The Cheriyal Art Form: A Tradition Against the Currents of Time
A performative art of storytelling-the Cheriyal art form has long been part of traditional oral storytelling. But why is this ancient art form on the verge of disappearance? And how is the age-old tradition of the Cheriyal scrolls persevering and fighting to stay relevant in the changing times?
Mrinal Sen: Interlocutor of Working Class Maladies
Saadat Hassan Manto was a writer whose stories were often disregarded as obscene and dark. Manto would defend himself and say that he writes what he sees, so perhaps it’s the society that’s obscene and dark. Mrinal Sen, an Indian film director was often criticised along the same lines and can perhaps be called the Manto of Indian Parallel Cinema.
An Assigned Utopia: Samathuvapuram
In a caste-ridden country, how do you propose to bring people from different communities to live together? How do you materialise the concept of equality corporeally in a place that is rooted in the principles of segregation and social hierarchy? Inspired by E.V. Ramasamy, popularly known as Periyar, Samathuvapuram or equity village project might be the answer to these questions.
The Pehalwan Who Never Lost a Fight
In British India, the Gama pehalwan became a symbol of the masculine identity of India when he stepped onto the world’s stage of wrestling. A Kashmiri Muslim living in Amritsar in undivided India, the boy upheld the family tradition of being a wrestler and, quite frankly, aced it.
Gadchiroli Model of Home-based Newborn Care
From Shodgram to Home-based Newborn Care (HBNC) and finally, to Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), the Gadchiroli Model has been thoroughly researched, evolved, adapted, and replicated. Backed by stats and results, the model is deemed fit to comply with the needs of the marginal rural population while respecting their socio-cultural needs.
Bagru Printing: The Art of Exquisitely Splashing Natural Colors
Have you ever wondered how to make your clothes more colourful and eco-friendly? Do you want to learn about a centuries-old tradition of printing with natural dyes? If yes, then you should know about Bagru printing, a unique form of hand-block printing that uses wooden blocks and natural colours to create stunning patterns on fabrics.
Into the Versatile Canvas of Calico Fabric
The ideal material for DIY projects is calico cloth. It is natural, affordable, and adaptable. It can be used to create anything, including clothing and drapes. It originated in India under the name cāliyans and gained delayed popularity. When it comes to creativity, the calico cloth is like a blank canvas. Simply don't anticipate it to be smooth or soft. Although it is rough and coarse, that adds to its appeal.
Mother Ocean Day: Saving the Earth's Lungs
Mother Ocean Day is a global observance that recognizes the oceans' significance in our lives. It celebrates the immense value of oceans as a source of food, climate regulation, transportation, and recreation. The day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the oceans' importance and promote their conservation, reminding us of the critical role that oceans play in supporting life on Earth.
Samaithu Paar: Tamil Handbook for Cooking
Samaithu Paar, which translates to Cook and See, is a Tamil cookbook by S. Meenakshi Ammal. Over the course of more than six decades, this cookbook has successfully retained its appeal. But what was so peculiar about this cookbook that escalated its popularity? How did this cookbook become a household name in the South Indian community? The journey of this cookbook is as interesting as the cooking instructions it carries within.