Tim Roman, a proud Australian, doting father and enthusiastic creative writer. His connection with India is through cinema, food, cricket and social work.
What inspires me most about the Daroonjinish approach is the care and respect they show their remarkable artisans. They bridge the gap in culture between Westerners such as myself who love their crafts, and the wonderful women who make these stunning pieces with unrivalled skill, care and attention.
The fact these amazing works of art are eco-friendly is important to me because in these times of global warming, it can be easy to fall into the trap of accepting mass-produced goods. Knowing there are no machines involved, just passionate Bengali artisans using what is around them makes supporting their work even more rewarding.
I believe strongly in closing the obscene gap between rich and poor in this world, no matter where such people live. I have been proud to make a small contribution to wonderful Kolkatan organisations like Apne Aap Org and St Jude India Childcare Centre, who work constantly to shine a light on inequality and then build the confidence and independence of artisans, poverty-stricken children and thousands of others who, through no fault of their own, struggle with hardship.
My connection with India has been largely through cultural assets such as film. Movies like The Lunchbox, featuring the unmatched acting talent of sadly departed Irrfan Khan, gave me a pathway into the intensity and richness of Indian cinema. I’m a passionate music fan too and early in my university days I encountered Anglo-Indian pop artists like Asian Dub Foundation and Cornershop who spoke truth about the challenge of growing up in an immigrant community and finding acceptance through like-minded family and friends.
I am currently completing a Masters of Creative Writing at University of Melbourne. Having worked for many years in journalism and corporate communications (I am currently employed by the Victorian Government in such a role) I was keen to test my abilities to come up with more creative prose and open myself up to more enjoyable forms of expression. I’m reading the magnificent Great Indian Novel by Shashi Tharoor and its satirical eye, cast playfully over the Mahabharata, fits my mindset perfectly. Satire is an underrated art form, particularly when it kicks upwards to those in positions of cultural or economic superiority.
For all my lofty cultural goals, I’m forever a sucker for great food, no matter which cuisine it comes from and that’s why picking my favourite Bengali phrase ‘kheeday peche’ wasn’t much of a challenge!
— Tim Roman, Digital Content Advisor, Victorian Government
Image Copyright : Daroonjinish.com // Contents : Tim Roman
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