A space dedicated to community building through visual and oral storytelling, dialogue and engagement; collectively bringing together arts practitioners and researchers in the Darjeeling - Sikkim Himalayas.

ABOUT US

FROM CHAOS TO COMPOSITION -
Workshop on Fundamentals of Street Photography with Birat Rai

01/03/2025

Kalimpong

Come join us for a hands-on workshop where we’ll dive into the world of street photography. We’ll explore the techniques that make it such a powerful art form, along with the history behind it.

A Glimpse Into the History of Street Photography: Street photography has its roots in the early 20th century, with pioneers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank documenting everyday life in spontaneous, yet profound ways. It thrives on capturing fleeting moments that tell the story of the human condition, making it one of the most powerful forms of visual storytelling.

Whether you're a beginner or refining your skills, this workshop will guide you from chaos to composition!

APPLY NOW

TCC PHOTO ARCHIVE

The TCC Archive is an effort towards archiving community histories to restore, preserve and document our stories. Preserving stories from the community, the TCC archives seeks to develop a more holistic, nuanced, and collective archive that is rooted in the histories and lived experiences of the community that make up the region.

BLOG

TCC Desk

The Picnic Culture of the Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim: A Nostalgic Tradition

Until the early 2000s, picnics were more than just leisurely outings in the Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim they were an integral part of life,

Sumendra Tamang

1955 Margaret's Hope Shootout : Its Historical Background and Lessons

The entire terrain of Darjeeling had been a subject of relentless disputes between the then independent Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Abinash Rai, Niki Rai and Malavika Pradhan

The Poverty of Gorkha Anti-Caste Discourse: Our Struggle for Dignity and Freedom

Rajat Tamang's casteist behaviour online has touched the Gorkhas, as had Sanvika and Reena's rape and murder in Dooars a few years ago.1 Sin

Dipti Tamang and Shivam Darnal

The Elephant in the Room that We Must Address: The Ugly Truth of Casteism in the Hills

‘I only use my first name on my instagram handle’, a close friend of mine had once told me. Upon being asked why she answered, ‘because it a

Nirvan Pradhan

Dear Professor

By Nirvan Pradhan Dear Professor Dear Professor, How are you? You must be in Jawaharlal Nehru University. It is spring, so nature must...

This Valentine’s Day, let’s spread the love in a different way! Support The Confluence Collective and help us continue our work of preserving stories, engaging with the community, and supporting passionate volunteers.

Donate today and make a lasting impact!
Donation link in bio

We came across these remarkable images of the Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim, captured by @fondazionesella Vittorio Sella in 1879.

It is both fascinating and heartbreaking that the rich histories of Darjeeling and Sikkim are scattered across the world, leaving us with little knowledge of our own heritage. Even more disheartening is how our people are reduced to labels such as Coolies, Porters, and Sherpas, with little recognition of their individual identities and invaluable contributions. We have the right to reclaim these historical records, identify the people within them, and uncover their long-overlooked stories.

Restoring these photo archives to our communities is not just about preservation—it is about reclaiming our history, restoring dignity, and ensuring our ancestors are remembered with the respect they deserve. This process of repatriation is essential in confronting the lingering impacts of colonialism and returning cultural heritage to its rightful custodians.

By reclaiming and safeguarding these historical records, we do more than honor our ancestors - we reclaim our narrative, strengthen our collective identity, and deepen our understanding of the rich and complex histories of Darjeeling and Sikkim.

Workshop alert
FROM CHAOS TO COMPOSITION - workshop on Fundamentals of Street Photography
with BIRAT RAI @birat_rai18
Photo @birat_rai18

Come join us for a hands-on workshop where we’ll dive into the world of street photography. We’ll explore the techniques that make it such a powerful art form, along with the history behind it.

A Glimpse Into the History of Street Photography: Street photography has its roots in the early 20th century, with pioneers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank documenting everyday life in spontaneous, yet profound ways. It thrives on capturing fleeting moments that tell the story of the human condition, making it one of the most powerful forms of visual storytelling.
Whether you’re a beginner or refining your skills, this workshop will guide you from chaos to composition!

