Himani always dreamed of pursuing a profession where she could communicate, connect with people, and express her thoughts in her own way. She loved interacting with others, engaging in conversations, and being on stage. That is why she was naturally drawn to academics, as it offered her the opportunity to further develop her communication skills.
Here are some key excerpts from our conversation with her:
How did you envision your future during childhood and your teenage years? Did that vision change over time?
As a teenager, I never imagined myself becoming a teacher. I always felt that education was one part of my skill set, but my identity was more closely linked to being a strong writer and communicator. I had a good command of language, enjoyed writing, and loved meeting and talking to people.
Learning has always been very important to me. I enjoyed reading and discovering new things. There was a curiosity within me that constantly pushed me to explore different ideas and experiences.
Like most young people, however, I stood at a crossroads where deciding on a future direction felt challenging. Even today, this remains one of the biggest dilemmas for students. They want to do many things but often struggle to decide which path to follow.
I began my career in advertising, working as a copywriter with two prestigious advertising agencies. During the same period, I completed my Master’s degree. At that time, I was fully prepared to build my career in advertising.
Gradually, however, I found myself increasingly drawn toward education. As I mentioned, I loved communicating and learning. My academic side became stronger, and eventually I decided to pursue a career in education rather than advertising.
Why did you specifically choose English Literature as your field of study?
I believe my love for reading was the biggest reason.
Since childhood, I have been an avid reader. Magazines such as Champak, Nandan, and Reader’s Digest were my constant companions. The more I read, the more curious I became.
I was fascinated by people’s cultures, lifestyles, traditions, and relationships. I also had a deep interest in history and art, both Indian and European. The works of renowned artists left a lasting impression on me.
These interests naturally drew me toward literature. As I grew older, my curiosity about literary theories and deeper interpretations of texts became even stronger.
In my opinion, literature should be chosen as a subject only if a person genuinely loves reading and wants to understand things deeply. If someone is interested in exploring how environments shape stories, how characters evolve, and how backgrounds influence narratives, then literature is an excellent field to pursue.
The setting and presentation of a story reflect the writer’s perspective, but how we interpret it depends on our own viewpoint. The most powerful stories are those that allow every reader to connect with them in a unique way.
That is what attracted me to literature. I loved understanding people’s stories, their perspectives, and immersing myself in their experiences.
Did you learn anything during college that stayed with you for life beyond academics?
College taught me a great deal.
It taught me how to adapt to different situations, become flexible, and comfortably interact with people from diverse backgrounds. During my Master’s program, I had the opportunity to meet students from different states and cultures across India.
During my M.Phil., interactions were fewer because the academic work was more intensive, but my Master’s experience was particularly enriching.
How did extracurricular activities help build your confidence and leadership abilities?
Extracurricular activities have always been an integral part of my life.
My father was a cricketer, so sports were woven into our lifestyle from the beginning. I played cricket with my father and brother, enjoyed badminton, running, walking, and many other activities.
These experiences played a significant role in shaping my personality.
The confidence I have today, my clarity of thought, and my ability to balance multiple responsibilities all stem, in part, from those experiences. I would strongly encourage every student, especially every young woman, to actively participate in extracurricular activities alongside academics.
Do you think your education prepared you for the real challenges of life?
The philosophy behind my coaching practice is inspired by the Japanese concept of “Ma,” which refers to creating a pause—a moment to stop, step back, reflect on your actions, and then move forward with renewed energy.
When I look at my experiences, I realize that young people are often in a hurry to move on to the next thing. We want to keep progressing, but in the process, we rarely stop to reflect, understand, and evaluate ourselves.
I strongly believe that taking pauses in life is essential. We must regularly ask ourselves: Where am I going?
Even if the goal is only one or two years ahead, having clarity about that direction is important.
Quick Intro
Birthplace: Delhi
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Lady Shri Ram College for Women
- Master’s Degree from Hindu College
- Master’s in Advertising from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Institute of Management Science
- M.Phil. from University of Delhi
- Certification in Educational Technology from University of Kentucky
- Certification in Photography from Michigan State University
- Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University
Profession:
Performance Coach, Leadership and Wellness Expert, Founder of Green Orchid Wellness, ICF (MCC) Certified Coach, Harvard-trained professional with more than 30 years of global leadership experience.
Career Tips
- Choose Literature only if you genuinely enjoy reading and have a desire to understand people, stories, and ideas at a deeper level.
- Extracurricular activities expand creativity, confidence, and leadership skills—make them an essential part of your life.
- If you want to develop expertise in a subject, consider professional coaching or specialized learning programs to deepen your understanding.