Financial independence is the key to women's empowerment.
Puja Kumar is a floral watercolor artist by passion and an engineer by education.
Puja's academic journey began with a degree in Digital Electronics, leading her to a role as a Professor and Head of Department at an engineering college. However, life took a turn when her husband's job required relocation, prompting her to leave her professional domain and work from home.
In 2016, Puja stumbled upon an art-centric YouTube channel, reigniting her love for painting. Seeing art as a skill which could be taught from anywhere, she envisioned teaching it wherever her journey took her. Armed with determination, she earned a one-year diploma in Fine Arts, marking the inception of her career as a floral watercolor artist.
Recalling her childhood, Puja says she grew up in the coal field areas of Jharkhand and completed her studies at the Kendriya Vidyalaya. She used to be a shy girl before she ventured into full-time teaching.
When asked about her role models, Puja says all successful people motivate her, as she is inspired by their success stories. She is also inspired by the famous book ‘The Secret’ and feels that every woman should be financially independent.
Breaking away from the conventional narrative, Puja advocates for individuals pursuing their chosen careers, particularly in the arts. She recognizes the need for a paradigm shift, emphasizing support for those aspiring to make a mark in the art realm.
Reflecting on her journey, Puja acknowledges the challenges of entering the fine arts realm at 37, regretting not pursuing a Bachelor's in Fine Arts. Yet she persevered, achieving recognition as a leader in the International Watercolor Convention in Fabriano, Italy, representing India's East Zone. She has also started a platform with her co-artist, where they support and promote all women artists.
Offering advice to aspiring artists, Puja underscores the importance of passion, suggesting a focus on a single subject and honing basic fine arts skills. With hard work, dedication, focus, and mentorship, she believes success is achievable.
Puja's call to fellow Indians echoes the significance of valuing one's work for societal growth. She emphasizes the need for empathy, a quality she believes is essential for the youth to achieve success in their endeavors. In Puja's world, art is not just about expression; it's a powerful tool for personal and societal transformation.