Apply now - link in bio

We’re thrilled to be part of @INDIAARTFAIR, where our @diptitamang7 Dipti Tamang will join the talk PLATFORMING GRASSROOTS | HOW COMMUNITY-LED INITIATIVES ARE CHANGING OUR LANDSCAPE as part of the Growing Focus Talks Series on Feb 8th at the IAF Auditorium. Come be a part of the conversation!

Panel Details:
📅 Feb 8th
🕰 12:45 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 IAF Auditorium, NSIC Grounds, Okhla

This discussion explores how grassroots organizations beyond privileged urban centers are driving deeper change through community-led initiatives.

Panelists:
• @chempkumar Palani Kumar (Photographer & Curator, Chronicles of the Tides: Migration, Conflict, and Climate, Tamil Nadu)
• Mahalakshmi (Photographer-Artist, Tamil Nadu)
• @sutarmallikadas Mallika Das Sutar (Co-Founder, Chander Haat, Sarsuna, West Bengal)
• @diptitamang7 Dipti Tamang (Co-Founder, Confluence Collective, West Bengal)
• Aarti Bisht (Senior Program Officer, Henvalvani Community Radio, Chamba, Uttarakhand)

Moderated by:
• Natasha Jeyasingh @natasha.jeyasingh – Founder, Carpe Arte & Co-Founder, IMMERSE Fellowship

Join us as we unpack the role of intersectional social differences in shaping this vital movement!

Set of 10 Postcards from KALIMPONG
Rs - 500 (Free shipping - Shipping in India only)
Shop now - Link in bio

Join us in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalayas with a unique set of 10 postcards from The Confluence Collective Photo Archive. Each postcard features photographs carefully selected images that tell the stories of the region’s history, people, and landscapes.
By purchasing this set, you’re not only owning a piece of Himalayan history, but also directly supporting our work to archive, document, workshops and share the stories of this culturally vibrant region.
These postcards make thoughtful gifts, or can be kept as part of your own collection, while helping fund the future of our archive and projects.
Thank you for supporting our mission and preserving the stories that shape our world.

Kalimpong Municipality Fest 2025 - 28-30th January, 2025 provided a wonderful platform for us to showcase our vision and actively engage with the community. Our stall became a vibrant space where visitors of all ages gathered to explore, discuss, and contribute to our work. For the older generations, our display of old photographs of Kalimpong was a nostalgic journey, bringing back memories of their golden days.

The addition of a photo digitization station was well received, with many people bringing their cherished old photographs for scanning. This initiative not only helped preserve personal histories but also fostered meaningful intergenerational conversations.
Beyond the exhibits, we encouraged community participation through interactive storytelling sessions, where people shared personal anecdotes and historical insights about Kalimpong. These discussions created an enriching environment of collective memory and cultural exchange. Visitors also engaged with our ongoing projects, expressing interest in contributing archival material, volunteering, and supporting future initiatives. Through these dynamic interactions, we gained valuable insights and deepened our understanding of Kalimpong’s cultural heritage.

We also had the Mobile Library , aimed at expanding our commitment to preserving and celebrating Kalimpong’s visual history. The mobile library, which featured a carefully curated collection of photography books, attracted both amateur photographers and local history enthusiasts.

The overwhelming response reaffirmed the importance of our work and highlighted the community’s eagerness to reconnect with their past while shaping a shared future. Overall, the event was a great success, allowing us to build stronger community ties, preserve local heritage, and spark meaningful conversations about Kalimpong’s history and identity.

Thank you Prashanti @prashantii.b , Priyam @priyamwada_chettri, Palsang @palsang_lama Sobit @tibos_2107 and Birat @birat_rai18 for your support and hard work during the Kalimpong Municipality Fest 2025!

A huge thank you to @kalimpongmunicipality Kalimpong Municipality for having us for the fest.

Sonam Lhosar greetings to all

Tamang Dance performance by the Kalimpong Tamang Youths on the occasion of India’s Republic Day, Mela ground, Kalimpong / January 26th, in the 1980s.
Photo : Nima Yonzone/ The Confluence Collective Photo Archive

The Kalimpong Tamang Youth Association played a crucial role in the early years of the All India Tamang Buddhist Association (AITBA), contributing significantly to its foundation and growth. Their dedication helped lay the groundwork for a unified platform that represents Tamang identity and aspirations on a national level.

