With the year drawing to a close (finally) it’s that annoying phase where everyone’s stepping back and evaluating the year that was while subconsciously planning a New Year’s resolution that will probably be given up on by February. The year’s headlines provided infinite fodder for both celebration and despair, for better or for worse, there was never a dull moment. And with all the drama going on, you probably didn’t have a chance to keep up with all the amazing stories that made it to Homegrown’s front page this year. To simplify things we bring you a collection of our very best work from the last 12 months, something to stimulate your mind before the NYE excesses start killing brain cells. Start 2018 with some interesting stories to share, Happy New Year!
Check out Volume I for more great stories from Homegrown.
Eileen Fisher, founder of a clothing label, American designer and visionary, called it. She declared that fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world, second only to oil, way back in 2014. The good news is that not only are many independent Indian brands switching over to the ‘vegan-side’ but their sharp and unique aesthetics are also turning heads.
Looking at the widespread illiteracy in India, the British formalised the system of professional letter writers in post offices when they set up India’s modern postal network in 1854. The only important qualification that was required of a scribe was good handwriting and a command over the language. But as our gadgets get more vibrant and swanky the last generation of letter writers is in a desperate struggle to survive.
Rock concerts – a time honoured tradition of revelry, anarchy and great music. But as you might imagine, India was a little slow to embrace the culture with all its diabolical beliefs and anti-establishment leanings. Within the country, one of the most Westernised communities has always been the Parsis so it’s no surprise that they had a hand in the first large-scale pop-rock concert held in Mumbai. Although there is a chance that they didn’t quite know what they were getting into...
Rupi Kaur is a shit poet. When you make it to the front page of the internet based almost entirely on the back of a dedicated hate-parade, is it fair to say you’ve made it? The keyword for me here is almost. Before you start drafting your riled up responses for the comments section, hear me out.
“As a teen, I grew up blaming myself for it. It was only later that I had the epiphany that not only was I not at fault, but I’m also just a speck in the larger picture — one of the many million men who are sexually abused every year.” Rameez Shaikh delves into the horrifying truth of male sexual abuse and the blind eye India has turned on it.
The Pathare Prabhu’s immigrated to Mumbai from Patan, Gujarat in the 13th century and were among the first few inhabitants of Bombay along with the Kolis. A tiny community with a population of roughly 60,000; they enjoyed a special status under the British and have always taken pride in their 100% literacy rate. Affluent and very progressive, the PPs’ eclectic culinary traditions are their greatest delight.
Street-eating is a classless affair in Indian cities. In Mumbai, the antidote to all human heartache can be found in a piping hot cup of chai and a samosa between two slices of bread. Yet there’s one man, one stall and one dish that has risen beyond the ordinary to claim a space all of his own. This is the story of Raju Sandwichwala and his very extraordinary Special Samosa Sandwich.
That the Mughal Emperors were filled with uniquely driven eccentricities is not news to any of us. While Shah Jahan showed a particular preference for architecture and Aurangzeb exhibited a keen desire for violent ruthlessness, none come close to the culinary eccentricities held forth during the rule of Emperor Akbar.
‘All my peers seemed to be largely satisfied with the latest episode of Stranger Things while here I was surfing YouTube for lesser-known Pakistani teleplays! Frankly it was getting a bit lonely being the ‘offbeat’ pop culture junkie. I needed to know if there were more people who, like me, were bewitched by the world Pakistani TV serials. Little did I know that the first of many assurances was waiting back home.’
Ever thought of Drake in a Bollywood-esque avatar? Or Missy Elliott busting a move or two with a resplendent maang tilak adorning her head, while she sings about milkshakes (read: lassi)? Now, before the cultural appropriation army attacks, take a minute to look at how Jasmin Sehra interprets this vision (albeit in her own way) with the ‘Bolly-Hood’ series. Bold graphics and typography synonymous with all iconic Bollywood film posters merge with hip hop paintings — fusing two cultures through art.
Some men cast shadows that loom well after they’re dead and gone, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi definitely and for many reasons falls within this ambit. Although he wouldn’t be a top pick for many peoples’ fantasy tea parties, as fate would have it he can definitely host one. During a visit to Libya for a Cultural Event at the Indian Consulate Shamita and her companions received a personal invitation from Gaddafi to his house, or more accurately, his bunker. Here’s her insight into the unique experience.
Of all artistic media, photography can be the most divisive. To capture real people and emotions often triggers a sense of empathy in viewers that traditional art cannot. This concept is one that artist turned photographer, Arka Patra took a while to comes to terms with.