Today we’d like to introduce you to Hema Raja.
Hema, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I would love to take you on a journey through my artistic path, and how it led me to where I am today.
Growing up in the picturesque town of Rajapalayam, in South India, I was surrounded by hills, and natural springs and immersed in the rich Indian cultural heritage. My childhood was a vibrant tapestry of Indian history woven together with the values of Sanatan Dharma. Every moment was a celebration filled with classical dance, music, art, and exposure to various languages, Dance was a part of my everyday routine, along with formal education.
As I grew older, after an arranged marriage, I moved to Austin and started a new life. I had two children who attended school in Austin. However, soon I realized that the public school system, although excellent in many ways, lacked the cultural and artistic depth I had grown up with.
This realization, and the desire to provide the community and my own children a holistic learning experience, sparked a dream within to create a school that would provide an education, combining standard curriculum with the arts, culture, and global experiences. And so, intitally Shiksha, and later Samspra Academy were born, with the mission of shaping future generations, with the values of love and respect.
In the past seven years, Samspra Academy has served over 2000 students in the Greater Austin area. Many families have benefited, and there continues to be enthusiastic enrollment.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Challenges and obstacles are a common part of any endeavor. I learned that the key is have perseverance- to keep the dream alive and maintain the passion, always remembering the mission to offer a holistic education to the future generations and set an example of good moral conduct.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Through my initial studies in microbiology, the in-depth knowledge I acquired has profoundly impacted my worldview.
It revealed the vast expanse of existence that surpasses our visual and mental grasp. I am persuaded that the universe encompasses an array of dimensions and energies that defy our comprehension, inviting us to explore and discover something more that could enhance our human potential.
As a result, I realized that proper holistic experiences would benefit us more than just the standard education.
My life’s journey as a Classical Dancer, specializing in Bharathanatyam, blends with my experiences as a Texas Certified science teacher and administrator. This background helps me to create a unique blend of arts and science in all my endeavors.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First of all, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my parents, my siblings, my husband, Dr. Laxminarayan Raja, and our children, Prakrith and Samstita, for their unwavering love, encouragement and support. They have been the inspiration behind both Shiksha and Samspra Academy.
I would like to acknowledge my invaluable experience in creating Shiksha with Dr. Chirag Patel and Brajrani. I learned to overcome challenges, navigate, and unlock new possibilities that helped craft Samspra Academy.
My sincere appreciation goes to our committed Samspra teachers, staff and volunteers who have generously shared their experience with our students and community, enriching lives in the process.
A special thanks to Ms. Bhuma Kannan for being the driving force from the start of Samspra Academy until today.
Pricing:
- Please visit www.samspra. org for offerings and price details
- admit@samspra.org
- admit@samspra.org
- admit@samspra.org
- admit@samspra.org
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.samspra.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samspraacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samspra.org/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@samspravideo5623?si=S1awuQqfhBT1MC7F
Image Credits
Joyati Modak –
Additional Images 1 and 5
Chinmay Panchal – personal photo