Established on January 24, 1981, AITBA has been instrumental in promoting the spiritual, educational, and social development of Tamangs across India. Thanks to the early efforts of organizations like the Kalimpong Tamang Youth Association, AITBA continues to play a vital role in uniting Tamang individuals and communities, preserving their rich cultural heritage, and advocating for their socio-economic progress.

Join us at Mela Ground from 28th–30th January 2025 for our Photo Digitization Stall as part of the @kalimpongmunicipality Kalimpong Municipality Fest 2025.

Bring your old family photographs and let us help you preserve them for future generations. Family albums are more than just a collection of pictures—they are priceless historical records that link our past, present, and future. Each photograph tells its own unique story, shaping our family legacies and the shared narratives of our society.

Don’t let this precious piece of your family’s history fade away. Preserving your photo albums isn’t just about holding on to memories—it’s about safeguarding your cultural heritage. It helps future generations connect with your roots and history. The value of this history only grows with time.

Digitize your photographs today and secure your legacy for generations to come!

हामीलाई 28–30 जनवरी 2025 मा, मेला ग्राउन्ड, कलिम्पोङ नगरपालिका महोत्सव 2025 को अवसरमा फोटो डिजिटाइजेशन स्टल मा सहभागी हुनुहोस्!

आउनुहोस्, आफ्ना पुराना पारिवारिक तस्बिरहरू ल्याउनुहोस् र हामी तपाईंलाई तीलाई भविष्यका पीढीहरूको लागि सुरक्षित गर्न मद्दत गर्नेछौं। पुराना पारिवारिक एल्बमहरू केवल फोटोहरूको सङ्ग्रह मात्र होइन—यी अनमोल ऐतिहासिक रेकर्डहरू हुन् जसले हाम्रो अतीत, वर्तमान र भविष्यलाई जडान गर्छ। प्रत्येक तस्बिरले एउटा अनौठो कथा सुनाउँछ, जसले हाम्रो परिवारको धरोहर र समाजका साझा कथाहरूलाई आकार दिन्छ।

तसर्थ, तपाईंको परिवारको यो अनमोल इतिहासलाई मेटिन नदिनुहोस्। फोटो एल्बमलाई सुरक्षित राख्नु केवल तपाईंको परिवारको सम्झना र परम्परा मात्र होइन, यो तपाईंको सांस्कृतिक धरोहर पनि हो। यसले भविष्यको पीढीलाई तपाईंको जरा र इतिहाससँग जडान बनाउन मद्दत पुर्याउँछ। समय जति जान्छ, त्यो इतिहासको महत्त्व अझै बढ्दो जान्छ।

आजै आफ्नो तस्वीरहरू डिजिटाइज गरेर भविष्यको पीढीको लागि सुरक्षित गर्नुहोस्!

The Picnic Culture of the Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim: A Nostalgic Tradition (Link in bio)
In the local Nepali culture, picnics are affectionately known as ban-bhoj (jungle-feast), a term that reflects the connection between these outdoor gatherings and the region’s natural beauty. Whether it was a family outing or a community event, picnics became synonymous with shared meals, laughter, and the joy of being surrounded by nature.

Until the early 2000s, picnics were more than just leisurely outings in the Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim—they were an integral part of life, deeply cherished for their ability to bring people together. For families and communities in the region, picnics were opportunities to bond, celebrate, and create memories. Many of the family albums we’ve digitized contain photographs from these gatherings, capturing moments of joy and togetherness. During winter vacations, with their crisp, cold air and festive spirit, families eagerly planned these outings. National holidays, like New Year’s Day and Republic Day, added to the sense of occasion, turning picnics into widely celebrated events that united people across the region.

Group portrait of Kalimpong Basic Training School faculty and students
Photo: Yam Singh Ghising / TCC Photo Archive - Circa 1960

Kalimpong Govt. PTTI was established in 1950, alongside four other Teacher Training Institutes in West Bengal, with an initial intake capacity of 40 trainees. The Education Department of the Government of West Bengal officially named it Kalimpong Basic Training School on March 10, 1950. Today, the institution, popularly known to locals as BT College, has been upgraded to DIET Kalimpong (District Institute of Education and Training).

