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Portaying India: Gujarat with Ela Bhatt
Portraying India
Perceptions of India, inspired by the lives of those who embody its most authentic spirit
In this edition, we look at Gujarat from the perspective of activist Ela Bhatt.
For centuries, India has been home to revolutionaries who have worked tirelessly to change women’s position in society. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, a social reformer and freedom activist, early on recognised the significant role of women artisans who are often not credited for their work and rarely benefit from their labour. A few decades later Elaben Bhatt took great strides in establishing support systems for women in the informal economy.
In Ahmedabad, First Lady Hilary Clinton pauses for a prayer led by SEWA founder Ela Bhatt (1995) (Image by US Embassy of Delhi)
Often called a “gentle revolutionary” for her Gandhian practice of non-violence, Elaben championed the lives of marginalized women across the world. SEWA, the movement and family of organisations that Elaben created, transformed both the knowledge and practices in the fields of labour and finance. It operates as a trade union that works to improve women’s livelihoods through technical training, microfinance, market linkages, technology, and more. For her work, she was the recipient of a host of honors, including an Honorary Doctorate degree from Harvard University, a Radcliffe Medal, and the civilian honour of Padma Shri by the Government of India.
Elaben set up structures and foundations that enable great socio-economic development in the state of Gujarat. As one travels across it, one can engage with her legacy that has rippled beyond her work.
SEWA does a remarkable job at training women to create a livelihood to be able to sustain themselves. One of the ways they’ve done this is by building opportunities where their textile work can be appreciated. When in Gujarat, Embarking on a Textile Tour is a way to understand the intricacies of this art.
SEWA enables socio-economic development by providing women farmers channels for distribution and building rural-oriented systems that enable supply chain efficiency. Gorging on Local Food and Delicacies that are made with local produce will help you understand the food culture of the region.
"A woman who tends a small plot of land, grows vegetables, weaves cloth, and provides for the family and the market, while caring for the financial, social, educational and emotional needs of her family is a multifunctional worker and the builder of a stable society. The word ‘domestic’ in GDP should not be overlooked."
Discover an ancient heritage in its old cities and small villages, whitewashed desert lands and natural reserves.
Landscape
The Rann of Kutch, a massive expanse of cracked earth, which was once the shallows of the Arabian Sea, is now salty marshland that comes to life when Pink Flamingoes migrate in hoards during winters. Tribal hamlets with cylindrical mud bhungas (huts), the epicentre for Kutchi embroidery, tie and dye, leatherwork, pottery, bell metal craft and the famous Rogan painting by the only surviving expert family, are found in colourful villages that dot this sparse landscape.
Architecture
Dholavira and Lothal, early settlements of the Harappan Civilization retain characteristics of Harappan architecture. Gujarat is also home to masterpieces of Indo-Saracenic architecture, like Laxmi Vilas Palace, which perfectly adapts elements from Indian, Islamic and modern styles. The many examples of post-Independence modernist architecture, by legends like BV Doshi, have been key in leading the revolution in Indian modern architecture and reintroducing us to our indigenous solutions made with local materials.
Contemporary Art
Vadodara, previously known as Baroda has featured prominently on the art scene from the nineteenth century. From mastering the tradition of murals, elaborately carved havelis and painted temples to the establishment of the Faculty of Fine Arts in the 20th century, the city’s art movements shaped the art and culture of the country. Prominent artists like K.G Subramanyan, Jyoti Bhatt, Mrinalini Mukherjee and Nasreen Mohamedi have historical ties to Vadodara that have helped establish its legendary status on India’s art map.
At Tushita, we marvel at India with you. After 45 years of travelling the country, we’re still enamoured by its beauty every day. From Ladakh, where Tushita was anointed by a Buddhist monk in 1977, to Tamil Nadu, where we worked with locals to showcase one of the oldest cultures in the world, we are partners in your journey to discover our part of the world.
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