That’s me – Seema!
I, Seema Anand Chopra, was born and brought up in Delhi, studied Journalism – my passion, at Delhi University. I started my career as a freelance Journalist in the summer of 1987 for various leading national newspapers and magazines and am a regular contributor to them. Needless to say, my career is a fine balance between literary and social work.
While researching the various forms of Ram-Kathas in India, I came across Rare-books at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts- IGNCA, New Delhi during the research and took up reviewing some of them. I got quite involved with this research work that I ended up presenting well attended talks based on the collection of – The Complete Works of Sir William Jones at the prestigious Habitat Centre and IGNCA auditorium.
Besides writing columns on travel, Indian art and handicrafts, I have contributed papers to an International publication on Fire-walking and to the ninth book in the set of Eleven Reference Books on Indian Paintings and Folk Art- state wise; in Delhi University.
All my work is based on my personal visits, experience and thorough research.
Being the Vice President of InSA-Indian Society for Authors, my effort always remains to encourage and guide young people who wish to take up writing and research.
I came up with a Coffee Table Book – Timeless Trails in the year 2012; based upon researched unique travel destinations articles, published in national newspapers and magazines, and its second part is on its way to publication.
Now when I am not doing all this, I keep myself occupied with community activities; as I work as a trustee of the Mata Pushpa Gujral Nari Niketan – a Home for children and A.N. Gujral School, Jalandhar. It was established by the parents of the former Prime Minister – late Shree I K Gujral, today headed by member parliament Shree Naresh Gujral.
Being the Director on the National board of SOS Children Villages of India- Homes for children with 32 centres in India, spread in 135 countries, our endeavour is ‘A loving home for every child’. Also, I am a member of the NGO- Goonj and Secretary to Udaan Educational Society, Jalandhar which caters to children with special needs.
Personal Bio
My family runs the Hind Samachar group of newspapers- Punjab Kesri, Jag Bani and Hind Samachar. Arvind Chopra – my husband, is the Director of Punjab Kesri group, his father Shree Romesh Chanderji and his grandfather Shree Jagat Narain ji were renowned politicians , writers and founders of the Punjab Kesri group of newspapers. His uncle Padamshree Shree Vijay Chopra heads the publications presently; a family of true Gandhians and freedom-fighters.