During the 1980s, amid the Gorkhaland movement, the school building was severely affected by the unrest. It suffered significant damage and has since remained in a state of ruin, standing as a poignant symbol of the turbulent political climate that shaped the region's history.

Help Preserve the Stories of the Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalayas: Support the TCC Photo Archive

The TCC Photo Archive is growing each day as we work towards our objective of re-telling stories of the Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalayas.

Our vision is to build a thriving archive representing the inclusive, heterogenous, diverse, and inclusive history of the place. In the past few years, the Collective has grown steadily where we now host valuable collections of personal and institutional archives. This comprises of family albums, institutional repositories and more at present.

As the archive expands so does the challenge to preserve these documents. Being a voluntary organisation, the challenges we face in our sustained effort to scan, digitise, and catalogue thousands of photographs, while simultaneously developing plans on creating public engagements around the archive is real. We are a small team and all of us are voluntarily engaged at the Collective-driven by our unflinching belief that preserving our stories matter.

We have grown steadily and are in urgent need of funds to sustain our collective. In the future we want to expand the Collective. It is our objective to make these archives accessible to the public, curating events, and exhibitions with the community to generate dialogue and deliberations while promoting a culture of collective engagement. Our vision is to foster a culture of inclusive and safe dialogue bringing together mediums such as the arts, writing and research together.

For this vision to materialise, we need your support.

Donation link in bio

🎙️ Online Lecture by Dr. Rafael Schacter – TCC Reading Circle, Session 2- Public Space X Art

Join us for an insightful opening session with @approvedbypablo Dr. Rafael Schacter, Associate Professor in Anthropology at University College London and head of the Material, Visual, and Digital Culture subsection.

Dr. Schacter is the author of ‘Monumental Graffiti’, ‘Street to Studio’, ‘Ornament and Order’, and the award-winning ‘The World Atlas of Street Art and Graffiti’.

He has curated exhibitions at London’s Tate Modern, Somerset House, and many other galleries and art spaces worldwide.

📖 About the TCC Reading Circle
The TCC Reading Circle on Visual Culture is a space for critically examining how visual forms shape social and political realities. It explores the visual not just as a reflection of history and culture but as an active force in constructing meaning.

🗓️ Date: 19 December 2024
⏰ Time: 06:00 PM IST
📍 Where: Online (Link shared upon registration)
🔗 Registration Link in bio

This lecture is open to participants from Northeast India and Darjeeling Hills.

📷 TCC Reading Circle on Visual Culture

Join us in a collaborative space to critically explore how visual forms shape and reflect our world. Rooted in the landscapes of the Sikkim-Darjeeling Hills, our sessions weave local perspectives with global frameworks, uncovering the transformative power of the visual in mediating identities, politics, and everyday life.

🪟Session II: Public Space x Art
This session explores the relationship between art and public space:

* How does public art navigate social and cultural frameworks?
* Can it spark resistance, dialogue, or identity formation?
* What influences do colonial and post-colonial histories have?

📚 4 sessions | 4 weeks | Online
FREE and open to participants from Sikkim-Darjeeling Hills only.

🔗 Registration LINK IN BIO. DM for any queries.

Exciting News!

We are thrilled to announce that our very own @kunga_tashi Kunga Tashi Lepcha is one of the grantees for the prestigious Magnum Foundation Heat Project Fellowship for 2024-25!

@magnumfoundation The Magnum Foundation Heat Fellowship supports innovative photography projects that delve into the urgent climate crisis and its broader implications. Kunga joins a global cohort of nine talented photographers who are reimagining ecological storytelling through critical and creative photographic practices.

Kunga’s project, Children of the Snowy Peaks, delves into the mythical landscapes and contemporary ecology of Dzongu in Sikkim, India. It explores the rich folk stories and spiritual beliefs of the Lepcha community, highlighting their deep connection with the natural world.

The project juxtaposes this cultural heritage with the pressing ecological crises along the Teesta River, caused by hydropower projects and the impacts of climate change. It also sheds light on the ongoing “Save Teesta” movement, which has been advocating for the river’s preservation for nearly two decades.

