This project, titled "Visual Dictionary: Folk Culture of Maharashtra", looks at the East Indian community of North Konkan in general and the Samvedi Christians of Vasai Taluka, Thane District in particular. What makes this community remarkable is that it did not evolve thus, naturally, but out of mass religious conversions. Several kingdoms ruled over the Vasai region, each one adding their own flavour to what already existed . Creating a cultural mosaic; a sort of mash-up of languages, music, food, rituals, and costume. Thus, a hybrid folklore has evolved. Today, the youth of Vasai are moving away from traditional jobs and lifestyles. Their urban white-collared jobs have not only brought them prosperity but also the notion that "traditional" is passe while "western" speaks of fine taste. Thus, the rich culture of Vasai stands at a crossroads. Having said that, self-reflexivity compels me to look at myself as I judge Vasaikars for letting their culture evaporate. Don’t most traditional cultures melt into cosmopolitia and die a natural death? So, on what basis should I insist that they preserve their traditions when I myself think in English rather than my mother tongue? This report is an account of journeys made to Vasai villages. It attempts to understand "folklore" and its context by looking at East Indian literature, music, and customs. The Visual Dictionary was done much later, almost as an afterthought. more out of curiosity about the place than as a pre-requisite for this special project.

Auroville (City of Dawn) is an ‘experimental’ township in Viluppuram district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India near Pondicherry in South India. Auroville is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity. Upasana Digital Studio was founded by Uma Prajapati, Upasana was born in 1997, originally with one table under a tree, as a garment design and manufacturing unit. Today it is a place where business, creativity, fashion, Indian Culture, design, social responsibility and spiritual progress all come together for a creative synthesis. Recognising the extensive litter plastic bags throughout India and the damage it was doing to our environment, the team at Upasana Design Studio set about creating a reusable cloth bag that could be conveniently packed and carried, eliminating the need to use plastic. This project aims to tackle large issues with small steps and move towards greater environmental and social awareness.

Modern design education in India began with the setting up of National Institute of Design (NID) in 1961 and Industrial Design Centre (IDC) in 1969. Much has happened since then. From the days of ‘License-Raj’ India has taken a path to liberalisation and opened its markets to the world. In the wake of all this and the shift from a social[1]ist outlook to a more capitalistic inclination, the role played by design schools needs to be reviewed and re-examined. This chapter is related to my readings and reflections on subject of design and design schools. I also look at Auroville (though not a design school) as it has an atmosphere conducive to growth and nourishment for creative spirits. Two other notions that offer interesting standpoints that can enrich educational approaches at IDC are liberal arts and self-reflexivity

Hopes to open up the world of a brass band owner to everyone and draw one into the culture, traditions, beliefs and aspirations of the Samvedi community to which the musicians belong. This film is about individuals who are musicians by passion and bankers, engineers, teachers etc by profession. This film is really about balancing passion & profession, making life meaningful, giving back to community and about individuals, pushing towards progress and taking everyone along. Jaihind Brass Band plays at weddings, communions etc in Vasai area. My personal journey of getting to know them unfolds through this film.