Here, There, & Everywhere
On starting idhar-udhar press and creating space for South-Asian creatives.
by Tanvi Bendigeri
“So what are you studying, Beta?”
I love this question. I’ve found that it’s usually a great litmus test to figure out which aunties and uncles I should avoid at parties. I proudly state, “Graphic design, Auntie!”
Her smile drops and she quickly tries to regain her composure after the complete shock I’ve given her.
“Well, I guess not everyone has what it takes to be a doctor or an engineer, haina?”
***
South Asia is known for its craftsmanship. For its art, architecture, and handmade goods. They are the ones who have brought real fame to the subcontinent. Artists and artisans are the backbone of our culture, so why do we look down on art as a profession?
Over the years, I’ve met so many South Asians that have told me that they wish they could pursue the arts, but aren’t allowed to because of their parents. At the same time, I’ve met so many individuals who are pursuing their creative aspirations and believe that they are the first of their kind.
But they aren’t, are they? There are so many South Asian artists and creatives out there, just nothing to bind them.
We noticed this gap in the general canon of art, as well as within the creative community. You wouldn’t expect it from a culture that values togetherness so deeply, but there is no widely recognized space for South Asian creatives to connect and learn from each other. At least, not one that is accessible and inclusive to members of the diaspora.
That’s why we created idhar-udhar press—to bridge this gap. This was a shared dream that we have had for a long time, so when the opportunity arose, we leapt at it. As designers of South Asian American background, especially as ones who created so much cultural work, we were always searching for precedent. We needed someone to look up to, to inspire us, but that representation was so difficult to find.
As Gandhi, a South Asian man, very famously said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” It’s cheesy, but we decided to do exactly that. If no one else would step up, we would. To be entirely honest, building the foundations of this press has been the biggest challenge of our lives. It tested us in ways we didn’t realize it would, but we are so grateful to be here. We want to be exactly what we needed when we were starting out. We want to create community, and we want to create a niche for South Asia in the global creative canon.
Which led us to the establishment of Awaaz Magazine. The publication that grew out of a desire to platform South Asian creatives and to show everyone that South Asia does not just produce intelligent doctors and engineers, but talented and successful artists, too.