The Happiness Road: ‘I never let a problem hold me to ransom’

“Whenever there is an inevitable twist or turn, I take it in my stride. I see nothing dark about an arrow pointing in a different direction. It is only when you resist whatever is happening to you that you suffer.” 

Ambika has a PhD in Natyabhinaya (Indian Theatre); she is a celebrated artiste in the fields of classical dance and music. Very early on in her career, she recognised the value that performing arts could play in the ‘holistic empowerment’ of individuals. So she started RASA — Ramana Sunritya Aalaya — a non-profit, in 1989. 

Ever since, she has empowered several thousands of children and young adults who have special needs, giving them training in life skills, using her patented methodology ‘Theatre for Holistic Development’. But the past 28 years have been daunting, particularly in terms of getting financial support to sustain her endeavour. How does she manage to stay unruffled? 

“Each of us has the ability to bloom like a lotus, amidst all the challenges of a real world. For that, of course, we must rise above what pins us down. I just surrender to the moment. I never let a problem hold me to ransom.” As a disciple and devotee of Ramana Maharishi, Ambika is deeply spiritual. Does she believe spirituality aids in taking decisions in the real world? 

“The force within each of us is the same. You can call it by any name. But if you refuse to see the force, you can’t survive this lifetime, you can’t sleep. I am always guided by the little voice within me.” 

And then beaming her electrifying smile she adds, “There must be bhakti, devotion, in whatever you do. Even into everyday living, you must bring this devotion. When you offer everything you have, in every moment, to the Universe, you can only be happy!” 

Ambika could have created more wealth for herself had she chosen to commercially leverage what she had trained in. Instead, she has focused on touching lives. That choice surely came from a deeper understanding of what matters most in life — happiness!