By Gurnam Singh Likhari
If there is one lesson life has taught me over the years, it is to always follow your passion and never stop doing what brings you joy. Too often, we allow age, profession, or social expectations to define what we can or cannot do. I believe that true fulfillment lies in listening to your heart, no matter where life takes you.
I served the nation for 36 years as a gazetted officer, having cleared the prestigious UPSC Engineering Service Examination. My career as an engineer was defined by duty, discipline, and pride, and I dedicated my working years to infrastructure development and nation-building with sincerity and integrity.
Beyond the realm of blueprints and engineering drawings, I have always cultivated a quiet passion that may surprise you: tailoring.
I am writing to share a personal experience that highlights how creativity can transcend traditional gender roles. Growing up, our family had a sewing machine, which was a prized possession. I often watched my mother stitch clothes for our family, and later, after my marriage, I observed my wife's passion for embroidery and stitching. Sitting by their side, I learned many techniques of cutting and stitching.
While many viewed sewing as a household chore, I saw it as a canvas for my creativity. In my spare time, I enjoyed stitching clothes, experimenting with various fabrics, and creating patterns from scratch. After my wife passed away, I found a unique way to express my creativity and love for my family by using some of her beautiful sarees to design and stitch shirts for myself and our son. This practice has been a meaningful way to honor her memory and continue a creative passion I share with the women in my life.
Even today, stitching remains one of my favorite hobbies. It reminds me that passion knows no title or age. Whether you are an engineer, an artist, a teacher, or a tailor, we need to do what we love to do; that is what keeps our soul alive. This passion for stitching keeps me happy and occupied.
Please remember that your passion, whether it lies in teaching, fashion, art, or problem-solving, is incredibly valuable. Pursuing what you love can bring profound fulfillment and purpose to your life.
At the Likhari Foundation, we empower underprivileged girls and women through skill development, extending beyond traditional training. We encourage them to explore their true passions, whether in teaching, cooking, designing, or advanced digital literacy, as we believe skills are most impactful when fueled by genuine interest.
Our objective is to support them in acquiring these skills and transforming them into meaningful careers. The convergence of passion and purpose, we have observed, leads to profound changes in their lives, impacting not only their economic well-being but also their emotional and social development.
