A renowned theater artist and former principal, Kayyum has led a remarkable life dedicated to education, the arts, and community engagement. His passion for theater led him to establish a theatrical organization called Disha Natya Sansthan. Additionally, he played a crucial role in promoting  art through initiatives like Takhman-28, an art gallery he co-founded.

Kayyum Ali Bohra is a distinguished theater artist and a retired principal of the prestigious GS Teacher's Training College in Udaipur.

He fondly recalls his childhood as a time of happiness and stability, thanks to his father's prosperous business ventures. However, tragedy struck when he was in class 9, as his beloved father passed away, leaving behind a series of economic challenges for the family to navigate.

Undeterred by the circumstances, Kayyum became the first member of his household to successfully complete matriculation, driven by his father's unwavering desire for his children to receive a quality education. Not only did he excel academically, but he also ensured that his younger brother had the same educational opportunities. Throughout this arduous journey, his mother provided invaluable support and encouragement to them.

Following his secondary education, Kayyum pursued a Bachelor's degree in painting, followed by a Master's degree in the same field. His passion for education led him to further his studies, obtaining a Master's degree in Education (M.Ed) and a Ph.D. Subsequently, he embarked on a fulfilling career as an art education instructor at the esteemed Vidya Bhawan GS Teachers Training College. Through his dedication and expertise, he was promoted to the position of reader before eventually retiring from the institution as principal.

Even after retirement, Kayyum's commitment to education remained unwavering. He was appointed as the principal of a newly established college in Gujarat, where he served with distinction for a period of three years. Following this, he returned to his roots in Udaipur, assuming the role of principal at both Jyoti Teachers Training College and Aishwarya Teachers Training College.

After his retirement in 2016, due to his advancing age and health concerns, Kayyum embarked on a new chapter in his life as a writer. He wholeheartedly embraced this creative pursuit and actively engages in writing to this day.

Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Kayyum considers certain experiences to be his major achievements. From a young age, he possessed a deep interest in painting, but unfortunately, his school lacked opportunities for him to explore this passion. However, during his first year of college, despite painting not being offered as a subject, he made a determined effort to delve into the realm of art. Thankfully, one of his teachers went above and beyond to provide him with the opportunity to learn painting.

Alongside his passion for painting, Kayyum held a strong fascination for History and was an active participant in the National Cadet Corps (NCC). In 1963, during the India-China war, he and his friends, while in class 9, wrote a heartfelt letter to Jawaharlal Nehru, expressing their desire to serve on the border due to their "lok shahi" (democracy) training. In response, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru advised them to focus on their studies, emphasizing the importance of dedicated learning.

Additionally, Kayyum nurtured a keen interest in theater and drama. Although he cannot recall the exact source of his inspiration, he found great joy in performing theatrical productions with a group of friends during his early years in school, around class 3 or 4. Together, they staged performances at various venues, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm. However, as time went on, his passion for theater gradually waned.

Continuing on his remarkable journey, Kayyum took to the stage during his 10th-grade year. It was during this time that a new teacher named Kailash entered his life and recognized his exceptional skills, thereby promoting and encouraging his talents.

In 1972, Kayyum directed his first play in a college in Delhi. The success of this production propelled him to further explore the world of theater. He went on to create two more captivating dramas in his university, which garnered such widespread acclaim that tickets were sold for his theatrical performances.

Gradually, his reputation in the theater industry grew, with his talent earning him praise and admiration. In recognition of his exceptional abilities, Kayyum was appointed as the Director of Drama for the Rangmanch community, where he continued to produce and promote theater. Additionally, he became an integral part of the Seva Mandir Amateur Drama Society, participating in numerous significant productions in Udaipur.

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Seva Mandir Amateur Drama Society eventually disbanded. Undeterred, Kayyum took matters into his own hands and established the Disha Natya Sansthan, where he serves as the founder-director. Through this platform, he continues to contribute to the world of theater by organizing and directing various plays.

In the realm of painting, Kayyum, along with 15 others, played a pivotal role in establishing Takhman-28, an esteemed art gallery in Udaipur. As the first secretary of Takhman-28, he devoted himself to curating exhibitions and undertaking significant work in the field of art. Their exhibitions extended beyond Udaipur, reaching cities such as Jaipur, Mumbai, and Delhi. Unfortunately, due to an injury, Kayyum had to step away from the painting field, focusing solely on his passion for drama.

During the 1970s and 80s, a transformative revolution swept through the drama field, and Kayyum feels proud to be an active participant in this period of change and growth.

Currently, Kayyum dedicates himself to writing, channeling his creative energy into this expressive medium. He has already published two books and is currently working on three others, showcasing his versatility and commitment to literary pursuits.

He firmly believes that theater has the potential to flourish in Udaipur, and he encourages the younger generation to actively participate and promote theater as an art form. He emphasizes the importance of youth engaging in theater for the sake of promoting the art itself, rather than simply using it as a stepping stone to enter the cinema industry.

To set an example for the younger generation, Kayyum shares his own dedication and passion for theater. He recalls waking up early in the morning, rehearsing with the Seva Mandir Amature Drama Society until 10 am, and then going to work. After returning from the office in the evening, he would invest all his remaining time into theater rehearsals until late at night. He mentions that their rehearsals would last for six months, culminating in a single outstanding performance. He proudly mentions that they would even design their own costumes.

His message to the youth is that hard work is essential in any endeavor. He believes in the Indian philosophy that success in any field requires five key steps: listening and reading, learning and contemplating, practicing with dedication, acquiring skills through practice, and ultimately becoming a master.

Kayyum urges people to follow these steps and bring pride to their families, communities, and nation. He highlights the importance of education and encourages parents to not only focus on academics but also allow their children to explore and engage in the arts.