Meet Tina Ghai, a philanthropist and an enthusiastic painter!
Where were you born and brought up?
Tina was born in Mumbai, India. After a few years, she moved to New Delhi. She always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but it was very difficult in India, especially for girls, because there were not enough opportunities. As a teenager, she moved to the UK and enrolled in medical school.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Tina enjoys activities like knitting, crocheting, and cooking, but painting is her main passion. As a biology student, she often had to draw diagrams, which sparked her love for art. “During the COVID-19 quarantine, I started learning to paint through YouTube tutorials,” she says. What started as an occasional hobby soon became a passion she could not resist.
Do you sell your paintings, and what motivates you to do that?
“Yes, I sell my paintings and have sold over 100,” Tina shares. All the proceeds go to various charities like FreeMeals. Rather than donating to large organizations, Tina prefers giving directly to individuals in need. “For example, my helper’s sister in Mexico needed shoulder surgery costing $3,000. She couldn’t afford it, so I sold paintings to raise the money and paid for her surgery,” she explains.
What job did you do before retiring, and why did you choose it?
Growing up, Tina was inspired by her aunt, who was a doctor, and dreamed of following in her footsteps. After moving to the UK, she attended medical school but ultimately became a nurse. Tina worked as a nurse in the UK for 10 years before meeting her husband, getting married, and moving back to India. Eleven years later, after facing challenges living with two mothers-in-law, she moved to the United States in 1992 with her husband and children.
What is one piece of advice you would give the next generation?
“Be patient. Don’t give up easily,” Tina advises. Always get back up when you fall, and most importantly, hold on to your values, your religion, and your culture.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
Tina says her biggest accomplishment is raising her children with love and strong values, and she is proud they still respect and listen to her as adults.
Do you have any hopes for the future?
Peace. Less hunger. Parents all over the world should learn not to give up on their children if they choose the wrong path. After all, they are still your own children.
If you see Tina, say hi—she’s always happy to talk about her love for painting!