Extended Interview of Neena Singh - Painter. Commissioner of Income Tax in Mumbai-India.

Educational Background: B.A. from Lucknow University. M.A. MPhil in Sociology from Institute of Advanced Studies, Meerut University. PhD in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Professional Background: Qualified in Civil Services Examination - conducted by the UPSC. Joined Indian Revenue Service in 1988 in Income Tax Department. Presently, posted as Commissioner of Income Tax in Mumbai.

Q 1. In your view, what is most important in life? Accordingly, name three aspects, important in life.
A. In my view it is very difficult to pin point as to what is most important in life. I don't think that there could be a standard and permanent answer to this. The importance would depend where you are in the journey of life. If, I am a poor woman below poverty line my most important thing could be my next meal. If, I am educated and reasonably well off the most important things would be physical and mental health of myself and my family, to live authentically, to grow spiritually and be genuinely happy and peaceful and fulfilled. At present, for me three aspects important in life are good health, reasonable amount of money and positive attitude.

Q 2. If you were not doing what you are doing now, what would you be doing?
A. I am a civil servant by profession. I am artist by necessity. These two together utilize my capabilities in the best possible manner. If, I was not a civil servant most likely, I would be an author and would also associate myself with kids in some manner.

Q 3. What motivates you to achieve your goals?
A. I am the kind of person who believes in doing whatever is at hand with full commitment. As I am growing constantly my goals keep shifting. The motivation is life itself. The idea is to live each day fully as it comes and not to have predetermined and predefined goals.

Q 4. How do you handle stress and pressure?
A. By nature I am a detached person and pressure and stress of my professional life does not affect my core being. As I am an artist I am constantly engaged with new thoughts, new visions, new philosophies and new unchartered horizons. Generally speaking, I don't get stressed and don't feel any pressure. I think the act of painting, reading and meditation keeps me very centered.

Q 5. Which of your qualities would you want to pass down to your child/children?
A. To remain positive. To have faith in the process of life under any adverse circumstances. To love and support unconditionally.

Q 6. Who is your favorite author? Which book of your favorite author have you enjoyed the best?
A. I have a number of favorite authors. The book that I have enjoyed the best and which has impacted me the most is Autobiography of a Yogi by Shri Paramhanasa Yogananada. The book changed the course of my life.

Q 7. What are you pursuing currently, by the way of a light hobby, or by the way of a serious goal?
A. Presently, I am working on a new series of paintings on paper. The series is inspired by writings of Bell Hooks. Her book "All About Love - New Vision's" starts with a quote of Jack Kornfied GRACE: TOUCHED BY LOVE: "It is possible to speak with our heart directly. Most ancient cultures know this. We can actually converse with our heart as if it were a good friend. In modern life we have become so busy with our daily affairs and thoughts that we have lost this essential art of taking time to converse with our heart." I paint daily and this activity is like conversing with my heart. The act of painting is neither a light hobby nor a serious goal. It is a necessity and it pursues itself.

Q 8. In the last one year, is your particular goal advancing? Which is that goal/dream?
A. In the last one year I have really worked on myself to break away from certain behavioral patterns. I have largely succeeded. My dream is to paint a series on Banaras. Somehow it has not advanced much.