All posts tagged: Culture

Anukrti Upadhyay, a Writer from Mumbai, Talks About Her New books, Bhaunri and Daura

Anukrti Upadhyay, a writer based in Mumbai, sits and talks to us about her recent English novellas, published by HarperCollins. Her twin books, Daura and Bhaunri, have received acclaim for the fresh storytelling and their ability to transport you into a whole new world in the midst of the Rajasthani desert. Hailing from an academic background, this author has always been around stories, which inspired her to weave her own stories and share them with the world. Currently, she is working on various writing projects and her job simultaneously. We spoke to this inspiring woman about her books and the inspiration about them.  Hello Anukrti! It’s exciting to have you here today. Please introduce yourself to our readers.  I am Anukrti Upadhyay and I am a writer. I have post-graduate degrees in Management and Literature, and a graduate degree in Law. I also wrote a doctoral thesis in Hindi Literature.  Today, I write fiction and poetry in both English and Hindi. A collection of my Hindi short stories, titled Japani Sarai, was published by Rajpal …

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Rovino Livi From Nagaland Poses With Her Loramhosii (Naga Shawl) At World Peace Pagoda, Nepal

“The ‘Naganess’ in me is on another level. That’s what my friends always say. I had posted a few photos of me with my Loramhosii (the shawl) on my Instagram story. Soon after my stories were up, some few friends messaged me asking where I was and why I had my Loramhosii around my neck (like a politician). Some messaged me asking if I was representing the country at some conference to which I regretfully replied, ‘I wish I was’. Rovino Livi Wearing Her Identity Call me ‘traditional’ but this is me, hanging on to my roots since day one. Every time I travel, I always make sure I have a small space in my luggage for my beautiful Lorahmhosii or a small traditional earring or necklace. I believe it’s important to know where we come from but it’s even more important to take that with us wherever we go because that is our  identity, and our identity is our pride. We have a very rich culture but most of us often neglect the importance …

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“My Grandfather’s and My Own Feelings of Nostalgia and Longing for Our Homeland in Nepal Inspires My Work” – Meet Graphic Artist Mayur Gurung from Himachal Pradesh

They say, ‘Home is where the heart is’ and today we speak to 25-year-old graphic designer, Mayur Gurung who is rooted to that motto. He feels that living away from his home in Himachal Pradesh has left a void in him identifying his language and culture. He hopes his art can bridge the gap between his longing memories for his community, and his memories of his home country of Nepal that rests in his heart and mind. We sat down with young, talented and inspiring graphic designer, Mayur Gurung from Himachal Pradesh. He talks to R&L about why he is so passionate about his roots, his inspiration for his gorgeous artwork and much more. Mayur, so nice to speak with you! Tell us a little bit about yourself. I am Mayur Gurung. I’m 25 years old from Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. At present, I work in New Delhi as a graphic designer, both full-time as well as a freelancer. I also have other side projects where I feature elements from my Nepali culture. I am also very passionate …

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Meet Lipokmanen Longkumer – A Young Artist Whose Artwork Showcases the People and Places of Nagaland

Lipokmanen is a talented self taught artist from Nagaland. He draws and sketches in charcoal and acrylic paint and passionately depicts the life of the Naga’s and the culture surrounding them through his work. We at R&L are proud to feature this young artist, who is so deeply bound to his culture and roots that he hopes to inspire younger people to learn the true value of it. Read on to know what he has to say about his art and what he tries to relay to people through his pieces. Self-taught artist Lipokmanen Longkumer from Nagaland chats with R&L about the inspirations behind his artwork, his latest project, and how an incident where he came last in a painting competition made him more committed to his work as an artist. Hello Lipok! Tell us a bit about yourself. My name is Lipokmanen Longkumer and I’m a self-taught artist currently based in Kohima. I was born and brought up in the small village of Changtongya under the Mokokchung district (in Nagaland). I completed my graduation from …

Sikkim: Colours and Culture in the Himalayan Chasm

Sikkim became the 22nd State of India on 16th May 1975. Prior to the amalgamation, Sikkim was a monarchy, ruled by the Namgyal Dynasty and the monarch was called Chogyal. The world’s third highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga is her guardian deity. Sikkim is home to fourteen ethnic communities. The inhabitants of Sikkim are broadly divided into Lepchas, Bhutias and the Nepalese. “Chaam is a ritualistic dance performed at monasteries on religious occasions. The old palace ground is daubed with incense and the mountain fog as lungtas (prayers flags) flutter on the occasion of Guru Rinpoche’s Trungkar Tsechu- the birth anniversary of the patron saint of Sikkim, Guru Padmasambhava (The Lotus-born)” ~ Karchoong Diyali

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Suraj Nongmaithem: Connecting People through Photography

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 …