we teach is in line with the actual learning needs of the children rather than rigid course material.

What started as a new venture with five children in 2010, now has 60 children in each batch, in addition to the over 100 students for my weekly Abacus arithmetic classes. I cherish the time I get to spend with the little ones, who are full of innocence and life.

Watching them grow and transform into confident little school goers with better basic learning and life skills is something that gives me immense satisfaction. At the same time, their childish antics and innocent mistakes and chatter give us plenty of laughs that I see as the best therapy for the stresses of modern life.

I have a small staff of three teachers and two caregivers, all women. Being able to employ women and providing them with meaningful vocation is an added satisfaction.

This work has certainly boosted my confidence in myself. I have come out of my role as a homemaker and have my own income doing what I love. What I did not expect was that I would be able to carve an identity of my own. Earlier people knew me by my husband’s or in-laws’ name. Now people know me for my work. When someone introduces my husband by my name, it is an extraordinary feeling for me.”