Author: Shanmi

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Local Kids Visit Neighbors For Food During Mul Biju Festival At Mizoram

Published by Shanmi

“This photo was taken during this time of the year, last year – at Kamala Nagar, Chawngte, Mizoram! As we can see in every other states of India, there is a visible divide between the rich and the poor. But on the occasion of Mul Biju, it brings everyone together as the poor can go and request the rich for food — and they won’t be denied. It’s similar to “trick or treat” in the U.S. during Halloween, where you won’t be rejected or left empty handed. Here, the kids don’t have to wear costumes or dress up as such. But still, they enjoy and cherish the small things which this world – to be thankful for our life! The neighborhood kids had come to one of the well-to-do families and were waiting for food. Eagerly waiting for food, they were all gazing at the door. These images bring to you the harsh realities of this and the children, where even the basic necessities are lacking. In Chawngte, irregular supply of electricity and water is …

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A Chat With Shirali — A Miniaturist From Ahmedabad

Published by Shanmi

They say, the road to finding your passion is long but rewarding. Such is the story of Shirali, who stumbled upon an art form while she was pursuing fashion, which  we became her calling! A bio-chemist-turned-fashion designer, Shiralis discovered her passion for sculpting miniatures in 2011. Since then, she hasn’t turned back and continues to create marvelous miniatures.  “My goal as an artist is to create top 20 miniature staple food of every state and create a food trail across the country. I have started working on this project, and to my amazement, I found so many overlapping similarities in local cuisines from one state to another. Same food, similar recipes and yet different names!” Shirali talks about her work, what influenced her to take this up and the challenges she faces while running her venture. Read on!  We had a chat with Shirali, miniaturist from Ahmedabad about her venture, “Small Idea”, which is about sculpting miniatures such as food, bag charms and so much more! Hello, introduce a little about yourself. Hi I’m Shirali, …

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A Candid Chat With Mmhonlumo Kikon About The Story Behind “The Penmi Poems” Which He Penned Down In Memory Of His Late Wife

Published by Shanmi

Writing can be a beautiful way of comforting oneself – in times of trial and sadness. It is also a wonderful way of expressing our personal emotions of all kinds. Today, we sit down to chat with a friend who has just released a book of poems dedicated to his late wife – as a way to celebrate her life, and befittingly, words he penned down as a therapeutic exercise to comfort himself during his saddest moments. Mmhonlumo Kikon from Nagaland chats with us about his book, “The Penmi Poems: A Requiem” – a collection of poems dedicated to Penmi Phazang Kikon, his late wife and mother of his two daughters. The book also features the late wife’s paintings, prints, and sketches – a reminder of her love for art, which she dreamt of sharing with the world.  We chat with Mmhonlumo Kikon, author of the book “The Penmi Poems: A Requiem” – a collection of poems dedicated to his late wife, Penmi Phazang Kikon. This book ‘The Penmi Poems: A Requiem’ is dedicated to …

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In Conversation With Alkis Meiphok, Freelance Photographer From Manipur

Published by Shanmi

It is a delight to come across people who are passionate about chasing their dreams, and even pursue it as their career. One such gem is Alkis Meiphok, a photographer from Manipur. He loves capturing moments, and share his perspective with the world. Most of his work includes nature photography – mountains, flowers, insects, whatever he finds pleasing to his eyes. Let’s find out more! We had a quick chat with Alkis Meiphok, photographer from Manipur. He talks about what got him started to pursue photography and what he hopes to achieve through it. Hello, introduce a little about yourself. My name is Alkis Meiphok, from Shangshak Phunghon village, Ukhrul district, Manipur. I am presently a freelance photographer. I did my photography course at DCOP (Delhi college of photography), North Delhi. What initially sparked your interest in photography? I grew up seeing photos. Our family has a tradition of taking a group photo every New Year,  and it was beautiful to create such memories. This was one reason why I took up photography. I love …

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“Music Defines Who I Am Today”, Asenle Kepen, Pianist From Nagaland

Published by Shanmi

Music has the power to trigger a range of emotions. For some, music in itself is healing and for others, it brings them closer to become a better person in life. We have a Pianist – Asenle Kepen from Nagaland – with us today.  She started at the age of 15 when her parents bought her first piano! She finished her 8th grade in piano in the year 2014. And presently, works as a full time Piano tutor in Hope centre for excellence, Dimapur and Musika- Alobo Naga School of music, Dimapur. Read on to know more about her! We had a chat with Asenle Kepen, pianist from Nagaland. She talks when she began playing the piano, her inspiration and much mre. Hello Asenle! Please tell us a little about yourself. Hi! My name is Asenle kepen from Dimapur Nagaland. I’m a pianist by profession, teaching music, and also still learning and pursuing further training. I also help my church as a part-time church pianist, help the youth and Sunday school choir. Music has always …

