MUSE CREATION Charitable Trust [NGO]

ARIGATO, BANGALORE!

An article on a recent culinary study, held by Japanese students in Bangalore (By Sahnya Mehra; March 2018) Japanese cuisine has, over the last few years, become all the rage. In Bangalore, particularly, many Japanese restaurants have cropped up all over the city. While the authenticity of many places can be debated, caterers from all over the city are starting to offer everything from Tempura fried meats, to food in Teriyaki sauce, and the ever – popular sushi and sashimi. On the 22nd of March, 2018, a group of college interns held a tasting of traditional Japanese food at WeWork EGL, Bangalore. The Takahashi Group, from Fukuoka, is a company with an incredible story. In 1965, Mr. Kawahiko Takahashi, the owner of an established textile company, opened one of the first sport and fitness centres in Japan. Within the next decade, he went on to establish a company that dealt... Read more →

VOLUNTEER WORK

An Essay on the organisation of New Ark Mission: Home of Hope (By Sahnya Mehra; March 2018) On the 17th of March, 2018, I, along with the members of Muse Creations charity organisation visited the New Ark Mission charity home. Founded by T. Raja in 1997, New Ark Mission: Home of Hope has been taking in poor and destitute people off the streets of Bangalore – nursing them back to health, and giving them a home to stay in. ‘Auto’ Raja, as he’s affectionately known as, was a man who once led a similar life. As a youth, he took to stealing, drinking and gambling, and lived on the streets for two years before getting his life together. As of today, New Ark is a successful organisation that infinitely benefits society. There are a total of 170 residents staying in the home. There are three distinct living facilities – the... Read more →

JOURNAL ENTRY

(By Sahnya Mehra; 13th March 2018) On the 13th of March, 2018, I had a day out on the town with my Mentor, and Editor, Miho S. Malhan. We spent the day in Indiranagar, a downtown shopping and commercial area of Bangalore. The day started off as it always does, with me dealing with the gruelling task of public transport. I took an auto to Miho‟s house, and she met me warmly at the door. After a few minutes wait, we were in her car, en route to Indiranagar, which was barely 20 minutes away. Our first stop was at WeWork, in the Embassy Golf Links Business Park. WeWork is the world‟s largest community working space. I was completely blown away by the place. With state-of-the-art working spaces, hi-tech equipment, and laid-back vibe – it spoke to me. But the most stunning feature of the place was probably the people,... Read more →

NRITYA

An article on the Classical Dances of India (By Sahnya Mehra; March 2018) India is an incredibly diverse country, bursting with colour and culture. So it’s no surprise that there is a wide variety of classical dances, each with its own unique traits. In India, dance is regarded as an ancient and celebrated tradition, steeped in rich spiritual and religious connotations. Some forms of dances may also stem from cultural practices like harvest festivals. With religious dances, there is a ceremony which is strictly adhered to. Most often than not, a hymn is sung, to be addressed to the gods, and the dance that accompanies it is done as a form of worship. It is regarded as one of the purest forms of devotion. The costumes usually include a thick strip of bells worn around the ankles, which make a soft chiming sound when the dancer moves their feet. In... Read more →

KONNICHIWA BANGALORE!

An article on the cultural exchange fest – Japan Habba (By Sahnya Mehra; March 2018) In the last decade or so, Bangalore has witnessed a surge in the population of the Japanese community. Many of the expats work in companies of the automobile and technology industries, along with other Japanese corporate firms. Additionally, the city attracts many Japanese business visitors each month. There is a rapidly growing Japanese influence in Bangalore, mutually benefitting both the cultures that co-exist in the city. The two cultures share many similarities – a deep rooted sense of respect for the culture and traditions of the countries; the ancient folk costumes, dances, songs and practices; the celebration of nature and festivals of harvest – to name a few. Another element of commonality is the respect and honour given to elders and learned people. The Japanese call their masters “sensei”, while the Indian word for it... Read more →

‘S’ FOR SANSKAAR

(By Sahnya Mehra; January 2018) In India, the word ‘Sanskaar’ is tossed around loosely. But how many of us truly know what it means to be a ‘sanskaari beta’? When you ask the average Indian millennial what the word means, it’s most likely that they’ll immediately roll their eyes, sigh deeply, and tell you of the last time someone (usually an elderly person) went on and on at them for not being ‘sanskaari’. The word, though of Sanskrit origin, has ambiguous meanings. Some would define it as code of conduct, while others tend to see it as more of a set of moral values. Generally, it’s a sort of way of life of Indian people – more tangible than an ideology, yet not as binding as a culture. It’s also a sort of rite of passage into adulthood. For example, the piercing of a child’s ear, the sacred Thread Ceremony... Read more →