There are some people who dont just live a life—they build one, brick by brick, soul by soul. Anita Hoon is one of them. Born in Sheffield, England, to Indian parents working in the steel industry, Anitas journey was always meant to straddle continents and callings. Her father was one of the pioneer group of Engineers who helped in commissioning the Bhilai Steel Plant in Madhya Pradesh, and though Anita took her first breath on British soil, her heart never left India. At 18, she gave up her British passport and chose Indian citizenship—not out of obligation, but from love. Love for her roots. Love for her people. Anita went on to study English Literature under Pt. Ravi Shankar University, Raipur, and then pursued Human Resource Management at XLRI, Jamshedpur. She began her career in HR and training at Tata Refractories. She then took up HR consultancy projects with Pepsi and Britannia etc. But for Anita, work was never just work—it was about helping people grow. Whether it was employees at CESC or hotel staff at Oberoi Grand and ITC in Kolkata, Anita trained people not just in spoken English and etiquette, but in confidence, dignity, and belief. She worked with engineering students, helping them prepare for interviews and group discussions. She taught them how to speak, yes—but more importantly, how to believe in themselves. And through every session, she gave a little more of her own heart. Then came a turning point: Anita joined the Ramakrishna Mission in Kolkata. Known for its quiet discipline and deep commitment to inner development, the Mission became her sanctuary. Here, she began training students in spoken English and soft skills—team building, motivation, communication, personal conduct. The Mission calls it man-making. Anita calls it her calling. She now, along with her colleagues, also trains young women preparing to be nurses, many of whom come from humble backgrounds. For her, the joy lies not just in teaching, but in the little messages that arrive months later: Maam, I got selected. Maam, Im starting next week. These updates, these small triumphs, are what keeps her going. Every time I help someone become a better version of themselves, she says, I become a better version of myself. Even during the pandemic, Anita didnt stop. She enrolled in Gemma Straffords online Baking course. She is CELTA certified, from the British Council, under the Cambridge University, making her an English teacher who can train people in Spoken English globally. It gave her even stronger tools to do what she already did so well—uplift, guide, support. And then, theres the other side of her magic: Naanis Magical Bakes. It started with soft footsteps and tiny voices—her grandchildren tiptoeing up to her during their visits: Nani, Nani, lets bake something. And with love in her eyes, and enthusiasm of the little ones, she would. She calls them her partners in crime, because they were the spark that led to something beautiful. Her other partner in crime is her daughter, who is her constant support. Her bakes, are more than food—theyre a feeling. She uses whole wheat and oats flour , minimising maida, fresh fruit purées instead of synthetic essence, and every ingredient is chosen with care. Her pastel pink boxes have a little picture of a muffin on them, and when you hold one, you feel like youre opening a small fairytale. Theres no written warning—but if there were, it might say: These muffins may cause instant happiness. Because Anita Hoon herself causes instant happiness. She is warm. She is mothering. She is deeply caring. There are so few people left in the world who carry that kind of instinct—who nurture effortlessly, who give without fanfare, who heal just by being around. Meeting her felt like meeting a soft, glowing light in a hurried world. I was reminded of my own grandmother—the one who made samosas and gulab jamuns just because I loved them. Anita made me feel that same warmth. That same love. And as we spoke, I found myself not just admiring her, but longing to stand beside her. I cannot wait to meet her again. I cannot wait to volunteer at the Ramakrishna Mission. To be a part of her journey. To walk quietly in the warmth she creates. Because Anita Hoons life reminds you that joy doesnt come from material success or applause—it comes from usefulness, goodness, and service. It comes from giving. And in helping others rise, she has risen too—not loudly, but softly. Like a perfectly baked muffin, fresh out of the oven. Full of love. Full of soul.

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