As a part of this fellowship, Kunga will receive a $10,000 grant, participate in two in-person workshops, and collaborate with partners and networks worldwide.

This milestone is a testament to Kunga’s dedication and vision as a documentary photographer in shedding light on issues that matter.

The Other Everests Project marks 100 years of the British Everest Expeditions (1924–2024), uncovering untold stories and overlooked voices. This international initiative, led by Dr. Jonathan Westaway (University of Lancashire) and Dr. Paul Gilchrist (University of Brighton), explores how Everest shaped local lives and cultures brings together key partners like @rgs_ibg the Royal Geographical Society and @kendalmountainfestival Kendal Mountain Festival.

As local collaborators, The Confluence Collective is proud to document personal histories from the Darjeeling hills and Sikkim region, like that of Chheten Wangdi. An interpreter for the 1921 Everest expedition, Wangdi’s story is a blend of intrigue and mystery. Born in Darjeeling and later settling in Pedong, he graduated from Calcutta Boys’ High School, taught Tibetan, and established Pedong’s first mill. Known for his mastery of Tibetan dialects, Wangdi also embraced an eccentric lifestyle influenced by British culture. Remarkably, he was among the few non-white collaborators paid at par with his English counterparts—a rarity for the time.

Yet, much of his life remains untold. What memories of him exist in his community? How can we reconstruct his story to create a richer, more inclusive Everest narrative?

Through the Everest Archive Project, we aim to preserve personal histories, photographs, and documents that reimagine Everest’s legacy. Join us in this effort—share your stories and help us build a collective archive that highlights the lives and voices behind the iconic peak.

EXHIBITION ALERT
Our member @kunga_tashi Kunga Tashi Lepcha is showing his ongoing body of work “CHILDREN OF THE SNOWY PEAKS,” at Echostream Design Studio, Gangtok, on 31st August. The exhibition will be followed by a conversation with Marmit Lepcha (Affected Citizen of Teesta).
@kinzang_rio
@echostream.sikkim

“Children of the Snowy Peaks,”is a visual exploration of Dzongu, through its mythical landscapes and contemporary ecology. This project explores the folk stories and spiritual beliefs of the Lepcha community and their relationship to the natural world, juxtaposing it with the present-day ecological crises along the Teesta River, brought about by hydel projects and climate change; and the “Save Teesta” movement which has been active for almost two decades.

This project is supported by the Foundation for Indian Contemporary Art (FICA) and Royal Enfield, under the aegis of The Himalayan Fellowship for Creative Practitioners 2023.
@fica_india
@royalenfieldsocialmission

On July 27, 1986, a peaceful protest in Kalimpong turned violent when police opened fire on the demonstrators, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 people. This event became known as the "Kalimpong Massacre" or the "Second Jallianwala Bagh Massacre" (after the infamous 1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in Amritsar).

The movement was led by Subhash Ghisingh and the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), who demanded greater autonomy and recognition of the Gorkha identity. The protests and subsequent violence led to a period of unrest and instability in the region, ultimately resulting in the establishment of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) in 1988, which granted some autonomy to the region.

Forgotten during the rest of the days. Chyaasi(1986) to 2017- the Hills silently bear with the sense of loss. Families enduring the trauma and pain to be reminded of this loss annually. Awaiting closures and healing.

Commemorating the sacrifices of the Shaheeds and the loss of those directly affected by the political crisis in the Hills on 27th of July.

CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS:
PRESERVE YOUR FAMILY HISTORY THROUGH THE CONFLUENCE COLLECTIVE PHOTO ARCHIVE

Old family albums are more than just photo collections; they are invaluable historical and personal records that connect past, present, and future. Each photograph holds not just moments, but narratives that shape our family legacies and societal narratives.

However, the impermanence of photographs, particularly old ones, poses a significant risk. Images fade, corners fold, gloss finishes deteriorate, and memories can vanish over time.

Don’t let your family history fade away. Preserve it for future generations by digitizing your photographs today!

