A Passionate Dancer on a Mission to Spread Happiness

My name is Navanita Parmar. I am a 69 year young retired bank officer, bharatnatyam trainer and a choreographer from Mumbai. Dancing is my favourite hobby. Apart from dancing I like swimming, making embroidery, solving puzzles and doing social work. I have been doing social work since my college days. Recently, I did a certified course in social work from Nirmala Niketan. I am an active member of Lions Club and participate in their various welfare projects. In addition to this, I also teach spoken English to slum children.

Dancing is My Passion

I was passionate about dancing since my childhood but my father did not allow me to learn dance as he didn’t liked it. However, since I was always interested in dancing I started learning Bharatnatyam at the age of 44, with my 6 year old daughter. I did my Visharad in Bharatnatyam along with her. Initially my mother in law found it a bit odd and said that it does not look good to dance at this age. But when she understood my passion for dancing she not only supported me but also encouraged me to complete my 8 years course in dancing with full dedication.

In order to follow my passion further I started a dance Institute in 1999 where I give training in Bharatnatyam. For dedicating more time for this cause I took voluntary retirement from my job in Dena Bank in 2001. After my retirement I had ample time for other activities so I decided to utilise this time for doing something beneficial for the society. I was doing some social work during my college years so I was sure what I wanted to do but was not aware how and where I can do so. Fortunately, I got in touch with SOSVA (Society of Service to Voluntary Agency) and they introduced me to Sashi Mangalyam School for mentally challenged children. For the past 17 years I have been teaching dance to the children there. It gives me lot of mental satisfaction. Our bond of love has become stronger over the years.

I am also teaching Bharatnatyam for the past 6 years at Sanskardham School for hearing impaired. In addition to this, I also take dance classes of visually impaired girls, senior citizens and once a year I conduct dance workshop for school children at a village in Madhya Pradesh. As dance is my passion, I give dance performances and participate in competitions whenever any good opportunity comes. I have also been invited as a judge for many dance competitions. Recently, I have started learning Kathak also.

Dancing is not only my hobby it is a means to keep myself fit and active. It is an essential part of my lifestyle which encourages me to do something meaningful for the society along with keeping myself healthy, both physically and mentally.

My Family My Strength

I was born in a middle class family and lived in a chawl in Mumbai. I have three brothers, they all are well educated. We share a strong bonding. Our parents taught us good values and brought us well in a disciplined way.

My mother was a strong lady. She kept herself positive in all situations and was always ready to help others. She is my role model. She was not a graduate when she got married. So, she studied and graduated with my brother. Following her footstep, I did my Visharad in Bharatnatyam at the age of 44 along with my daughter.

My father was a disciplined and kind hearted man. He was very much concerned about our education. I remember he used to bring story books at home for developing reading habit in us. He was also concerned about the education of other children in the chawl. Whenever he had time he used to gather all the children in the chawl to teach and strengthen their concept in mathematics.

My husband is very caring and understanding. We are blessed with two children, a son and a daughter. Our son is married and is well settled with his family in United Kingdom. Our daughter is working in Mumbai as a fashion designer and choreographer. My mother in law is 89 year old and she mostly keeps herself busy by painting and drawing pictures, especially of God, animals and birds. She is an inspiration for me to lead an active and healthy life.

My Childhood Memories

Since, I spent my childhood in a chawl I developed a strong bonding with other kids and families. We enjoyed celebrating each and every festival together. I still cherish such beautiful memories and I am still connected with my childhood friends.

Along with positive memories I have one negative memory too. Due to smallpox I had prominent marks on my face. Due to this reason, my teacher didn’t select me for our silver jubilee dance program in school, though she knew that I was good in dancing. On top of that when my friend suggested my name she made a disgusting face. Till date I can’t forget her expressions. However, that experience didn’t stopped me from pursuing my passion.

My Fitness Mantra

My secret to healthy living is my strong will power and my passion for dancing.

On a five point rating scale, I rate myself as a very active person. I keep myself active by doing household chores, taking dance classes and doing social work.

I am a part of senior citizen’s group but as it is well said, I and all those seniors who are leading an active life are recycled teenagers who think positive and who always keeps themselves involved in some meaningful activities.

Future Plans

As dance is my passion, I wish to learn as many dance forms as I can, especially classical. I wish to dance till my last breath and do something beneficial for the society through my skills, like my mother who died at the age of 79, after returning from an eye camp where she was working as a volunteer.

My Message

My Message to everyone is to - follow your dreams and serve the society in whatever way you can.

My special message to senior citizens is - Don’t count years and days in your life. You might have many dreams which you couldn’t fulfil till date due to certain responsibilities. So, now this is the time to act upon those dreams. Try to pursue those dreams and don’t think ‘log kya kahenge’(what would people say).

Another message which I want to give to all grandparents is that – Along with taking care of your grand children you should enjoy your life too. Your children should not take you for granted and treat you as baby sitter.