All posts filed under: PEOPLE

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This Engineering Grad and MBA Dropout Found Her Passion in Storytelling | Meet Ramya Sriram – Creator of TAP Comics

They say no matter where you go and what you do, your dreams don’t die when you have the passion for it. Today’s guest has had an interesting journey –  from an aspiring medical candidate to an engineer to an MBA drop out to working in publishing then advertising, and finally settled on something that is truly hers. She tried many trades and yet, her love for storytelling and drawing never left her. Lucky for the world, she found her true passion and finally created TAP comics, which is a delightful mix of art, happiness, nostalgia and lots of good ‘ol humor! Meet Ramya, creator of TAP comics as she chats about her colorful journey and why she chose a career that is completely different than what she set out to achieve. Plus her love for drawing and more. Hi Ramya, please introduce yourself. I am Ramya Sriram currently living in Loughborough, UK. I’m a cartoonist/ writer from Hyderabad, India. I draw comics and write stories (or vice versa) at thetap.in, a space where I hoard …

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These Cosplayers from Nagaland are Redefining Cosplay Culture in India | Day 1 of Cosfest 2018, Kohima

It’s already been a week since the curtains closed in on the Cosfest event 2018, organized by the Nagaland Anime Junkies in Kohima Nagaland, but we are still high on the creativity displayed by the organizers and the cosplayers. This year, the R&L team finally got to experience the event first hand, and to say we are awestruck is an understatement.  The dedication put up by the organizers to bring this event to life is next level – equalled passionately by the creativity and enthusiasm of the cosplayers and attendees. Avid anime fans coming together to create the perfect event for all anime lovers. And not just anime, the event covers music, art, game, food, you name it. Here is one last glimpse of NAJ Cosfest 2018, which, by the way, is their sixth year. You read that right. SIXTH! And by the looks and what we hear of the event, it just keeps getting better and better. Scroll down below for photos and video from Day 1 of the event.  Organising team and Cosplayers enjoying a …

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This Sister Duo from Assam are Taking Food Aesthetics to Another Level Through Their Food Blog “The Mid Mess”

Two sisters  , Sabiha and Samee Taskin from Assam works 9-to-5  job but their passion for food and photography led to the birth of food blogging journey “The Mid Mess ” . From experimenting new recipes to creating an aesthetic plate of food that will make you think twice before you take a bite , these sisters will make sure you have your cravings fixed with the right amount of nutrition. We talk with the brains behind “The Mid Mess”  on how they started their journey , dreams and their love for food. Tell us a little about yourselves . We are Sabiha and Samee hailing from Assam and currently living in Bangalore who loves to eat, cook , nerd out about anything nutrition related.We also love travelling and has a passion for photography. We also work as freelance photographers so ,we take up many food photography projects across India, where we click photos of either their new launches or good looking delicious photos for their websites. Tell us about your venture <The Mid Mess>. How did you …

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Meet Shreya Kundu | 20 Year Old Comic Artist Who Will Turn Your Frown Upside Down

We all grew up reading comics and most of us still love reading them . This 20 year old comic artist from Kolkata is an exception, who not only grew up reading but learned the trade of creating one in her own imaginary world with animal characters being her favourite. Her Instagram is filled with quirky and fun comic strips that will definitely not leave you disappointed . R & L had a quick chat with this talented young comic artist who turns day-to-day activities or real life situation into humour by doodling them into characters. Tell us something about yourself and what are you up to ? I’m Shreya Kundu, 20 years old who is currently based in Kolkata. Well, I am currently  up to expressing my ideas in silly comics! Introduce us to your work. What got you started? I’m a comic artist, and I make funny short stories from time to time. “I’ve been a fan of humour as long as I can remember, so a couple of years back I decided to store my …

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Marketing Strategist by Day and Baker By Night | Meet Divya Nair from Delhi

It’s hard to say no to desserts – even after a heavy meal. Divya Nair from Delhi agrees that it can’t be any truer – except in her case, she cannot resist baking desserts, even after a long day of the usual 9-to-5 grind. This 24-year old graduate from SRCC, Delhi University and a post graduate from IIMC, Delhi is serving some serious inspirations with her post-work baking stories, and her heavenly bakes! R&L had a quick chat with Divya to know more about this self- taught baker and her food blogging journey, how she manages a 9 to 5 job and her passion for baking and more. Hi Divya, please introduce yourself. I am Divya Nair, a 24-year-old girl, born and brought up in Delhi but a native of Kerala. I have always been a proud Delhite. I did my B Com (H) from SRCC, M Com from DU, and then PGD Advertising and PR from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi (IIMC). Apart from being a nerd, I love to bake, draw, dance and click …

