बड़े अच्छे लगते हैं

Family Narratives (Storytelling)

April, 2023

In बड़े अच्छे लगते हैं, we meet five objects, each of which is hoping to make use of time-travelling as a concept to offer a glimpse into their past. You will meet my mother’s childhood toy kitchen set, my grandfather’s old record player, my mother’s childhood sweater, the ancestral house built by my great-great grandfather, and my great-grandmother’s wedding lehenga.

But these stories aren’t just memories – they’re a collection of the shared history of generations come and gone, of what these objects have experienced and yet somehow provided comfort and longing, because after all, ये बड़े अच्छे तो लगते हैं!

Theme:
Kal Ka Pal - Bridging Generations

This project explores innovative methods to foster social connections and understanding between generations. The young often avoid contemplating life's impermanence, while the elderly reflect on it with a sense of finality. By bridging this gap through meaningful dialogues and shared experiences, we aim to create a compassionate society where the wisdom of the older generation enriches the young, and the energy of youth invigorates the elderly. Starting with each family, this project targets building a community that values and respects all ages. Hence, this project starts with the history of my family to bring the different generations together through the nostalgia of history.

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About the Book

My project delves into the everyday objects that fill our lives and examines their profound significance in preserving memories, fostering intergenerational connections, and enriching cultural heritage. From old photographs capturing moments frozen in time to cherished pieces of jewellery passed down through generations, these objects serve as portals to the past, repositories of personal narratives, and conduits for familial bonds.

Through storytelling and dialogue, my project aims to celebrate the diversity of objects and the rich tapestry of memories they encapsulate. By promoting intergenerational dialogue and preserving cultural heritage, these objects become more than just material possessions; they become vessels of shared experiences, symbols of identity, and catalysts for connection. In documenting and honouring the significance of everyday objects, my project endeavours to enrich our understanding of the past, strengthen familial ties, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the cultural tapestry that defines us.

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Idea & Concept

In our swiftly changing society, strengthening family and cultural ties is sometimes overlooked. This initiative tackles the fading connections between generations by focusing on the objects that quietly bear the weight of our history. By delving into various items, be it old photographs or kitchen utensils, our goal is to capture the stories within them and ignite meaningful conversations between different age groups.

Objects are all around us, occupying every inch of space. How do we define objects? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, an object is something you can see or touch, but not usually a living animal, plant, or person. Artefacts and objects, when passed down from generation to generation, become a part of family histories and cultural heritage.

By exploring a diverse array of items including books, comics, coins, diaries, stamps, kitchen utensils, and drawings, I aim to unearth the stories and memories intertwined with each object. These narratives not only contribute to individual family histories but also reflect broader cultural narratives, highlighting the collective experiences and values that shape our identities.

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About the stories

In this book, you’ll discover a collection of five captivating stories, each blending the magic of fiction with the charm of real-life tales. These stories revolve around objects taken from my family, like a cherished necklace or an old photograph, each holding a piece of our family history. Through the lens of these objects, we embark on a journey through time, exploring the moments and memories that have shaped us across generations.

As you turn the following pages, you’re not just reading stories – you are immersing yourself in my family’s generational legacy and perhaps finding inspiration to explore your own. So, I heartily welcome you on this expedition through memory lane, where every object has a tale to tell.

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The illustrations

While the heart of the book lies in these narratives, the power of visuals is essential in bringing these tales to life. The illustrated images of these objects and textured backgrounds complement each narrative, adding depth and richness to the reading experience.