THEY SAY THAT PEOPLE WHO can turn their passions into a career are amongst the luckiest in the world. I guess this is very true and I have come to appreciate this fact as the last 25 years have rolled by. Having built my life around the things that I love—art, design, architecture, literature, academics, and of course, travel—a deep sense of satisfaction surrounds me. And interestingly it all wraps up as part of my being a businessman, that one aspect of Marwari culture that I have not been willing to give up!
Growing-up years
The years of growing up in a Marwari family in Bombay (now Mumbai), with a heavy Kolkata legacy on my shoulders and the expected future of following unquestioningly in the traditional family business brought me to a crossroads, and the early years were ones of unease infused with a pervading sense of bewilderment. What was I to do with all my interests on the one hand and the beckoning expectations on the other? I was lucky to have very educated and broad-minded parents with art, reading and travel as part of my daily existence. Yet ‘tradition’ lay heavy on all our shoulders, because the tremendous richness of what we had at home had its own blinkered expectations. Whilst such expectations were never explicitly stated, they hovered in the air during all those ‘growing up’ years. Growing up in a Marwari home, inadvertently meant—or at least in those years it did—that one would not step out of line, one would happily (or at least quietly) get yoked to the trodden paths.
Closeness with tradition
This story is from the September - October 2019 edition of MARWAR India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September - October 2019 edition of MARWAR India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Rolex Renaissance
To mark the International Women's Day, a shout out to women watch aficionados to embark on a journey of alluring Rolex wristwatches and consider adding some of them, at least, to your existing collection.
Style it up with Lights
Brighten up your decor with intriguing lights that give a unique character to your room and maximise your space. Browse through this luxurious selection of immersive lights for an unparalleled experience.
THE MODERN MINIMALIST
An immersive experience of the updated Range Rover Velar changes little of its outer persona while cleaning up the interior, yet somehow improving on its already-regal ride quality.
Capturing The Essence of Freedom
Swadheen, a retrospective exhibition held at Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery, Mumbai, celebrated the life and times of Jankidevi Bajaj, a proponent of Gandhian values and staunch supporter of Khadi.
A Soul-Stirring Experience
The 15th edition of Sacred Spirit Festival held in the royal Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur showcases the spiritual significance of music that transcends communities, cultures and creeds.
Revisiting Roots
Bharati Morarka, Chairperson, Morarka Foundation, has been promoting the legacy of her late industrialist and politician husband Kamal Morarka at considerable cost and effort.
The Flying Carpet
Hands Carpets puts the spotlight on the 143-yearold legacy and the ancient heritage of hand knotted carpets. MARWAR speaks to Ravi Patodia, Chairperson, Patodia Exports, and his sons Apurva Patodia and Pranay Patodia, Managing Directors, on the journey and the aesthetic allure and craftsmanship of one of the leading handcrafted carpet brands in the world.
THE WRITE CHOICE
The life of Deepak Jalan, Managing Director, Linc Limited, has been a journey of learning, adapting, and growing amidst the landscapes that shaped him.
A Legacy of Timeless Elegance
India's leading jewellery brand, Navrathan Jewellers, is renowned for its legacy and commitment to heritage and excellence.
Wonder Women
Celebrating International Women's Day with empowering stories of women who stepped out of their comfort zones to break some stereotypes and, in the bargain, are inspiring us for the better.