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Remembering Kamala Das – The Love Queen Of Malabar

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Images from: tamil.samayam.com, thebetterindia.com, telenganatoday.com

Madhavikutty still lives in the heart of every Malayali through her extraordinary writings. On her ninth death anniversary, we take a walk down the lane through the life and literary works of the writer

Text credits: Lakshmi Priya

Kamala Das, the world-renowned author, the mother of Indian English modern poetry, the face of feminist writers in post-colonial India, the love queen of Malabar.. the labels are unending for this fierce woman who still lives the hearts of her beloved readers even after nine years of her departure. She always shocked and surprised readers during her lifetime either through her unapologetic, beautiful and bold writings or her personal transformations. Known for her literary works in English and Malayalam, the writings of Kamala are still considered as cults of Indian literature. The subjects of her writings majorly ranged from politics, women’s issues, child care, gender roles to sexuality.

Born at Nalapat House of Punnayurkulam in Thrissur on March 31st, 1934, Kamala was ‘Aami’ back then. An ardent reader from her childhood, her mother Balamani Amma, the famous Malayalam poetess and her uncle Nalapat Narayana Menon, a Malayalam author, had a huge influence on developing her love for literature. In her books Balyakala Smaranakal (1987) and Neermathalam Poothakalam (1994)  Kamala had beautifully jotted down her childhood memoirs in the land of Malabar and Calcutta. She shed her ink on paper to draw her culturally enriched childhood blended with a flabbergasting style of writing. Her way of narration was extraordinary and powerful to bring back tears of joy to every hardcore Keralite who are still pulled back to the roots. Her books had a tinge of nostalgia which welcome a thousand memories to everyone who cherishes the long-lost days of childhood.

Image source: telenganatoday.co

It was after her marriage with Madhava Das, she became Kamala Das, the name that she chose to write her English poems. Her poem Summer in Calcutta (1965) was wholeheartedly welcomed by Indians and was like a fresh breath of air in Indian English poetry. She was majorly known as a confessional poet for her realistic way of presentation and was compared to distinguished female writers like Sylvia Plath and Marguerite Duras. The topic of her poems ranged from love, betrayal and anguish.

Kamala took over the name ‘Madhavikutty’ as her one-time pen name. In the year 1973, she published her daring autobiography Ente Kadha (Malayalam) which was translated into English as My Story. The honest and guiltless presentation about her personal life which also dealt with sexuality shook Indians, plunging her into a deluge of criticism. In the autobiography, she stated that for the people who told her that writing an honest autobiography is like a striptease,  she would like to remove her clothes and ornaments and peel off her brown skin so that the world can see her beautiful soul deep down. Chandana Marangal, Neypayasam, Thanuppu are some of her other notable Malayalam literary works.

Image source: pune365.com

The way Kamala dealt with female sexuality was bold and novel to India which gave her a powerful figure as an iconoclast. She spoke volumes through her words about the untold miseries of women. Her writings aimed at showcasing the deep emotions, fantasies and dreams of women and to establish that women are not just commodities of pleasure. Kamala was never bothered about the societal reactions that could pierce into her as a writer and a woman. The sense of guilt never touched her and she was totally unapologetic about her writings.

At the age of 65, Kamala, draped in her bright sari, with kohl smudged eyes and red bindhi on her forehead transformed into Kamala Surayya by converting to Islam. She became a victim of a lot of criticism for her conversion but yet stood fierce and bold in her decision. On May 31st, 2009 at age of 75 in a hospital in Pune, Kamala left the world. Even after all these years, she still lives in the heart of each of us through her letters which are powerful, presenting the readers an overwhelming experience of joy and pain with words that can touch the soul.

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Ahaana Krishna’s Dreamy Bridal Look

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Without a question, Ahaana Krishna is the queen of aesthetics. She has returned with yet another stunning and captivating bridal portrait. The image was uploaded the day before on her Instagram and was immediately loved by the public. Let’s look into the details of this stunning photo shoot.

 Ahaana wore a stunning saree from Indra Designs’ “Enchanting collections” to complete the enchanted appearance. The saree was exquisitely woven in opulent English garden designs, including three-dimensional embellishments created by House of Indra artisans. The saree was draped perfectly by saree stylist Daira. 

