While I was away..

Among the few things that happened early this year while I was away from the blog :

First:

A book which  features one of my photographs from this blog on its cover came out early this year.

A Festschrift titled Anthony Reid and the study of the Southeast Asian past - published by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. The book celebrates  scholar and historian, Anthony Reid's contribution  to the field  of Southeast Asian History. 

The cover uses a picture I had taken for a post on Indonesian Ikat (here).

Was thrilled to find my copy in the mail! Sharing an image of the book with all you readers:

&

Second:
Finding a space on Bangalore based Artist, Aarohi's blog!( here) I was thrilled to be part of the all women series Aarohi did on her blogger friends. 

I've been an ardent admirer of Aarohi and her involvement with the cause of  stray dogs..(read more).  In fact whatever this spirited woman takes on to do, she does with so much love and fire, it is an inspiration to just watch. 

I would like to say more about Aarohi and the various offshoots  of her artistic journey right away.. but something tells me I should wait. There will be more Art by Aarohi on this blog in time to come for sure.. ! Until then:

Thanks for the feature Aarohi and being the friend you are!! :)

Poonchh by Aarohi

Whoever thought the lowly stray dog could become a fashion statement? I mean the regular mongrel yowling and yelping at every street corner,  something to feel sorry for, or to feel annoyed with, if not too be dealt with complete apathy. He is a regular fact of the busy Indian street life?!
 But then comes an initiative by a young and immensely talented artist Aarohi Singh from Bangalore with a difference,  that aims to change all of that..!

With a range of high fashion goodies, bags, totes, lap top sleeves, i pad covers, wallets, you name it -  Aarohi's  Poonchh collection is all set to launch the humble pariah dog into a fashion icon that will sit on every fashion buffs person with aplomb!.

If you find it as far fetched as it did to me at first, take a look at some of my favorites from the Poonchh Collection

For all of the fabulous range, look here. 

" Fifty per cent of the profits from the sales  of every item in the Poonchh Collection will go towards the welfare of strays in perpetuity," says Aarohi, particularly towards spaying and neutering them. “I believe that, over time, animal birth control and better garbage disposal in our cities will help in solving the problem of strays on our streets.” she adds. 

I have watched Aarohi take up the cause of the stray dogs with mounting awe and admiration these past few days. Can only wish her luck as she prepares to unveil the collection at the 100 ft Boutique in Bangalore,  between the 10th and the 12th of February. (Click here for the event details)

To educate yourself about the cause, go thru the links here and here.

Go grab your poonchh before stuff runs out guys!!