“This is a story about the new venture, Neeva Classes for Languages and Performing Arts, which was started in 2019 by Neeva Phatarphekar and how it stretched beyond limitations and has now become a hub of learning.
This idea gained its momentum when I had a break-up. I was only 18-19 at that time and was not in a great space. However, I did not let this misery break me down. It sowed the new idea in me that no girl should face the same and to let the art empower and inspire them. In 2018, I jotted it down in my journal to start a learning institute of languages and performing arts. For a year or so, it was there only in my mind and diary since I got busy with my college life. I was engaged with fests, events, and studies. Moving on, in my second year I met somebody who made me realize that I am good at various languages and encouraged me to start teaching them. It seemed a good idea but I was a little apprehensive about starting it on my own. However, I had a lot of support.
In August of 2019, it was the final year of my college. I had a few students who I would teach French or Piano. I would teach them at my house or would take online classes because the Covid-19 pandemic had started. Initially, it started by only allowing girls but later on, it went to become more inclusive. In September, my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. So, he came
to stay with us, my father being the eldest of all his children. I had to look after my sick grandfather. Feeding him, giving him his medicines, timely checkups at the hospital, I again got too caught up looking after him. It got super hectic for me. My classes were still taking place but they took a backseat. I had to teach online, take care of college, and my grandfather. It was difficult and tiresome. My grandfather passed away in December.
Due to the pandemic, the lockdown was imposed and classes were started to run in complete online mode. It was in this phase, a lot of new people connected with me to join in on this venture and turn it into a legitimate school by widening its horizons of teaching facilities.
In August of 2021, we have just completed 2 years. Now, our center has provisions to teach German, French, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Korean, Mandarin and in performing arts, we teach piano, guitar, violin, Western singing and dancing, and Hindustani singing and
dancing professionally. Moreover, we have students from all over the world. Turkey, USA, Belgium, Dubai, and of course various states of India. The school offers amazing opportunities based on an individual’s interests and hobbies.
I advise youngsters to not let breakups hinder their development but in fact, outgrow them and do not negatively spiral. This is the best time of your life, try to make the best out of it instead of turning it down. Change for the better. Grab your opportunities. Let your happiness have a tiny bit of sadness and your sadness some happiness, so the remains of it stay in the day and fade away with time.