Devi Sreenath, the creative director of Indra Designs, styled the entire ensemble. The exquisite bouquet by Droplet Bouquets complimented the entire bridal ensemble.

Ahaana opted for a classic appearance with her accessories. DC Jewellers provided the exquisitely crafted gems. Various pearls and gemstones set in intricate designs make up the ornaments. It complements the outfit’s hues beautifully.

Amrin Khan, her makeup artist, opted for a delicate and dreamy appearance, keeping the makeup simple. The photographs were taken by Twelvef Moments

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Cover Story

Insta – Glam : Best Fashion from Aparna Thomas

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Instagram has developed into a busy runway in the fast-paced world of fashion, where influencers like Aparna Thomas showcase their own looks, creating trends and motivating millions of others. Aparna Thomas has enthralled audiences with her varied and imaginative ensembles thanks to her outstanding taste and passion for fashion. Let’s delve into some of her best fashion looks that have left a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts around the globe.

Effortless Glamour

Aparna Thomas looks sophisticated and alluring in this beautiful rainbow saree by Fitting Room Couture, styled by talented Sabarinath. Her look as completed by jewels from Pure Allure

Shimmer Glam

How to add a touch of glamour to any occasion without sacrificing comfort or style, just add some Shimmer. Aparna looks gorgeous  in the stunning golden sequined flared dress by D’Roz for Christmas theme shoot.

Chic Style

Aparna looks casual chic with urban sophistication with her street style look in this green dress by Urbanic

Regal Beauty

Aparna is a natural at stealing the show; she looks magnificent in her exquisite blue saree that Sabarinath styled. The saree comes from Luxurion World. 

Mythical Magic

Aparna looks stunning in an embellished saree by T & M Signature thanks to her excellent sense of style. The blouse features soft and elegant hues with delicate foliate motifs and elaborate crisscross patterns. The MOD Signature jewels completed the entire look. 

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Architecture

5 Sustainable Interior Design Trends to Embrace in 2024

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As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, it’s no surprise that eco-friendly practices are making their way into the realm of interior design. In 2024, we can expect to see a surge in sustainable interior design trends that not only enhance the beauty of our living spaces but also minimise our environmental footprint. From repurposed materials to energy-efficient solutions, here are five sustainable interior design trends to embrace this year.

Upcycled Furniture:

One of the most prominent sustainable interior design trends of 2024 is the use of upcycled furniture. Instead of buying new pieces, consider giving old furniture a new lease on life by refurbishing or repurposing them. From reclaimed wood tables to refurbished chairs, upcycled furniture adds character and charm to your space while reducing waste and conserving resources.

Biophilic Design:

Biophilic design, which emphasizes a connection to nature, continues to gain popularity in 2024. Integrating natural elements such as plants, natural light, and organic materials into your interior design not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes well-being and sustainability. Consider incorporating living walls, indoor gardens, and sustainable wood finishes to bring the outdoors inside and create a healthier living environment.

Energy-Efficient Lighting:

With a growing focus on energy conservation, energy-efficient lighting solutions are becoming a staple in sustainable interior design. LED lights, in particular, consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, reducing both energy consumption and maintenance costs. Additionally, consider incorporating natural light sources such as skylights and large windows to maximize daylight and minimize the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Sustainable Textiles:

When it comes to upholstery and soft furnishings, opting for sustainable textiles is key to reducing environmental impact. Look for fabrics made from organic or recycled materials, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or recycled polyester. These materials not only reduce the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides but also minimize waste and support eco-friendly production practices. Additionally, consider investing in durable, high-quality textiles that stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Smart Home Technology:

In 2024, smart home technology continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions for sustainable living. From smart thermostats that optimize energy usage to home automation systems that control lighting and appliances, these technologies can help reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency in your home. Additionally, smart home devices such as occupancy sensors and smart meters provide valuable insights into your energy usage, empowering you to make informed decisions about resource management and conservation.

As we strive to create more sustainable living environments, embracing these five interior design trends can help reduce our environmental impact while creating beautiful and functional spaces. Whether you’re upcycling old furniture, incorporating natural elements, or investing in energy-efficient technologies, every sustainable choice contributes to a greener future for generations to come. So let’s embrace these trends and make sustainability a cornerstone of our interior design practices in 2024 and beyond.

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