The REAL women with substance

There are amazing people out there! I am sure you know some. Hopefully you are surrounded by many or run across them often. Do you know that feeling when by chance you stumble upon people who come out of nowhere and they surprise you with their spirit, kindness, talents, politeness, thoughtfulness, in short, by just being their true self and giving you something exceptionally fascinating that you are swept off your feet? Well, I had amazing experience of meeting some extraordinarily talented, gritty, stunningly beautiful women at handicrafts and handloom exhibition, Mahalaxmi Saras, Mumbai, two days ago.

Every time I meet people; specially, women from small villages, I realize how heart of entrepreneurship in India lies in small villages at grass-root level. Women entrepreneurs who work to provide essential products, services and solutions that help enhance not only local economy but empower them and their community with better opportunities to improve life. Most of the women I met at the exhibition are almost illiterate and yet they have such inspiring stories to share that I feel humbled.  Every woman I have acquainted in this article is immensely gifted, intelligent and phenomenally wonderful person! Let me introduce them to you. 

Rajubai Sitaram Jadhav from Vaijnath, Parli, a Banjara woman 

Don't make mistake of going by her looks. She might look primitive from a completely different era but once she is comfortable with you she will surprise you with her brilliant sense of humour, intelligence and shrewd business sense. Meet Rajubai Sitaram Jadhav from Vasant Nagar, Vaijnath, Parli. Age, no clue! She has very vibrant personae just like her clothes. Her bright red and pink attire can brighten up barren faces around her and one feels positive vibes that resonate instantly!

Rajubai with her creations at the stall 

Rajubai has undergone cataract surgeries and both her eyes are weak but she can't give up her craft of embroidery as she feels her creativity is what defines her truly. Ask her about education and she points her thumb horizontally at the table; a gesture that suggests "angoothachaap" (illiterate). When she explains need to understand colours and concept of contrast in craft like embroidery, one is tempted to think how she could give any fashion designer run for her money if only she was little trained professionally and educated! She will start a gig out of blue while conversing with you and the grace in her dance will completely surprise you. She supports a group of about twenty women from her village, trains them in her craft, helps them hone their skills, attends every possible exhibition and is a very smart sales person.   

Indubai Murlidhar Katare  from Shingve, Nashik

Indubai Murlidhar Katare from Shingve is a very dignified lady. From the moment you meet her, she commands respect. Extremely polite and soft spoken, she is "adhyaksha"(president) of the centre that sells organically grown black currents and resins. Her challenge was to learn basics of business from educated person. Now that its achieved, she also keeps busy with cleanliness drive, and has single handedly managed  to engage people from her village in  social service. Her drive against drinking and female infanticide has shown remarkable results. She proudly tells how you would never find a single person in her village sitting idly as everyone is happily engaged in contributing towards change. She has not gone to any business school but is a great example of true leader. Her open mind has helped women in her village get out of confines of four walls and be financially independent and socially aware. 

We never talk about leaders in nine yard sarees, do we?  

Kusherata Annarao Poyed from  Vardgaon, Nanded

Kusheratabai reminds you of your loving granny.  Behind her stark face is a woman whose heart is overflowing with love and care. She heads a committee in small group meant for women from her village that sells organically grown spices and pulses. If you show genuine interest in her, there are chances of you being treated to a delicious meal served with dollops of love while she talks passionately about her group, their work and the women she works with. She would not let you go without a warm hug and whisper something in your ear that is supposed to protect you from evil eye! By the time you say good bye to her, she would have touched your heart so deeply that your eyes will be moist.  

Shashikalabai Chalke from Tadhaatgaon, Jalna

Shashikalabai is thrilled to share details of how socio-economic dynamics of her community have changed after joining the group of weavers like her.  She promptly explains the process of obtaining raw material to production of woven products and enthusiastically displays process of  spinning on wheel. After joining the development programme which she had resented in the beginning she has become very confident of taking big orders. She has little difficulty in interacting in any language except Marathi but somehow manages to get her message across.   

