Category Archives: Stories

Zamir Sayed, An Akanksha, faced academic struggles due to dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia, but his passion for art helped him find his path. He discovered the vastness of art through mentors and teachers. Inspired by their guidance, he pursued a Bachelor’s in Fine Art at LS Raheja School of Art, choosing to follow his love for art despite societal expectations. His journey into digital art, storyboarding, and VFX led him to work in major studios, but the demanding lifestyle left him unfulfilled. Seeking a change, he found joy in teaching—helping students develop creative thinking and visualization skills.

Zamir taught at Bhanwar Rathore Designing Studio, preparing students for competitive exams in design fields like NID, NIFT, NATA, and JEE. His approach simplifies complex concepts, making learning engaging and accessible. Teaching has rekindled his passion, allowing him to share his love for art while continuously learning. Zamir is currently a Design and Visual Arts educator at Skill Stork International School in Hanamkonda, Telangana. 

Reflecting on his journey, he says, “Art has always made me come alive. The colors, the feel of painting, and teaching what I love make every day fulfilling. It’s like having a good time all day, and I can never get bored.”

Kshitij Pawar, an alum of Akanksha KCTVN school in Pune, is an art teacher for children in grades K-2. Once a shy and curious child with a love for art and math, Kshitij now inspires young minds by encouraging them to explore colors, forms, and self-expression. His approach to teaching art is creative and hands-on — making short instructional videos, showcasing step-by-step processes, and ensuring children learn through fun, engaging methods. “As a teacher, you have to be creative and mindful, you have to figure out new interesting ways for children to learn, and because I am an alum, I know certain things about how to make learning interesting.”

Guided by his own experiences as a student, Kshitij is passionate about passing on his knowledge and helping children solve problems with patience and creativity. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a Master’s in Art and work towards organizing installations, competitions, and exhibitions to show his students how art connects to everyday life.

Sana Ansari, a former Akanksha student, was introduced to the organization at the age of eight by her aunt. Curious but unsure about what Akanksha could offer, she joined with her mother’s support — opening the door to a whole new world. Unlike traditional classrooms, Akanksha’s teachers, fondly called didi and bhaiya, didn’t punish mistakes but guided students with patience, making learning a joyful experience. These years became a time of discovery and growth for Sana.

At 18, when her family needed financial support, Sana took a corporate job but quickly realized the work environment didn’t inspire her. Drawn back to the familiar and nurturing space of Akanksha, she joined Art for Akanksha, designing and painting products. It was here that she found daily opportunities to learn, explore her creativity, and build confidence.

Today, Sana is the Assistant Manager at Art for Akanksha, managing production, sales, marketing, and partnerships to bring art to schools and organizations beyond Akanksha. Her journey from a shy child to a confident, independent woman has not only empowered her but also changed how her family views her capabilities. Her teacher, Rajshree, proudly acknowledges how art and Akanksha played a crucial role in shaping Sana’s path — a true reflection of the transformative power of education and creativity.

“Many of my friends are married, but now my parents know I am capable of earning and being independent. I have been working with the art department for many years now. It is here that I have learnt to make choices for myself.”

Swapnil Chauhan has been interested in colours for as long as he can remember. He enjoys thinking out of the box, discovering different art forms and famous artists from around the world was his hobby.

No wonder, Swapnil Chavan loved Art for Akanksha’s weekend classes. For him, the classes were like Pandora’s Box waiting to be opened – every weekend offered something new and exciting to learn.

Before art classes came along, Swapnil spent his weekends doing homework. Once the classes began, life changed. “It was a time of enjoyment in my busy life,” he says. Not just that, he realised that participating in art classes increased his confidence. He found his brain thinking faster. Mathematics, science, toying with numbers and conducting experiments – our young Picasso began to find it all extremely interesting.

“He has grown exceptionally in many ways – his English improved, he excelled in all the other subjects, and today ‘he’s on a different planet’!” Said Rupa didi, Swapnil’s Centre teacher who found the Akanksha topper immensely focussed.