* Do check the link in bio for the guidelines

Our member Mridu Thulung Rai and Sangita Thebe Limbu @iam_sangs both PhD scholars at University College London (UCL) organised an event titled ‘Indigeneity and Art in the Himalayas’ on 5th July 2024, supported by UCL’s Institute of Advanced Studies: Critical Areas Small Grants Fund.

The project brings together artists and researchers from Nepal and India to share their experiences of working on issues of identity and collective rights, whilst critically reflecting on Indigenous storytelling, knowledge production and methodologies.

The works shown include film screenings of

Mangdem’ma by @mekh_limbu
Ningwasum by @subash.thebe.limbu

Shadow play ‘Ki Syiem Kynthai Jaintia (The Jaintia Queen)’ by @syncharpde (assisted by Rinsanga and Yoosa)

Panel Discussion with Anudeep Dewan @nunuluu Subash Thebe Limbu and Synchar Pde

Photo exhibition 📷

Our Belongings by @paashila__23

Kipat by @yawanrai

Kormo Bekoduku by @millo.ankha (Photo project supported by Iyarkai- a grant for conservation and photography 2021-22, @chennaiphotobiennale Chennai Photo Biennale)

The photo exhibition is on until the end of July at UCL’s Institute of Education Library.

@eyeohnah and @rahvlpradhan were the first TCC PHOTO ARCHIVE volunteers who assisted us in digitizing the Foning family archive contributed by @alyenfoning. They assisted us with the scanning, digitizing, and cataloguing of photographs from the collection. We are grateful and hope that more people will join us and learn about our community’s history.

1955 MARGARET’S HOPE SHOOTOUT : It’s historical background and lessons (link in bio) by Sumendra Tamang @of_love_and_other_demons
On June 25th 1955, 69 years ago, a terrible and violent shoot out had taken place at Margaret’s Hope, Control Dara where 6 workers namely Jitman Tamang ( 48 years) Kaley Limbu ( 14 years ), Iccha Sunwar , Amrit Kamini ( 18 yrs), MauliShova Raini ( 22 yrs) and Padam Lal Kami ( 24 yrs) had been openly shot and murdered in broad daylight by the newly “ Independent Indian state” directly under the whims of the Maliks ( owners of tea gardens). An arrested worker named Guptimaya Raini also lost her toddler girl in prison due to a lack of proper medical facilities.

The Poverty of Gorkha Anti-Caste Discourse: Our Struggle for Dignity and Freedom - Link in bio

One possible way to traverse this impasse is to revisit the manifesto of Dalit Panthers⁴, which answers the question: “Who is a Dalit?” by stating “members of scheduled castes and tribes, Neo-Buddhists, the working people, the landless and poor peasants, women and all those who are being exploited politically, economically and in the name of religion.” Can we not think similarly about the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, the toiling masses, Women, Muslims, Christians, LGBTQAI+ and so on, who together constitute the majority of Gorkhas?

CALL FOR VOLUNTEER -

The Confluence Collective is in a lookout for dynamic, curious individuals who want to be a part of the Family Album Archive Project.

We’ve received generous contributions of family albums and continue to do so. While our archive expands, so does our efforts to collect, scan, digitise and catalogue thousands of photographs while simultaneously developing plans on creating public engagements around the archive. We’re a small team and we need your support.
We are looking for people who want to contribute to something larger than themselves, something that will be here long after they and their progeny are gone. A love for the history of the place.

Apply now - link in bio
* The Family Project Archiving project starts from 21st June, 2024.

The Elephant in the Room that we must address: The ugly truth of Casteism in the Hills by Dipti Tamang
Link in bio