Deolibai Sakharam Chavan from Naik Nagar, Murum 

The oldest of them all, Deolibai at age of 90, deserves to be awarded for being the most beautiful, vivacious and remarkably sharp participant at the exhibition. She takes time to open up and she means business. Once you have won her trust, she talks. And how! She shares amazing anecdotes from her life; about different times when India was under British rule, her young age,  her one big family with grandsons and great grandsons, challenges posed by modernization  for people like her, living in forests. She shows great concern about complex adjustments their traditional life is confronted with, ecological issues and most important passion of her life, her art. Her age is evident on her wrinkled body but when she talks, she sounds like a sixteen year young girl, deeply in love with life! Ask secret of her stunning beauty and her reply will be, "I don't stay idle for a second, lead a simple life amidst Nature and I play with the children of the house. There is nothing more I need from life." 

She curiously asks what I am going to do with so many pictures and the moment I explain I am going to write about her, she opens an album and shows me her photographs with ex-prime ministers of our country. Deolibai has a spark which is difficult to miss. A respected matriarchal figure in her group, she explains that to get work done from others is matter of tact. Her richly embroidered work is sought after by many customers and she attends every question with ease and patience.       

 

After meeting these wonderful women I feel what artisans like these women need is a little training in communication, language skills and market knowledge to connect to wider audience. What they have achieved despite their background is indeed commendable. My salute to all these extraordinary women for igniting such wonderful spirit within me. I am deeply honoured. Phenomenal women, you inspire me and touch my soul! 

Meeting "Kaavad" artist, a unique story teller

Art of storytelling in India is very rich heritage that defines our culture and identity. Sadly, we have lost touch with this art form in today's fast age of internet, animation, cinema and mass media that are predominant part of our life. Recently, at a handicraft exhibition, I discovered an ancient, mesmerizing form of audio-visual storytelling using "Kaavad" as the medium.    

Artist Satya Narayan, demonstrating the design of Kaavad 

Kaavad is a compact wooden box/shrine, with multiple folding doors with vibrant illustrations portraying mythological stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and folk tales. It is a medium for beautiful rendition that combines tradition, art, culture and identity of Rajasthan, passed on through generations.  

Kaavad in different sizes on display at the stall

At the exhibition, I met an artist, Satya Narayan Suthar, from Bassi and what followed was completely enthralling! Satya Narayan ebulliently explained how Kaavad is integral part of tradition of storytelling. While showing painted surfaces opening outwards into multiple panels with hinged doors and flaps, he deciphered significance of each scene depicted on Kaavad and explained how the performance of Kavadiya Bhats (men who travel like bards from one place to another with Kaavads, reciting stories through their songs and dance that unfold with every opened door on the Kaavad) reaches end with opening of innermost chamber, that has picture of a deity. 

 Satya Narayan, narrating story depicted in Kaavad

Satya Narayan proudly told me about how he learnt this craft from his father. The practice of combining painted visuals to a narrative and linking it with performance was a popular tradition in many interior parts of Rajasthan and he narrated interesting experiences of how such traditions created interesting bonds between the story teller and his listeners through fascinating world of mythical heroes and Gods. 

Brightly coloured  Kaavad , with  stories from Indian mythology

Apart from his art what I liked about Satya Narayan was the openness with which he answered every single curious question I asked. There was innocence and rawness that one finds in people from smaller towns and villages. He told me how each exhibition opened up new prospects for his art and helped him receive patronage from many people from India and abroad. 

Kaavad,  in unconventional colour, white

One of the most interesting Kaavads was designed as learning device for very young children. Colourful boxes of fun designs with pictures and alphabets brought back memories of innocent days of early childhood.   

