Reshma Thakkar

Career

Thakkar was an IT consultant in health administration, but became unsatisfied with her work. She said "I just go to work, come home, eat dinner by myself, wake up the next morning and do it all over again. I don't think God meant for us to live this way." She decide to book a one-way ticket to visit India during the largest spiritual gathering in the world; the Kumbh Mela. Two weeks before her flight, Reshma's yoga instructor contacted her about another student who was looking to follow someone to the Kumbh Mela and film the experience. Reshma's journey through the Kumbh Mela was filmed to make Belief.

Thakkar is among 33 people in the documentary who are searching for spiritual meaning in their lives. "There are a lot of people who feel disconnected from themselves, who feel like their life is not whole.” Oprah said.

During her trip, Thakkar met many Sadhu (holy men). When she met a family who lived by the Ganges River, she began to find what she was looking for. Thakkar said “They helped me understand it was OK to be questioning." Thakker believes that meeting the family was the reason she was meant to go to the Kumbh Mela. “I really was looking for a sense of peace, and compassion, and love and connection to other human beings, and through that, I found the connection to myself I was looking for.” Thakkar says. The seven-part series premiered Sunday (Oct. 18) on OWN, Oprah Winfrey Network (U.S. TV channel). A photo of Thakkar's hands became the series' symbol.

After the show Thakkar started a new business to help young women in India find employment and income through her company, Made With A Purpose.