All posts filed under: MANIPUR

RootsandLeisure_SaintKamei

Capturing Intimacy through Photographs | Artist and Photographer, Saint Kamei

Published by Pooja Ghose

In this world of Instagram and Facebook, we often come across many talented photographers. However, the best part is that, each discovery is unique – with it’s own special story. So when we came across Saint Kamei, we were instantly drawn to the way he uses light to capture intimate moments. His keen sense of storytelling, portraiture, landscape, and love for the outdoors – makes his photographs special. Tell us a bit about yourself. I was born in a tiny mountain town called Leimatak where my dad was posted by the NHPC (National Hydro Power Corporation). I grew up in another beautiful Naga village in the foothills of Manipur called Thenjang overlooking the beautiful Loktak Lake. My love for the outdoors and hiking began there. I also lived in Bangalore and Delhi for a short while before moving back home. I now divide my time living at Imphal and Delhi as I juggle between writing and photography projects. I have been blessed to be a part of a family that loves art. I have a lot of …

RootsandLeisure_GoutamRajThoudam

Meet This Talented 18 Year Old Freestyle Photographer from Manipur | Goutam Raj Thoudam

Published by Shweta Rao

  By capturing tiny specks of time and space and holding them still within his frame, a great photographer helps us explore the totality of our world, such that we never see it in the same way again. Thanks to picture-heavy sites like Instagram, today photography has become a global racket of freeze-frames. Millions of pictures are created every second and everyone enjoys being a subject. One cannot help but wonder, how, in this quasi-egalitarian world of millions of images, do today’s photographers continue to stand out. Hobbyist photographer Goutam Raj doesn’t find it difficult at all! Say hi to 18 year old freestyle photographer, Goutam Raj Thoudam from Imphal, Manipur. Currently a student in 12th standard, this kid is passionate about photography and has already gathered admirers from across the borders. How did photography turn into a serious hobby for you? I got interested in photography about four years ago. My dad bought a Canon 60D camera for his use. The camera sparked an interest in me and I couldn’t resist trying my hands at it. …

RootsandLeisure_Mangka

Meet Mangka Mayanglambam – An Inspirational Manipuri Folk Performer.

Published by Shweta Rao

Indian classical music has reached international fame and recognized at a global level. But, the Indian folk culture, talking of the existing in predominantly rural communities today, does not enjoy the same celebratory status. Partly, because tribal and folk music is not taught in disciplinary formats similar to Indian classical music. Fortunately, that’s changing today, as Indian youths are picking up folk music to express themselves on various platforms and sustaining their roots and culture for the ages to come. Today at R&L, we showcase an important folk performer, Mangka, who’s a musical revolution that state youth forums are rejoicing over. She has put Manipuri folk singing on the international map and is the voice that has popularized Manipuri folk song form, Pena. Meet Mangka Mayanglambam – Folk Song Artist and Performer at the Laihui Ensemble from Imphal, Manipur. Mangka acquired the knowledge of folk music from her father, Mangangsana, a renowned Pena artist and recipient of Ustad Bismilah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2008. Mangka started learning Moirang Sai and Basok (a rare traditional female performing …

RootsandLeisure_MekhelasNortheast

This is How Fashionable Women from Northeast India Wear their Mekhelas

Published by Lungzeu

We’ve grown up watching the women in our lives wearing the mekhela so effortlessly, either in the traditional form or with an unconventional twist. Usually seen as traditional attire, mekhela has stood the test of time and is still an essential part of our lives today. Thanks to the young women from Northeast India, always looking for innovative ways to ramp up their wardrobe – and most likely, with borrowed inspiration from their mothers. Let’s take a look at how different women style their mekhelas. [You can also buy yourself a Naga Mekhela and other traditional jewelry on our R&L Store HERE]” Mizo ladies in their traditional mekhelas ‘Puan’ paired with trendy tops and accessories. [You can also buy yourself a Naga Mekhela and other traditional jewelry on our R&L Store HERE] Yakching looking lovely in her Naga silk mekhela paired with a white bell-sleeve top, perfect for a day out. [You can also buy yourself a Naga Mekhela and other traditional jewelry on our R&L Store HERE] Valentina in all her elegance, in a pastel-toned …

RootsandLeisure_FashionFemaleEmpowerment

Eight Women in Fashion from NorthEast India and What Sets Them Apart

Published by Lungzeu

The team at Roots and Leisure brings together eight fashionable achievers – one each from every state [8 sister states] of Northeastern India to dissect their ‘Fashion & Achievement Quotient’ This was an especially fun set of interviews because it gave us a glimpse of the breadth of fashion personalities that North East India has been contributing to the country and to the world! Even with all that innate coolness and genetically-passed-down poise (aka North East Swag!), these women still manage to bring their own brand of beautiful to their style. Read on to find out what fashion means to them and their secret style weapons.  NAGALAND Maken Imcha Payne, Executive Director of International Recruitment and Relations, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) How has fashion empowered you as a woman? Fashion has always been my confidante, allowing me to become who I am and sometimes who I want to be, with no strings attached. It empowers me to be the protagonist of my own stories. To me, it’s never been about playing by …

RootsandLeisure_Suraj

Suraj Nongmaithem: Connecting People through Photography

Published by Shweta Rao

It is so fascinating to see people who showcase sheer brilliance with different forms of art. Be it music, dance, writing or photography, each artform is a powerful tool to either express yourself or simply explore society and more specifically, its people. Meet Suraj Nongmaithem from Manipur, who is working as a design consultant in Singapore. He reached out to R&L, and we were more than happy to know more about him. His work takes inspiration from a mix of cultures – and at the same time, aspires to find a common thread that runs across each one of us – irrespective of where we come from. Hi Suraj, tell us a little bit about yourself. I’m originally from Manipur, but I’ve lived all across India, thanks to my dad who’s with the Indian Armed Force. I am currently working as a design consultant for a company in Singapore. I plan to do my masters in photography from a fine arts college in Europe (currently awaiting an acceptance letter). I have also freelanced for Rolling Stones India. How …

Rootsandleisure_Chingngam

Harajuku Inspired Fashion Designer | Chingngam

Published by Imliren Jamir

  Meet Chingngam Awungshi Shimray, a Mumbai based fashion designer who recently started her own label inspired by the fashion scene in Harajuku street – centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion – which started as a result of the young people’s curiosity towards western culture. Harajuku fashion can be described as an outer expression of something inside that is just waiting to get out and this is how people in Japan use fashion – as a means to express themselves. Chingngam Awungshi Shimray is one such designer who brings out her inner expressions and creativity through her clothes and describes her clothing label as ‘fun fashion‘. I had a brief chat with the upcoming designer over WhatsApp , and here’s an excerpt : Tell us something about yourself “I am from Manipur. After graduating from St. Mary’s college in Shillong Meghalaya, I followed my heart to become a fashion designer and moved to Mumbai. As a fashion designer, I believe that inspiration does not have a measure. It hits me at random moments . But, I do have …

RootsandLeisuer_Lulu Tribal Kitchen

Naga Food in Belgium | Lulu’s Tribal Kitchen

Published by David Sangma

Say hello to Lulu Pheiga who has taken her roots across continents – to Genk, Belgium. When we came across her story and her lovely food truck that says “Back to the roots“, we had to write about her. After all, Roots and Leisure is all about staying connected to your roots – no matter where you are and how far you are from home. Thanks to Lulu, people can now literally taste the diversity of India! And yes, Indian food is more than just Samosas and butter chicken 🙂 You can get in touch with Lulu on her Facebook Page on through her website.  All Images Courtesy : Lulu’s Tribal Kitchen