Kaavad,, designed as learning device

After having seen different kaavads in detail I was spellbound by the collage of vibrant images that were individualistic yet versatile and had so much relevance even in today's times. There was evident proof of this craft having evolved over years. Traditionally known for being painted with bright coloured images of Gods and heroes, Kaavads were seen in white colour and some were designed as interesting device for learning. 

Kaavad, with interesting illustrations used for learning

My rendezvous with the artist Satya Narayan Suthar took me to completely different world where against the backdrop of story telling a sacred space of belonging between the people was evoked. A world where there was a beautiful synergy between the artist, his art form and the audience all intertwined creating one whole. 

Do you remember eons ago when there used to exist a colourful device called, bioscope that looked so intriguing that one could not resist being lost in its fascinating world? Meeting Kaavad artist Satya Narayan Suthar transported me to that magical world instantly and I could not be blamed for not wanting to come back to reality!  

What all I miss on this festival of kites

Huge kites displayed at the  roadside shop 

I love festivals! I love the brilliant energy it sets in every household. I love the whole package of gatherings, endless conversations, laughter, sharing, downing special festival goodies without iota of guilt or shame for calorie consumption and endless fun that festivals bring. 

Festivals have connotations that give our hearts what we desire most; a sense of belonging that is precious and real and a space where even those run down spaces of our own existence find familiarity of comfort and solace.

Having lived in Gujarat for more than three decades where Makar Sankranti is BIG festival and celebrated with great fanfare I miss those celebrations here in Mumbai. 

I miss the shagun gifts given by my mother and tilgul (a delicacy prepared with sesames seeds and jaggery).

I miss the vibrant sky full of colourful kites.

I miss a week long preparation; a delightful experience of great anticipation prior to Makar Sankranti.

I miss flying kites on terrace and running after the kites and catching them.

I miss the loud music played unabashedly and having to shout to have any conversation. 

I miss watching tiny tots holding on the string of kites soaring high, with their fathers and the beautiful sense of wonder in their little eyes. 

I miss finding a kite that falls on the terrace when you are not looking and read interesting messages written over it that makes you giggle.

I miss being a silent witness to the new romance taking shape from the nearby terraces.

I miss getting Sun tanned while flying kites and then sulking for days.

I miss all that cheer and shouting when a kite flying match is won. 

I miss watching kandils (paper lanterns)  flying in the sky after the Sun set.

I miss the terrace parties that continue till wee hours and then crashing in the bed the next day.

God, I so much miss being in Gujarat on this day! L 

Meeting little Dali on Mumbai local train

Sameer,  with his Salvador Dali like mustache!

Once in a while, I get possessed with the "get out of softly padded walls of your comfort zones, dare to do difficult and show the courage girl!" spirit. Following that spirit about a fortnight back I ventured out by Mumbai local train. Travelling by the local trains is quite an adventure! I can't boast about having much experience of Mumbai local trains but have always been fascinated by the amazing character of the city that one gets to see in the travel. If you want to experience the real essence of this city, you must travel by local trains, that too, in second class where you get to see interesting menagerie of people.    

Back to my travel; there I was, admiring my luck for having successfully boarded the train during lean hours and having found almost empty compartment. The repugnant smells of body odours of the passengers, fresh flowers, scented oils, cheap food and hideously strong perfumes exploded from every corner making me almost puke. Posters in shockingly loud colours, jarring mobile ringtones, loud conversations enveloped me in sensory overload, constantly reminding me that a barrage of impressions, shocks and jolts are part of the package of amazing experience of travel by local train in Mumbai. There was a beautiful order within the apparent disorder, just like it happens in my mind.

I started to slowly adjust to the deafening cacophony of urban chaos from various directions and wondering what a painful grind it must be for people who commute every single day for their work. Observing tired, agitated, stony faces and the complete surrender to the destiny hidden  in the eyes of regular commuters makes one realize how life is a constant struggle for most in this metropolis beaming with glamour and power. A few young, happy faces of college going students, bubbling with great energy brought me some respite. 