Working with a calm demeanour and sincerity, Swapnil won over everyone including his Art teacher, Salli didi, who found his attitude of giving his best to everything and his sense of perfection very inspiring. “I go deep into everything I see and it’s because of art. Here in Art Class I have found a new world,” he smiled.

We hope his discoveries in this new world take him places. Swapnil was an Akanksha topper in grade 10, graduated from National Institute of Technology,  Karnataka and now works as a software engineer at Walmart Global Tech Services, Bangalore

Ruby Ram joined AVBS Akanksha School in Grade 8 and already knew that art was her path. With the support and opportunities she received from her teachers, she decided to pursue art as a career. She completed her graduation in Fine Arts and earned a gold medal in her Master’s degree, specializing in portraits, from MIT ADT University, Pune.

She is currently exploring different art styles to gain more experience and also works as a visiting faculty member at MIT ADT University. 

Throughout her journey, she has received several awards, the most recent being first prize in portrait painting at her college.

Ruby has participated in and exhibited her work at Artlane and the 42nd Monsoon Show at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai. She was also part of a group show at Method Art Gallery in Kala Ghoda through Baro Market.

What makes her stand out is her humility and her constant desire to learn and grow. She aspires to support herself and her family through the work she is most passionate about.

“I believe in being true to myself, especially in challenging times. As an artist, our truest colors reflect our most honest thoughts and ideas.”

A shy little child joined Akanksha at the age of eight. Her name was Sana. “Before I joined Akanksha I was scared of everything. In the school that I went to, my teachers would beat me, and insult me in front of the whole class. They would ask me why I come to school if I don’t have money. I didn’t have any friends in school either.” Sana’s aunt got them word that a new tuition class had started nearby and her mother was keen on seeing what it was all about. What was Akanksha? What could it do for her? Little Sana hardly thought about it. Her mother was supportive of the idea and when Sana went to the Akanksha centre, a new world opened up for her. A world which helped Sana become who she is today – an alumni who upholds every value that Akanksha has ever taught; a self assured, honest, diligent professional with a heart of gold and a head full of dreams; a responsible and loving daughter and sister who supports a family of seven. Sana is someone you’re not likely to forget if you’ve met her once.

“When I think of pre-Akanksha days, I get upset. Those are the only memories that I’d want to erase from my life. I remember, it was raining hard one day and I went to school without a raincoat and was wet from head to toe. The teachers told me to stay out till my clothes were dry.”

“I joined design class at a time when everything was going wrong for me and I had really low self esteem. But the more classes I attended the more I learnt about myself. I learnt that I should never laugh at anyone or pull them down. I learnt that I should always encourage people and help them grow in confidence.”

“I could neither speak nor understand English before I joined Akanksha. I could never tell the difference between today, tomorrow and yesterday! But now I interact with my clients in English, I conduct workshops at corporates with complete confidence. I love home exhibitions purely because I get a chance to talk to so many individuals. This change in me happened only because of my education. Stepping into the Akanksha centre was like stepping into heaven. I was showered with love and affection from everyone. And a lot many opportunities came my way as well.”

Sana was 18, when her family needed financial support and she had to get a job. Her familiarity with Akanksha brought her back and today Sana is an integral part of Art for Akanksha and works as an Art Associate. “Many of my friends are married, but now my parents know I am capable of earning and being independent. I have been working with the art department for many years now. It is here that I have learnt to make choices for myself.”

“Art and work have completely changed my life! It has given me the confidence to look at things differently, to find solutions to problems. Through art I’ve learnt to give a 100% to my work, at all times, keeping personal problems aside, I ensure that things get done on time. I don’t want people to know me by my name. But I want them to know me by my work.”

“In art class I came up with my own unique style of using dots. It was a phase, where I only used dots and I would get completely engrossed in them. The dot was a mirror that helped me realise my potential. I’ve tried to bring it back again! Hope you like it.”