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Rootsandleisure_Mawon-Woodworks

Meet the Shimray Brothers Making Woodwork Trendy Again: A Chat with Mawon Woodworks of Nagaland

Published by Menule Chirhah

In the midst of the pandemic in April 2021, when the world slowed down and many found themselves with unexpected free time, two brothers from Nagaland, Shirme and Themrin Shimray, turned their creative energies towards woodwork. Their first foray started with a simple wooden tray and coaster set as a gift for their mother, and the feedback and support encouraged them to continue making more. Today, what started as a small gesture has organically evolved into a promising venture. When asked about the best advice they’ve ever received, the Shimray brothers shared this quote by Sudha Murthy: “Doing what you like is freedom, liking what you do is happiness.” This wisdom is reflected in their journey and the passion they bring to their work with Mawon Woodworks. They embody an unmistakable energy, truly relishing the growth that comes with the journey just as much as their craft. In this interview, I sit down with the talented Shimray brothers to learn more about their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and their latest projects. Menule: Welcome to …

Rootsandleisure-Rishika Gupta-cloud-doodler

Join the Cloud Doodle Craze: How Rishika Gupta is Turning Sky-Watching into a Creative Revolution!

Published by Roots & Leisure

Have you ever looked at a cloud and seen an interesting figure or face—only to feel the frustration of trying to get someone else to see it too? Most times, it gets brushed off as “just your imagination.” They’re probably right, but you know there was something special in those fleeting shapes… Imagine if you could hold onto those magical moments and bring them to life. That’s exactly what Rishika Gupta does with her enchanting cloud doodles. “The idea to doodle on clouds came from a desire to merge my love for art with my fascination for the ever-changing sky,” she says. Born in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, Rishika moved around for education, exposing her to diverse cultures and landscapes that now feed her art.  Over a chat, we delve into Rishika’s creative journey, the beginnings, and more. We hope her artwork inspires some of us here to explore new ways of expressing our imagination. Hello there! Welcome to Roots & Leisure. Could you please introduce yourself? I’m Rishika, a passionate doodler and illustrator whose canvas extends …

rootsandleisure-hornbill-festival1

Come Celebrate the Naga Spirit with Hornbill Festival 2023 in Nagaland

Published by Roots & Leisure

It’s that time again! Brace yourself for an extraordinary cultural immersion as Nagaland invites you to their annual Hornbill Festival, taking place from December 1 to December 10, 2023, at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, near Kohima. This much awaited festival provides a kaleidoscopic view into the rich tapestry of Naga culture, offering a feast for the senses. Here are some highlights that make the Hornbill Festival an unmissable experience: Cultural Kaleidoscope: At the core of the Hornbill Festival lies the breathtaking showcase of traditional Naga huts, referred to as ‘Morungs.’ Here, every tribe unfolds its unique way of life, providing visitors with a rare and immersive experience into the rich tapestry of Naga customs, artistry, and gastronomic delights. The festival, in essence, acts as a living museum, transforming every nook of the Naga Heritage Village into a gateway to the captivating world of the Nagas, seamlessly weaving together their traditional roots and contemporary lifestyle. Grand Opening Ceremony: The festivities kick off with a spirited opening ceremony on December 1st, marking the beginning of …

Rootsandleisure_ceramic artist-Sarban

“Don’t Fake It Just To Make It. The Only Way is to Be Bold and Staying True to Self” – A Conversation with Sarban Chowdhury, Ceramic Artist and Educator

Published by Roots & Leisure

Meet Sarban Chowdhury – an artist, educator, dreamer, thinker, and visual seeker. Originally from Rishra, located on the outskirts of Kolkata, he works as an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Jodhpur. He is also a full-time practitioner and collaborates with galleries, architectural and interior firms on projects related to the Decor and lifestyle industry. Sarban’s creative journey delves into the depths of emotions, traumas, and dreams. With ceramics as his primary medium, he has cultivated a profound relationship with this versatile material. It not only allows him to fuse the realms of art and function but also imparts valuable life lessons, occasionally in a “humbling or even humiliating” manner. Over a chat, we talk about his early experiences with art, his recent projects, the risks he took, and the sacrifices he made to follow his artistic passion, shedding light on both the enchanting and less glamorous sides of the art industry. Sarban also shares candid advice for budding artists. Chat with ceramic artist and educator Sarban Chowdhury R&L: Hi Sarban, …

Rootsandleisure-Alexa Hojai-Haflong-assam

“Refining my art with a fineliner is like fixing real-life issues. It’s truly therapeutic.” – Chat with Student and Artist Alexa Hojai from Haflong, Assam

Published by Roots & Leisure

Meet Alexa Hojai, a talented young artist from the picturesque hill station of Haflong in Assam. She is currently studying at Cotton University in Guwahati and has been doodling and making art since she was just 11 years old.  Alexa’s art is like a time machine; with every doodle and surreal sketch, she whisks you away to places and moments you thought you’d forgotten. It’s like stepping into a beautiful daydream. Her preferred canvas is the off-white watercolor paper, a choice that lends her creations an ‘ancient’ ambiance. With fineliners as her trusty companions, she brings intricate details to life, all while experimenting with the soothing and therapeutic art of painting. In her own words, Alexa beautifully encapsulates her artistic process “I sometimes mess my art with paint, and then fix them by adding details. It gives me an odd satisfaction when the messy part of the art is fixed; it’s like fixing real-life problems.” Over a chat, we journey through her hometown of Haflong, and explore her favorite art tools and mediums, her sources …