‘I only use my first name on my Instagram handle’, a close friend of mine had once told me. Upon being asked why she answered, ‘because it allows me not to reveal my caste’, with a sense of acceptance which instilled in me a sense of despair, rage and hurt that I am sure she no longer bothered to resign her life to.
Often most of us in the Hill society not belonging to any of the three Scheduled Caste groups- Kaami, Damai and Sarki choose to believe that casteism is non-existent in our Hill society. If we do; we believe that it is different from the rest of the country; implying that it is not harmful and bearing the same consequences where caste atrocities is predominantly visible. In reality, caste practices and abuse are rampant in our Hill society where the Hindu caste hierarchy has majorly influenced the shaping of the homogenised Nepali/Gorkha identity and the Hill society at large. It is in this attempt to constantly keep alive the idea of an imagined one identity intact that we often fail to understand the complexities underpinning the true fabric of the Hill society at large. For most of us our immediate sense of oppression, marginalization, discrimination comes from our larger confused identity as ‘foreigners’, ‘pravaasis’ and immigrants. We connect as Gorkhas/Indian Nepalis over this hurt and humiliation that has been a part of our existence as a community. Forgetting some of us may have multiple experiences emerging from our multiple identities- as belonging to a Scheduled Caste group, different ethnicity, gender and more. We have over a prolonged period also failed to see the multiple fissures and cracks within this larger Gorkha/Nepali identity itself; forcing some of us to ask what does it mean to be a Gorkha or who is a Gorkha? Casteism being one of the markers of this fractured identity which now increasingly is demanding to be no longer ignored.

Photo courtesy @shivamdarnal

TCC’s ‘The Sitting Room Studio’ was part of ‘Legacy Threads’, an archival exhibition curated by @junishakhongwir and organised by @neindiaarchive from 8th to 10th March at St. Anthony’s College, Shillong.

‘The Sitting Room Studio’ is an experimental space, where through the material and the visual, we are creating an environment to understand the Hills, it’s people and place. Meant to provoke both social and artistic reflections, the Studio is a continuous space of making—evoking stories and memories, prompting political dialogues as well as creative considerations. As we found out in Shillong, the Sitting Room Studio can also simply be a comforting sanctuary to feel safe and unwind in.

For us, ‘Legacy Threads’ was about forging new relations, shared learning, deep conversations, unadulterated joy and, of course, unapologetically indulging in Khasi food! As Junisha and ourselves reflected extensively, at its core, ‘Legacy Threads’ was about “care”. Despite the struggles as small collectives, this is why we do what we do. Thank you for bringing the archival family together! @ishi.place @this_is_lamka @takeonenagaland @northeastlightbox

THE ‘SITTING ROOM’ STUDIO

In the Sikkim-Darjeeling Hills, family albums took the place of pride in our “sitting rooms”— often the very first area you’d come across upon entering a home. It was always shipshape and adorned with the finest decorative objects. A place to host guests and celebrate special occasions, sitting rooms were a performative stage where people expressed their identities and aspirations—a space meant to be seen and shown. The family albums, positioned with care on a center table, were at the heart of all this. Their placement was intentional, signifying the value to which they were held.

Within this carefully curated environment, the photographs in the albums contributed to a more symbolic act of worldmaking. Photography and the physical space collaboratively engaged in myriad ways to express local agency and articulate imaginaries. The self-fashioning and self-presentation reflected personal efficacies as well as the collective socio-cultural landscape of the Sikkim-Darjeeling Hills of the 20th century.

Therefore, in our ‘Sitting Room’ Studio too, every object holds meaning, and every arrangement has something to tell. They evoke an essence of our community. And in this context, the photographs transcend mere acts of memorialization. Even in the most placid image-surfaces, there’s an anticipated animacy—stories from the Hills eagerly expecting to be tugged and pulled at.

We are excited to be part of a group exhibition ‘Legacy Threads’ in Shillong from 6-10th March curated by @neindiaarchive along with @ishi.place @takeonenagaland @this_is_lamka @northeastlightbox

We are delighted to have our TCC members @kunga_tashi and Praveen Chettri as contributors alongside some brilliant names from Northeast India in this wonderful collection. Edited by @dollykikon and Joel Rodrigues, ‘Food Journeys: Stories from the Heart’ speaks to the region’s soul. The book is about evoking lived experiences, of both joy and pain, and through this finding and bridging roots.

Praveen and Kunga’s photo story delves into the socio-religious relevance of chang (millet brew) in Sikkim-Darjeeling Himalayas. As the chapter notes, “The photographs challenge the exoticisation of culinary practices to reflect on the nuance of these diverse culinary practices and their entanglement in everyday life.”

Thank you Dolly and Joel for inviting us to be a part of this beautiful collection. The book is available at @zubaanbooks

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

FROM CHAOS TO COMPOSITION - Workshop on Fundamentals of Street Photography with Birat Rai