“True knowledge liberates and keeps one’s arrogance in check.” Vineet Gairola Vineet Gairola, a Ph.D. Scholar of Psychology at the Department of Liberal Arts, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, was recently awarded the Student Research Award 2021 by the American Psychological Association for his research into psychological meanings, origins, and patterns in spiritual ideation and practice in Uttarakhand Himalayas. He is also the winner of the Psychoanalytic Research Exceptional Contribution Award given by the International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA), London. He got the award for his research titled “Bhagavad Gita and Psychotherapy: A Cure for Soul?” He speaks to Tuhina Banerjee.…
Author: shubhangi
Beyond being a fashion statement and a drape that defines elegance, the saree finds fame in history books too. This symbol of femininity dates back to more than 5000 years back and yet, hasn’t lost its old-world charm even a bit. Manu Shrivastava delves into the origin of the saree and establishes that it continues to be a subject of experimentation and evolution. Her conclusion: Age hasn’t withered the saree nor customs staled it. Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma`s portraits show women in exquisitely-draped sarees. The women of the royal families draped it in this style What today many perceive…
Among Maharashtra’s multifarious cultural splendours is the traditional ‘Nauvari’ saree. Contrary to perception, it is also steeped in modern history as women drape them on occasions that transcend orthodoxy. Longer than the usual six-yard attire, its nine-yard elegance suits all seasons. Ruchi Verma takes a look at this signature wear, its history and how it has retained its cultural flavour. Marathi actresses and their traditional Nauvari looks on Gudi Padwa The third-largest state by area in India, Maharashtra is a true blend of traditional and modern living. A region known to preserve its culture and whose people are known to…
It is not without reason that Gujarat qualifies to be the textile state of the country. Its thriving textile industry has played a significant role in the diversity and popularity of the saree. It is to the credit of the state that even its young women proudly flaunt the saree, otherwise considered fit for only traditional wear. Anushka Singh brings to the fore the stories behind Gujarat’s trademark fabrics. Patola, Bandhani and Ajrak print sarees are the popular traditional sarees of Gujarat Gujarat is one of the most vibrant states in India known for its culture, food and, most importantly,…
The sheer feminine grace of the saree unfurls in myriad ways – modern, fusion and what have you! They are not only symbols of culture and heritage, they reflect belief and practices, not to speak of status and position. Neeti Prakash dwells on the diverse finesse of this elegant attire that varies in its make and design from all nooks and corners of the country. Versatility in it legacy, it is good for all seasons. Indian celebs sporting sarees and weaves of different Indian states – Leharia (Rajasthan), Kasavu (Kerala), Mekhala Chador ( Assam), Benares silk (Uttar Pradesh) and Kanjeevaram…
Pointing out that India is one of the most important migrant destinations with five million immigrants in the country, Manu Shrivastava weaves a story about how the Parsis or Zoroastrians who, at the time, fled Persia, present-day Iran, to escape Islamic religious persecution took refuge off the coast in Gujarat in India and adopted its practices and culture. She explains that the Persian ‘Gara’ is actually a variant of the saree. The distinct feature of a Parsi gara is the intricate embroidery on the fabric that lends it elegance and uniqueness. Zoroastrian Parsi and Irani women wear the gara on…
The magic of the Indian saree has crossed the shores and has an enduring appeal for women across the world. Nandini Rao cites a number of examples where international celebrities across all spheres have been charmed and swept off their feet by the saree which has emerged as a true global ambassador of Indian culture. Samantha Cameron looks radiant in a stunning scarlet saree as she joins her husband for the Indian PM’s rally at a packed Wembley Stadium The Indian saree has a global appeal. The magic of this ethnic Indian garment is eternal and far-reaching and has enamoured…
For all those who believe that the saree is the archetype of occasional wear, Trisha Sharma has an interesting dimension – that its decorum can break stereotypes and has the versatility to fit all circumstances. She explains how the apparel has refined itself for most Indian women by being integral to their daily lives and where they perform all the chores, they’re supposed to, wearing a saree. A 56-year-old woman working out in a gym in a saree became an internet sensation Afew weeks ago, in November 2022, a 56-year-old woman from Chennai became an internet sensation when a video…
Hrishikesh Mukherjee belonged to the rare breed of film-makers who made films that touched the common chord of masses. Himself an editor par excellence, his films did not have larger- than-life characters but were peppered by quality music. From a tear jerker like Anand to a humorous Chupke Chupke, he could straddle all genres with equal expertise. Shoma A. Chatterji writes a centenary tribute. Film maker Hrishikesh Mukherjee Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who migrated from Kolkata to Mumbai to find his footing in films, celebrates 100 years this year. Mukherjee began his career in 1945, where he learnt editing on the job…
The transgender community in India has been battling heroically to be treated like equal citizens. While the victories are remarkable what is shameful is that the community is forced to struggle for what is rightfully theirs. Lina Mathias observes that the momentum of public partnership in these struggles must gather pace. India’s transgender community has had a long history in the country’s various spheres and has contributed in various facets of life. Its trajectory has witnessed periods of acceptance, brutal rejection, stigmatisation and heroic efforts to claim its rightful place. The COVID-19 pandemic which has still not loosened its grip…