Mirror, "Golden Cassia Blossoms"

"Hello, my name is Lalit Sakhuja and I was born in 1941, in West Punjab, once in Pakistan. I have always been very keen on arts and crafts. When I was in school, I used to take different art classes including painting, clay modeling and carpentry. However, in those days art and crafts were not considered a good career option, so instead I studied Chemical Engineering at Delhi's Polytechnic. This was regarded the ultimate career option for those who had a good grade percentage. After getting my degree, I did a special two-year Post Graduation Course at Mumbai IIT.

"I worked for a governmental department. I remember once there was a contest within our office to show the teamwork and efficiency of each department. I monitored our department and we won the contest. It was a thrilling experience!

"I kept up my interests in arts and crafts during that time, especially mosaic work and paintings. I consider myself a self-taught artist. After I retired as a Chief Manager in 1999, I decided to take up my passion more seriously.

"It has been six years since I began my so-called artistic venture, and it feels great! I specialize in mosaic work and stained glass painting. I once was commissioned to do a three by six foot mosaic work of a running horse for a private firm, which has been greatly appreciated. I have also done a couple of exhibitions, and participated in specialty bazaars.

"I am 60-plus now but, as the saying goes, there is no end to learning. I definitely want to keep on learning and exploring the art world. I am very glad to be associated with Novica. I hope Novica customers appreciate my work."