DES - An IndusInk event on IndiaJune 16th, 2010 / Milan, Italy

An Overview

An event on India to celebrate the nostalgia.An event showcasing the contemporary India and its life through a selection of photo exhibits from the albums of a renowned travel and a photo journalist....a selection of Indian snacks and beer to beat the heat, based on its seasons...Indian Punjabi Folk Dance to tap your feet and some Indian Music to groove!!A little Indian International offering to KNOW that country more and perhaps LOVE it!!

Perhaps the idea of IDENTITY is an essential reflection of the image of an individual’s background and his/her rootedness… Within the construct of the modern history, this idea is best represented by the lexicon, NATION.

And so eventually your nationality defines your individuality and vice-versa.

But it is in distancing oneself to that rootedness, making one realize the need and love for that obscurely ignorant aspect of his/her personality. What in Hindi is best described in and as, under the philosophy of ‘Viyogavastha’.

This exhibition event is a reflection of what I have personally sensed India, as and while, being away from it. I dare not claim any nationalist or patriotic sensibilities to this collection and representation but simply things I have enjoyed

being a ‘kid’ from that culture.

Some contemporary and some old, some faded while some bold…colors of this collection should express the quintessential beauty of their timelessness. Thanks to Ms. Meena for her keen eye and its subsequent consent. An

honest attempt has been made to portray the vastness and diversity of that country, although undeniably, any artist can claim to fail in being able to cover that vastness and diversity! It is not only an impossible task but rather

unthinkable!

I personally see the relevance of this nostalgia at a point in history when this nation is all set to chart it own identity in much a ‘SOFT’ approach, entirely Unique and Distinctively Indian…or should I rather say, INCREDIBLY INDIAN !!

Please enjoy this treat!

Curator’s Note

Commendable response was received from students of international background who pleasingly came to the event in their best dressed attires to impress...some Italians in salwar-kameez to a Turkish girl in saree...Men in kurta-payjama to people who finally confessed to be in possession of an ethnic Indian wear next time.

Event Response

The event began with the launch of the photo exhibits and the lottery sale for a free return ticket to India, sponsored by Jet Airways. Followed by offering of Indian snacks and drinks, the DJ set the mood for dance and grooves on Bollywood numbers.

Bhangra troupe from Vicenza was the guest for performance taking people within to learn some moves.

And then, till midnight it was the dance performance by individuals who relentlessly grooved till the time University drove them out!!

Event Happenings

Zuza Suwik Hoping for another Indian event soon! It was great, i absolutely loved it!

Jennifer Parker It was such a fun night!!!! Thanks Avnish, Marco and everyone else who helped organise such a great event for us!!!!! :-)

Kanika Dhyani Had loads of fun!! Good event..looking forward to many more...

Terry Saracino I also would like to join you guys in complimenting the organizers of the event! I really hope other parties like this will be organized in the future!Restecpa!!

Sonia 'la Sò' Cera Amazing event! Thank you all guys! YOU ROCK! :D

Musstanser Tinauli It was a wonderful event, perhaps the first of its kind ever arranged in the premises of Politecnico di Milano. Congratulations to the organizers and the attendees for making it happen!

Testimonials

The photo exhibit showcased the true contemporary visual images from India.

Brochures / Invitation Passes / Posters / Facebook Blog formed the publicity fore-runners for the event.

Publicity

OrganizersCurator / Avnish Mehta / mehta.avnish@gmail.com

Co-curator / Marco Spadafora / spadafora.m@gmail.comSpecial Thanks to Ms. Preeti / Gauri / Debarati / Sandeep / Vinay / Tushar

Prize Courtesy /