“I’ve always believed that life is made up of different aspects, and I try to embrace every one of them with a positive mindset. It’s not about seeing things as work—it’s all driven by love. I think it’s important to have many different things in life, and while I wouldn’t call myself a workaholic, I do believe that when you love what you do, everything in your life becomes an extension of that love. It’s a balance between hustle and happiness.

I was born and raised in Hyderabad, and my journey started with studying B Com and later an MBA in HR and Accounts. But life didn’t stop there. I became an IB-trained teacher, got into counseling, took up various courses in child psychology, and even got recognized as a torchbearer by the Grandqueens Club. And somewhere in all of this, I became a manifestation mentor, helping others visualize and manifest the life they want, just like I did mine.

My teaching journey started when I helped my cousin set up her school. What was supposed to be a short-term help turned into a 12-year-long passion. Over the years, I worked at a few international schools, and being a teacher became something that gave me more warmth and fulfillment than I expected. I learned so much during that time—especially patience and discipline. Those were the two qualities I didn’t have before, but teaching transformed me on a personal level. The love I received from my students, the trust they had in me, was truly special. That’s what kept me going all those years.

But after a while, I realized teaching was my comfort zone. And so, I made the switch from being a teacher to a corporate mentor. It was time for something new, something out of my comfort zone. But I didn’t leave teaching completely. I still work one-on-one with students, teaching affirmations, self-reflection, mind-body-soul connections, and even some art and craft activities. I also plan to start guest lectures in schools again soon, but for now, mentoring corporate employees is my main focus.

Writing my first book, The Thorned Flower, was the realization of a lifelong dream. This book means more to me than anything else I’ve done so far. It’s all about self-improvement, self-love, healthy boundaries, and personal growth. When I started writing, I wanted to leave something meaningful behind, and though the process was full of challenges and setbacks, I never doubted that it would come to life. The book uses the metaphor of a flower to talk about the human experience, and how every setback or tough time can lead to growth and wisdom. I also dedicated a chapter to emotional healing because it was something I was going through myself at the time. The book isn’t just a guide—it’s a reflection of my own journey, and I hope it can help others on theirs.

Alongside writing, dance has been a huge part of my life. I started choreographing when I was 15 and it’s something that’s been with me ever since. Dance, to me, is all about joy. It doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy—it’s about feeling the music and enjoying the movement. I’ve taught both offline and online, and recently I launched an Instagram page dedicated to teaching simple steps for weddings and events. On a personal level, I’m trained in Kathak, but I also specialize in contemporary, Bollywood, and freestyle dance. Dance isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way for me to connect with people and spread joy.

As a counselor and mentor, I’ve seen how many people struggle with mental health challenges, especially when it comes to forgiveness. People hold onto grudges, not realizing how much it affects their well-being, both physically and mentally. Along with that, self-love is another area that many people misunderstand. It’s not about being selfish—it’s about recognizing your own worth and caring for yourself. These are the topics I dive into in my book, and they’re some of the biggest mental health challenges we face today. The key to overcoming them is starting with ourselves—whether that’s journaling, getting professional help, or finding something that brings joy. When you work on yourself, you become better, and that’s how you improve the world around you.

Resin art is another part of my life that I never saw coming. I started my business, Resin Art by Dakka, during the pandemic, simply because I had some materials lying around and wanted to try making a few bookmarks and posters. What started as a small hobby turned into a full-time business, and now I create wall clocks, keychains, and other resin-based products. I’ve been taking orders through Instagram and word of mouth, and I’ve even done corporate gifting projects. It’s been a fun, creative outlet for me, and I’m grateful that it’s grown into something successful.

I also host events as an MC and run a community service initiative called Krutagnyaa. For the past six years, we’ve been working with orphanages, teaching art, dance, and providing resources to those in need. On the fourth Sunday of every month, we also distribute food to different areas around Hyderabad. This initiative is close to my heart because it’s all about giving back and making a difference in the lives of others. And for me, that’s one of the most fulfilling things I can do.

Looking at everything I do—from teaching and mentoring to writing, dancing, and giving back to the community—none of it feels like work. It’s all part of a bigger picture, a life I’ve created with love and joy at the core. And that’s the message I want to share: when you love what you do, everything in your life becomes an extension of that love. It’s not about juggling multiple tasks—it’s about finding what makes you happy and creating a life that feels fulfilling and purposeful. That’s what I’ve done, and it’s been the most beautiful journey.”

– Depika Sirwani, Mentor, Host, Teacher and Author