Page 71 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 8 | December - January 2025

KIRANJEET KHURANA, 59
Therapeutic Art teacher

“I have been in Bangkok for over 30 years now. I started art over 20
years ago when my kids started going to school. I started at home
in my husband’s office, and I still remember his lamp being the
first thing I shaded. Slowly, from there, I went forward. Once you
start a passion, you want to grow yourself in that field, so I started
learning all kinds of mediums; oils, calligraphy, acrylic mediums, etc.
Then, during COVID-19, things changed. I hit a low because
all activities stopped and I was not able to call teachers or go
anywhere. I happened to know a doodle teacher, Sapna, who
then started teaching doodling online. During those two to three
years of the pandemic, I spent doodling and it made me so happy
that it became one of my biggest art forms. I used to spend the
whole day making this type of art. In a way, COVID-19 became
a blessing in my passion for art.
After the pandemic, I met an aunty, and she seemed quite
melancholy. I had started teaching at the gurdwara for a while, At this moment, I am still a student, I am still learning but whatever
so I told her to come by to relieve some of her troubles. Fortunately, I am learning, I want to give back. I always felt that the best thing
she came, and like her, I saw so many other women her age who to share with, in my heart and my mind, are the elderly and
found themselves in a similar situation. children. They are the most innocent and the closest to God. I
am so blessed with so many beautiful aunties now. I love kids and
From there, we started another class here in Sukhumvit to make teach them at home and online as well. I feel very blessed and
it easier for visitors who were unable to commute to where the fortunate that I have been able to achieve all that I have wanted
gurdwara is located. With the proximity in mind, that same for quite some time.
aunty started telling her friends and others about it, and gradu-
ally, more and more people joined in. If you ask me, more than I would like to thank my family, who have been cooperative and
teaching, it was more about being a family; aunties were togeth- encouraging. My daughter, son and husband all support me in this
er and comforted by love. Wherever there is unconditional love, journey. My daughter every day used to ask me, “Mama, what are
it flows. There is no ending to it. I am so happy for this that it you teaching today,” it would make me feel happier, knowing that
has come to this level and I truly never expected it. everybody is part of this small little project that we have going on.”

SARABJIT (LILY) GROVER, 58
Meditative Yoga Teacher

“These yoga classes were initiated approximately a year ago,
commencing with weekly Friday sessions at the gurdwara.
Subsequently, they expanded to include a weekly Monday class
in Sukhumvit Soi 12, Rama Mansion.

I have completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training course and hold
a certification in therapeutic and children’s yoga. Recognising the
unique needs of the elderly, particularly their limited flexibility and
cognitive function, I have tailored these classes to address these
specific concerns. The sessions incorporate a range of practices,
including breathing exercises and om chanting, which enhance
lung capacity and concentration. Additionally, a comprehensive
set of stretching exercises is designed to improve muscle flexibility
and overall well-being.
The therapeutic approach to yoga employed in these classes is also
based on medical advice, ensuring that the exercises are suitable
for individuals with various health conditions, such as high blood
pressure. The anulom vilom technique of breathing and Bhramari
breathing are really beneficial. The classes have proven to be a valuable outlet for the elderly,
This past year has been particularly rewarding as I have had the providing them with a productive activity and a sense of
opportunity to work with the elderly. Witnessing their progress and accomplishment. The homework assignments, such as doodling,
the positive impact of these classes on their mental and physical further enhance their mental well-being and offer a meditative
health has been deeply fulfilling. Our loving ‘aunties’ have not experience. The positive impact of these classes extends beyond
only improved their physical abilities but also gained a sense of the participants themselves, as their families also benefit from the
purpose and happiness. increased happiness and engagement of their loved ones.”