Deepa Bhatt

Deepa was born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan to a large family of an Army man. Her parents, originally from Bageshwar district, shifted homes with each posting order, and focussed on good education for all their 7 children. When their father retired as an Honorary Captain, the family settled down in Bazpur and acquired land for farming vegetables and grains.

Deepa’s mother had little formal education and was married off when she was just 12 years old. However, she does mental sums faster than a calculator, and peruses the daily newspaper in detail. It was at her insistence that all 7 children studied well (they have all done their MA), and everyone was taught to do household chores, knitting, sewing and cooking. Deepa claims that she was just not keen on knitting or sewing, unlike her mother and sisters. After completing school in Bazpur, Deepa went to Haldwani for graduate studies, and then her MA in Sociology from MBPG (Haldwani). She learnt how to drive a scooter and was encouraged by her parents to be independent and fearless in life. Deepa recalls the times when she was sent by her father to obtain certificates and documents from Government offices in Kashipur and Nainital. Terrified at first, she is now grateful that her parents gave her the courage and confidence to take on the world.

Deepa’s marriage is another riveting chapter of her life…

One childhood visit to the mountains, full of motion sickness and feeling queasy, made her decide that she would never come back there. But life had other plans! Bhatji would frequently visit his aunt in Bazpur. This smart lady would bring all her guests to Deepa’s family home for meals, which became a frequent habit. She saved money by taking advantage of Deepa’s family and father who strongly believed that guests were the “incarnation of God”. After matching horoscopes of Deepa with Bhatji, her parents got them married on 22 May 2004 at the Ghorakhal Mandir, and she moved to Ranikhet.

Initially, Deepa was shocked into silence and sadness with this turn of events. She hated the mountains, and then, her husband had a very very tiny home. She missed her parents’ large home, the flat fields…she missed everything.

Deepa began teaching in Ranikhet. Initially at the Inter College, and then High School students. These were contractual posts, with meager payments and no benefits. After 2 years, when pregnant with her first child, Deepa left the job for good. Her two daughters arrived in 2006 and 2009, completing her family. She gave all her time and attention to her two lovely girls, and it was only when young Swati joined school in 2012, did Deepa start looking for a job.

It was a stroke of luck that just then, Dr Mala was looking for 5-6 women to begin a knitting group. Knitting was not Deepa’s favorite activity – she had knitted some sweaters for the daughters, sweaters with tight necklines which would make the girls cry with pain!! However, something made her agree to join the group, and now it is 9 years of being a vital part of Needles to Say More.

Deepa is from the first batch of 6 knitters, who initially had to work daily with Dr. Mala from 9 am to 12 noon. First, it was the circular knitting needles (which looked like IV transfusion sets), then it was holding the yarn with the knitting needles (which just did not happen), learning the words and terms of knitting patterns, and so much more to add to the confusion.

Now, Deepa takes charge of handing out yarn and assignments, keeps the accounts and assists Dr. Mala at every step. Her organizational skills are being put to good use. She has blossomed into a manager and is confident and capable of handling interviews, visitors and buyers. Deepa has grown to enjoy knitting. Every day, she completes her household chores and settles down to knit. Engaging in something creative, earning regularly and still taking care of her family and home – it has been a life-changing experience for Deepa.  She believes that Dr. Mala has been gifted with the ability to create a group and bind them together with respect and equal affection for all. This is a safe haven for everyone, in which there is no need for pretense.

Now that her daughters are in senior school and doing well in their studies, Deepa would like to travel more often. She loves cooking and the compliments which follow. She drives a 2-wheeler and would love to try her hand at driving a car or truck. Loves the colors black and red, hates the color pink. Loves being with Needles to Say More and is perfectly content with the current situation of her life.