What’s your Quiet Activism Style?

Recently I read an article about quiet activism (do check out Karen Walrond's blog Chookooloonks for all kinds of awesome). The kind, where you zero down on a cause that you are passionate about, and take small and steady steps to create a positive change. 

Your way of quiet activism could be through sharing a series of paintings centered around the message that you want to nudge into the world. Or, a blog post every Monday. Or short snippets woven around that message. Maybe, you’d like to volunteer with an organization that works in that area. The ways you can work on your quiet activism are numerous and varied. But the crux of the idea is to do what you can, when you can.

You don’t have to hit the streets with a placard (by all means do that is that’s what floats your boat) or think of a really Big plan to spread your message. Instead, start small, but continue doing some little thing to bring about a positive change. Start with one person and slowly reach out to more.

7 Sure-shot Ways to go from Resisting the Sari to Lovin’ It

Did I tell you that there was a time, many years ago, when I didn’t like saris very much? Had someone told me then that I’d not only be gaga over saris and that I’d go on to write sari style articles and even a book (Everyday Sari Style) about them one day, I’d have rolled around with laughter.

photo: chandana

My relationship with saris was difficult at the best. I loathed the tussle that ensued every time I got one out from my trousseau box, wrestling with the pleats and pallu for hours, wondering if sari-wearing was some kind of new workout. I also didn’t think that saris were chic. Wearing them once in a while was okay, but give me a pair of smart trousers or even a party gown for dressy occasions. That’s what I used to think at that time.

In a nutshell, I believed that saris were fussy and belonged to our mothers’ generation. How wrong I was!

photo: pinterest

If you think that sari-wearing can be time-consuming or fussy, or that a pair of stone-washed jeans is better for a day out, then here are some tips to help you ease into the 6-yards of magic, and eventually fall in love with it.

1. Choose a few saris that you like the look and feel of. Don’t start your sari-wearing ‘career’ with textures that you don’t enjoy. If heavy brocaded silks aren’t your cuppa or if blingy net saris don’t light your fire, then don’t feel pressured to wear them (just because these came as part of your trousseau or they are your mom/mom-in-law/spouse/best friend/partner’s favorite.) So, if pastel-hued chiffons or crisp cottons or soft Maheshwaris entice you more, keep those saris handy.

Everyday Sari Style – 22 Ideas to keep it fresh, fun and fuss-free (and a Gift inside!)

If you’re reading this, then chances are that you love saris. The way they look – like butterfly wings; the way they feel draped on you – soft as butter; and, what this garment brings out in you – the regal bearing of a queen. A sari does that to every woman who chooses it over a hastily put-together ensemble. It makes you special even on an ordinary day.

It is this need to share the beauty and versatility of the sari that nudged me to craft my first sari post a couple of years ago. At that time I didn’t know that there were so many of you who loved saris or who, wanted to start wearing it more often. Every sari style post that I wrote was a way to curate all the little tips and lessons that I had garnered in my journey of going from not enjoying saris to falling head-over-heels in love with the garment.