Recipe of Naga Snails made with Pumpkin and Bamboo Shoots

Published by Shanmi

In Nagaland, the humble snail, known as hamok, is a local delicacy. The mere mention of its name brings an air of delight and excitement. Locals create diverse versions of the dish – usually infused with regional favorites such as smoked pork and axone, and stewed to perfection. Today’s hamok recipe by Ajano Meru from Nagaland has a twist of flavors with a combination of onions, pumpkin and sun-dried bamboo shoots. Read on for the full recipe. “Snails with pumpkin and bamboo shoot” by Ajano Meru from Nagaland Ingredients: Snails (1kg) Pumpkin (1/2 kg) Sun-dried bamboo shoot (two handfuls) Onion (1 medium size) Garlic (8-10 cloves) King Chilli (1) Turmeric (1/2 tbsp) Preparation of the dish: Heat the pan and pour about 2 tbsp of oil Add onion and fry until it turns slightly brown Add garlic and fry again until it turns golden brown Pour a little water so that the spices don’t get burned, then add turmeric Add the washed snails, salt, and king chili. Cook for about 10 minutes Now add water …

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Prakrithi Pradhan Goes For a Picnic With Her Friend to Make the Most of Spring Season at Saramsa Garden, Sikkim

Published by Shanmi

“It was the festival of Holi and we were grateful to get time-off from work. My friends and I haven’t seen each other for long ever since we started working, so we planned a picnic in the Saramsa Garden. The best thing about spring is the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, which was just perfect to chill outdoor. It is the prettiest season with colorful flowers in full bloom! That day, the place was pretty crowded comparing to other days since it was a national holiday. Nevertheless, it was fun to watch people dancing and playing with colors! The most memorable moment about the day was the conversations we had about what was new in our lives, over some snacks. Because of our busy schedules, we don’t get to see each other often. So, there was a lot to talk about, a lot to catch up on!” ~ Prakrithi Pradhan from Sikkim Prakriti Pradhan and her friend making the most of Spring season in Saramsa Garden, Sikkim

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“Dancing Is A Part Of My Life For It Really Brings Me Happiness” – A Chat With 20-Year-Old Sorenzan Vashum, Dancer From Manipur

Published by Shanmi

A self-taught b-boy dancer, Sorenzan Vashum hails from Tallui village located in the district of Ukhrul, Manipur. Inspired after watching his sisters perform in school programs, Sorenza took on dancing at a young age and hasn’t stopped since. Already a winner of a few b-boy battles, Sorenza practices for hours everyday. He also talks about his dance group, “Generation Squad”, where he has found a new family and learns a lot from the crew members. Let’s get to know him better! We had a chat with Sorenzan Vashum, B-boy dancer from Manipur. He talk to us about his passion for dancing since his younger days, how it got started, inspirations and more! Hello, introduce a little about yourself. Hi, my name is Sorenzan Vashum and I’m 20-year-old. I was born and brought up in Talui village, located in Ukhrul town of Manipur. Currently, I’m based out of Delhi. Introduce us to your work as a dancer, what got you started? I’m a full-time b-boy dancer. My stage name is “Bboy Neros”, where ‘Bboy’ is a …

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“I Write Songs to Teach, Talk, Remind And Reprimand Myself” – A Chat With Chijanbemo Richard, Aspiring Singer-Songwriter From Nagaland

Published by Shanmi

Among the many reasons that the North-east region is famous for, music certainly tops the list. In a place where music is integrated into people’s everyday lives, it doesn’t come as a surprise that most artists here pick up music early on in their childhood – for some, it blossoms into a passion or even a profession. One such fantastic musician is Chijanbemo Richard – an aspiring singer-songwriter from Nagaland, who was introduced to music by the likes of Bob Dylan and the Beatles. Today, he makes music about love, joy and the beauty of life. “My entire week is mostly occupied with reading books and making music“, says Chijanbemo, as he tells us about his ambitions of becoming a singer-songwriter and a civil servant. Read on to know more.  We had a chat with Chijanbemo Richard, an aspiring singer-songwriter from Nagaland. He talks about music, his inspiration, and his latest original song. Tell us a little about yourself, Richard. Hello! My name is Chijanbemo Richard from Senjum Village, Dimapur Nagaland. I’m a 27 years-old …

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“My Art Is A Study And A Meditation On The Question Of Culture, Life And Narratives” – A Chat With Laishram Meena Devi, Artist From Manipur

Published by Shanmi

Meet Laishram Meena Devi, freelance painter from Manipur. As a kid, she has been participating in a couple of painting competitions and growing up to having her own solo show, multiple of group exhibitions within the country and abroad! Meena has come really far on achieving her goals and living the dream. She is fascinated about painting Manipuri mother and children, the traditional touch could be seen in most of her works – “My paintings represent innocence of childhood, comfort, togetherness, mother and daughter relationship, friendship, etc“. Let’s read on to know better about Meena and her work! We had a chat with Laishram Meena Devi, artist from Manipur. She talks about her work – how painting Manipuri women and kids fascinates her and what her paintings represents! Hi! Introduce a little about yourself. My name is Laishram Meena Devi, 30-years-old from Manipur. I’ve been living in Delhi for the past 15 years now. I did my bachelor of fine art (painting) from Jamia (gold medalist) at 2011 and M.F.A from College of Art , …