Who is Who

Jaya Jaitly

Jaya Jaitly is a pioneering advocate for Indian arts and crafts, dedicating her career to promoting and preserving traditional cottage industries. In 1986, she founded the Dastkari Haat Samiti (Arts and Crafts Market), empowering rural artisans to thrive in the marketplace through innovative strategies. Her work has transcended borders, bringing together artisans from India, Pakistan, and Vietnam. The Indian government has recognized her efforts as a tool for cultural diplomacy, fostering global collaboration and skill-sharing among crafts practitioners.

Jaya Jaitly is a prolific author, having published books such as "Crafts of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh," "Craft Traditions of India," "Viswakarma's Children," and "Crafting Nature." Her socio-economic study of craftspeople, "Viswakarma's Children," offers valuable insights into the lives of artisans. In addition to her work in the crafts sector, Jaya Jaitly has compiled a selection of her articles on politics, social issues, and human rights into a book titled "Podium on the Pavement." She has also assisted the NCERT in developing a syllabus for India's school curriculum focused on craft heritage.

As the editor and publisher of "The Other Side," a monthly journal of democratic socialist thought and action, Jaya Jaitly continues to contribute to critical discussions on politics and social issues. Her tireless efforts have earned her recognition and awards from the PHD Chamber and FICCI for her contributions to culture, arts, and women's leadership.

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Anumitra Ghosh Dastidar

Anumitra Ghosh Dastidar is a professional chef and co-founder of Edible Archives, an award-winning restaurant and art/research project based in Anjuna, Goa, that works with indigenous ingredients.

With over a dozen years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Anumitra has worked in Japanese, Thai and Italian restaurants in Southeast Asia and South Africa, as well as in India. Previously, she was the owner and chef of Big Bongg Theory, a modern Bengali restaurant in New Delhi, and has worked with the Diva group of fine dining restaurants in New Delhi. Most recently, she opened two new culinary brands in Bangalore, Bento Bento, a pan-Asian restaurant, and Yo Colombo, Sri Lankan delivery and catering brand. Anumitra holds a PhD in Cognitive Linguistics from Delhi University.

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Firos Khan

Firos Khan is an alumnus of the School of Drama, Thrissur, and the National School of Drama, New Delhi. With over fifteen years of experience, he has worked as a writer, director, performance maker, and designer. His diverse collaborations span theatre, dance, puppetry, digital art, and more, engaging with both performers and spectators in dynamic ecosystems. Firos explores how the interaction between matter, space, and context creates immersive performances, bridging physical and digital worlds. His work critiques culture, challenges perceptions, and fosters alternative cultural practices through the materiality of performance.

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Sourav Poddar

An alumnus of NSD, New Delhi, in 2014. His interests are exploring performance making & technological intervention in live performances and other media(um). Which he has also been teaching in different institutions. Besides being keen on actors’ training. He is extensively working with renowned Theatre Directors, Repertories, and Artists from various disciplines around the globe. Simultaneously producing, curating and making plays & performances. 

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Maitreyee Kuhu

She is a Research Scholar in Performing Arts, specializing in 'Gender Performativity' and an alumna of S N School, University of Hyderabad. As a freelance practitioner and designer, she collaborates with directors and performance makers across India, working as a stage, costume, set and light designer. Alongside this, she works with young adults as a facilitator for theatre in education, crafting transformative learning experiences through the performing arts.

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Sasibhaskar

Sasibhaskaran is a results-driven, self-motivated, and resourceful Art Director with a talent for transforming concepts, moods, and ideas into compelling visual communications. With experience working collaboratively in creative environments alongside designers, he brings a unique ability to refine and elevate visual storytelling.

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