When the train reached Dadar station; a kid barely five, boarded the train with his hawker mother in her twenties and visibly pregnant, struggling to balance with one hand a dangling infant on her shoulder and with other, plastic trays full with cheap products on her head. As the train caught the speed, the kid started performing a dance with an iron ring. He sang latest Bollywood songs and with little pelvic thrust, danced very awkwardly passing the iron ring through his body simultaneously. His performance was amateur but with his artificial Salvador Dali like mustache and oversized cap, it turned out to be immensely hilarious. Nervous with the mean stares, unkind comments and some laughter, the kid looked at his mother helplessly. Her alert eyes kept a tight check on  customers scanning her goods from her plastic trays and her son. 

I called the kid, asked his name and tried to strike conversation to which he obliged after getting an approval from his mother through her expressions. Before I could talk much, it was time for the kid to alight from the train at the next station and board another compartment. Fortunately, I had taken his photograph just in time with his permission and he had approved it with a big, innocent smile. Hurriedly, I slipped a fifty rupee note to the kid and silently saluted the woman who despite being in her third trimester managed to work so efficiently in such harsh conditions. 

Later, I learned from the regular commuters that it was only second day of probation for the kid and people loved him as he was a welcome distraction in otherwise mundane and tedious journey. With that conversation, I became little sad thinking about Sameer. His big, beautiful eyes with that piercing gaze snapped something within and a few questions started haunting me. Would Sameer ever go to school? Would he, like the normal kids ever have a birthday party? Would he find escape from the dreary life he was subjected to? How would he survive? Would he drift from torture of different unskilled jobs from this young age? What skills he would learn? Would he fall in wrong hands and get lost in this chaotic urban sprawl? Would he ever get to play, like a normal child?  I got a lump in my throat thinking about the sad glimpse of life I had just witnessed. I tried to console myself with empty "everything will be all right" but I knew deep down everything was not okay for Sameer. I prayed God to grant Sameer a normal, happy life and wriggled my way through exit at Churchgate station.

I know, I am going back to check on Sameer soon and hopefully be able to do something meaningful. Till then, that innocent face of little Dali is going to haunt me for sure!  

Where is the party tonight ?

Congratulations! We survived 2012! Not that I ever believed in Mayan prophecy but it was good fun watching the ruckus around it world over! J  

New Year party was the epicenter of most of conversations since last few days. Honestly,  I am not in mood for celebrating the New Year eve. Past two years have been extremely difficult for me personally as I lost both my parents. The struggle to cope with their loss has been my toughest challenge in life. The perfect tribute for them would be to accept this reality, move on with the value system they imbibed in me and have great faith in goodness and celebrate each day just like my father did!

I will be heading to a friend's place since staying home alone is strictly not allowed by family and friends. I prefer small gatherings to the usual loud parties and big crowds as it allows people to strike conversations. The amazing part of such delightful sharing is opening up whole new worlds and the realization of interesting intellectual, emotional compatibility with even perfect strangers sometimes! 

I am generally in for celebration any time but the way people go bonkers about the New year parties is amusing. Why all the fuss about it? How does it matter really? The other day a friend of mine was shocked to know I was not willing to blow my fortune over a dress or special hair style for the New year eve. "Its New Year party Simi, common" she quipped. Big deal! Are such celebrations about really enjoying and welcoming the New year with people who matter or making a "statement"?

Celebration, for me means being with people I love and care for, sharing silly laughter and conversations that instantly turn into absolute madness, spoiling loved ones with my elaborately prepared signature dishes, enjoying the greatest reward of wonderful tributes of love nurtured through years, the silent understanding of words unsaid and being thankful for the precious blessings God has so generously bestowed upon me. I don't need any particular day to associate with celebration as each new day brings in so much to be thankful for. 

So, here is wishing all my wonderful readers a very happy, healthy and peaceful 2013 ! Rock the party!