Bytes from India by Randa Breuer

MEET ARJUN JAIN This article is part of a series: Young visionaries in India:  Artists, risk-takers, and innovators Transformations: From Nuclear Physicist to Artist -  from Electronic Factory to Cultural Center -  The Story of Red House and Its Founder Some of the many faces of Arjun Jain ***************** Transformation is not a simple task. Arjun Jain has worked with passion and vision, transforming his family factory, himself, and his community in the aftermath of the Covid tragedy that hit India “worse than a nuclear bomb” in April and May of 2021. Indeed, in his own words, he aims even higher: “We're determined to do no less than transform our India with beauty.”  IIT Logo, from Wikipedia Jain’s journey from nuclear physics graduate at one of  India’s most prestigious universities, (Indian Institute of Technology, IIT, Roorkee) to artist, manager, and proprietor of a budding cultural center involved growing pains and human sweat.  Arjun Jain and His S...

November 29, 2023 -  A Cultural Evening with Pallavi’s Students  at the Kathika Cultural Center    Meet Pallavi Singh : If you are an expat in Delhi, one of your first survival tasks is to pick up a little bit of Hindi, at least “rickshaw Hindi”. A very Humbling experience. Even just “rickshaw” Hindi.  I first met Pallavi when I attempted learning Hindi in group classes offered to teachers and community members at the American Embassy School.  She quickly became my cultural interpreter for all things India: the Caste system; arranged marriages vs. love marriages; the life of a Delhiite.  She served as my guide to local Delhi cafes and favorite hangouts, including the original India Coffee House and traditional snack places around Connaught Square, some that predate India’s independence. She accompanied my visiting family members on shopping expeditions in Chandni Chowk, INA market, and other daunting local favorites, helping with the necessary hagglin...