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Football Fans in Nagaland Gears Up For World Cup 2018

Northeast has always been open to the culture of sports and football has definitely been one of the most celebrated sports in this part of India. Nagaland has now rolled over to move a step ahead with the rest of the world in cheering for their favourite team this year and if you are a football fan, you would have surely noticed the houses hoisting the flags as well as cars passing by with proud waving flags of the country they are supporting. World Cup 2018 has definitely become a festivity rather than just a game. With the FIFA World Cup 2018 kicking in ,we spoke to some of the football fanatics from Nagaland sharing their memories from previous World Cup, and their thoughts on what is going to be the destiny for the team they are rooting for and more! Alem Aier, a teacher by profession, is a true Manchester United fan and says he is supporting Belgium this year. “My favourite memory last year was organizing the screening of final match at police point, …

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Local Fashion Brand “Shipen-Shisang” from Nagaland Celebrates Women with Their Spring Summer ‘18 Collection

It’s the month of June, and the weather in Nagaland is becoming warmer.It rains occasionally – sometimes very fierce, but as the sky opens up after the showers of rain, temperature may soar as high as 30°C; maybe a little cooler at around 25°C in Kohima. But the overall mood is relaxed and summery – with the locals often paying a visit to the nearby ice cream parlor, a friend’s place or an evening out to check out the lineup of cafes/lounges that have recently popped up in various parts of the state. That’s when they dress up in their most comfy – yet stylish outfits to capture #Instagram-worthy clicks. Thank their stars, they have some talented fashion designers – along with the local boutiques, to gather to their never-ending pursuit for the trendiest outfits – that are uniquely and exclusively made for the local fashion tastes. Today we have the talented fashion designer/entrepreneur duo from “Shipen-Shisang”showcasing their Spring Summer ’18 collection. The talented sisters behind the brand have been dressing up the savvy dressers with …

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“My Experience with Mixed Martial Arts Team from Happy Red Rooster Academy, Shillong” by Joseph Solomon

Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner Joseph Solomon reached out to Roots and Leisure to talk about his personal experience with a young and energetic Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Shillong called ‘Happy Red Rooster Academy.’ An encounter with the founder and the students of the academy left him overwhelmed and hence he wanted to share his personal experience and the story of the academy with the R&L community.  Joseph Solomon with the kids at Rooster Academy, Shillong My name is Joseph Solomon and I was the Team Media Officer for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017. I travel a lot and yes, I have been to North Korea as well. As a media officer, I handle media related elements for all things football. I played a lot of sports in my youth and that did not assimilate as I would have like in my early 20s, until 2017 when I found jiu-jitsu as a way of growing and becoming a better human being. Jiu-Jitsu saved my life.Recently I participated in the Carlson Gracie International Cup in Bangkok, Thailand and …

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Fashion Designer Lusano Zakiesato Gives a Modern Twist to Naga Traditional Symbols with Her Spring Summer Collection 2018

No doubt that Northeast India has some of the most creative talents and yet, the most intriguing part is their originality – so pure and raw – and often tells a story that is deeply linked to their roots, that they are most proud of. This storytelling coupled with unique designs that makes your heart flutter and inspires you enough to wear their creations – or create one of your own – with your own story weaved into them. These are the things that has a strong presence in this Spring Summer 2018 collection by Lusano Zakiesato, a fashion designer from Nagaland. This petite designer has come a long way since her first collection in 2014. “My latest  collection is a modern take on Nagaland inspired details on everyday comfortable casuals for summers” says the designer. Here she showcases her SS18 collection, that brings to life an intricate dream that can only be made in the local heaven of Nagaland. “I’ve been studying and seeing some amazing traditional inspired designs created by our very own local designers from …

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Faces | ‘Memories of My Childhood Home in Nagaland’ by Elika Awomi

“This is a bird’s-eye view of the house I grew up in Kohima, Nagaland. Just looking at this picture brings back a flood of beautiful childhood memories, like stealing unripe fruits (especially peaches and plums), enjoying tree swings, playing outside with friends in the backyard over our mini kitchen, garden camping, Christmas and New Year’s Eve bonfires, making doll houses, and basking in the winter sun. I also fondly remember rainy days when we would gather in the front porch and play Five Stones or Carom. On Sundays after church or Sunday school, the outside area would be packed with us kids playing Seven Stones, Hide and Seek, and more. Reliving these moments always makes me feel like a happy kid again! 😊” ~ Elika Awomi, Food lover and Jewelry maker