Rootsandleisure-artist-Ajanbeni

“I am What I Believe Myself to Be” – An Artist’s Perspective with Ajanbeni from Small Town Wokha, Nagaland

Published by Roots & Leisure

Allow us to introduce Ajanbeni K Yanthan, an aspiring artist from the small town of Wokha in Nagaland. Despite facing numerous challenges, Ajanbeni remains determined to pursue her artistic passion. Over a chat, Ajanbeni explained why pursuing her creative passions is more fulfilling than traditional “secure jobs.” She also shares how stays motivated and committed to her art career in the face of societal expectations. “I am what I believe myself to be,” she confides, reflecting her unwavering self-belief and refusal to be confined by limitations. Ajanbeni draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including fellow artists, different art forms, movies, music, and books. Her creative process is fueled by an insatiable appetite for inspiration and a desire to constantly evolve and grow. R&L: Hello Ajan, it’s a pleasure to have you here. Could you introduce yourself and give us a glimpse into your life as a young artist and student? Ajan: Hi R & L  I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity. My name is Ajanbeni K Yanthan from Wokha, Nagaland. I am a full-time …

rootsandleisure-writer-divinia-mercy-shillong

“I Pen My Experiences of Joy and Pain, Victory and Defeat, for Inspiration in My Lowest Moments” – Chat with 16-Year-Old Divinia from Shillong

Published by Roots & Leisure

Introducing Divinia Mercy Tynsong from Meghalaya, our latest muse. At just sixteen years old, this ‘young student with an old soul‘ captured our attention with her pure and evocative poems. Her words have the power to connect us with our own innocence while simultaneously opening our minds to timeless wisdom. We had to find out more about this young writer, and more so to understand where she is getting these inspirations from. Divinia’s journey as a poet is just beginning, and yet her poems have already left a lasting impact. Her message is clear: treasure even the smallest victories, as they can serve as a wellspring of inspiration during challenging times. As she beautifully expressed, “In everything I experience, whether it’s obstacles or happiness, challenges or joy, failures or accomplishments, I make a habit of jotting them down. These words later inspire me when I am at my lowest.“ Chat with 16-year-old Divinia from Shillong, whose wisdom surpasses her years, which is evident in her poems that are a refreshing blend of young innocence and …

rootsandlesiure-spicy-tuna-rice bowl

Recipe of ‘Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl’ by Keny Metha

Published by Deno Dolie

Hey there! We’ve got something special for you today—a simple recipe from our friend Keny Mehta, who’s based in Kohima. Keny is a true food lover and an amazing cook, and she’s sharing her signature dish with us—a tasty rice bowl with tuna. By the way, we had a fun chat with Keny about her love for food and cooking earlier. You can catch up on it here: [link to interview]. So, let’s jump right into the recipe and learn how to whip up this delicious dish together! “About the dish: Rice is our staple food in Nagaland, and tuna (tinned fish) is easily accessible in any neighborhood local shop. So it is super easy to make. I recommend adding green leafy vegetables as toppings; you can also some creative and healthy ways to garnish this simple dish with local seasonal greens. Do try it, and hope it makes your day a ‘lil better with this simple dish 🙂” ~ Keny Metha Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl by Keny Metha Hey there! We’re updating our recipe …

Rootsandleisure-Jay-mizoram

Candid Chat with Jay from Mizoram : 19-Year-Old Whose Rockstar Style and K-Pop Charisma Have Fans Swooning on Social Media

Published by Roots & Leisure

Small-town superstars from the northeast are a force to be reckoned with. Their individuality takes shape through various outlets – be it their fashion sense, art, music, or other forms of expression. It is truly remarkable to witness the interesting remixes that emerge out of limitations and boundaries found in smaller towns and villages, untouched by mainstream influences. While media exposure is now accessible to even the remotest parts of the world, it is refreshing to see how these young generations use this inspiration to create something that is uniquely their own. One such individual is Jay, a 19-year-old college student from Dinthar, a small town in Aizawl. With tens of thousands of followers on Instagram and thousands of fans eagerly anticipating his every post, he is a superstar in his own right. Jay’s charm lies in his boyish yet 80s rockstar look coupled with K-Pop idol cuteness. We first discovered him through a viral reel where he and his friends were filmed hanging out outside an unbothered institute in Aizawl. This feature on him …

Rootsandleisure-Millo Sunka-arunachal

An Exclusive Interview with Millo Sunka from Arunachal on Winning ‘Best Leading Actress’ at The Rome Prisma Film Awards for ‘Nocturnal Burger’

Published by Roots & Leisure

Join us in celebrating the global recognition of a talented actor from Arunachal Pradesh, who has achieved great success through her passion for acting and staying true to her authentic self. Meet Millo Sunka from Arunachal Pradesh who recently won ‘Best Leading Actress’ at the 2023 Rome Prisma Film Awards, for her outstanding performance in ‘Nocturnal Burger.’  In this exclusive interview, Millo shares her emotions about the big win, discusses her work philosophy, and reveals her plans for the future. Hi Millo, Congratulations on winning the Best Actress award at the Prisma Rome International Film Awards for your performance at  ‘Nocturnal Burger.’ What kind of emotions are you feeling right now? Millo Sunka: Thank you. When I initially received the news, I was obviously very happy about it. But now, as the news spreads, the outpouring of support, love, and congratulatory messages has overwhelmed me. I don’t know how to process all of this, but I am grateful. “I am thankful to my director Reema Maya, who saw me as Simi. I am grateful to my parents …