A White Eid (?) and Self-Portrait by AK Ramanujan

This week in Daak:

1. A White Eid (?)

2. Self-Portrait by AK Ramanujan

3. Send a Postcard and Make Someone’s Day!

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1. Eid Greeting Card, Priya Paul Collection

Wondering why an Eid greeting card looks more like a Christmas card? This curious little card is an example of early greeting cards which were made in Europe and adapted (or not quite) to suit Indian festivals and sentiments. The expansion of train lines in the late 19th century led to not only improved job prospects, but also the strengthening of the postal service. As people travelled away from their homes to find work, greeting cards became a popular and readily-available way to wish loved ones and send them a note of cheer during festivals. Today, we continue to travel away from home, even further than before, but sadly, we’ve lost the art of writing letters and greeting cards to text messages and emojis. Hope this image inspires you to send a hand-written note to a loved one today!

2. Self-Portrait by AK Ramanujan

I resemble everyone
but myself, and sometimes see
in shop-windows
  despite the well-known laws
  of optics,
the portrait of a stranger,
date unknown,
often signed in a corner
by my father.

This poem of nine lines packs quite a punch! It explores questions of image, selfhood, identity and belonging through a simple act of seeing one’s reflection while walking past shop windows. If you’ve ever found yourself resolving that you will not turn into your parents, this poem will force a reckoning. However far we may travel and however much we change our ways, ideas and ideals, there is a strong, stubborn thread of connection to our past tying us to our home and roots.

3. Send a Postcard and Make Someone’s Day

If we’ve sufficiently inspired you to connect with a loved one (perhaps in a place that you think of as home) and write them a note on homegrown postcards, we’d be honoured if you choose from a range of Daak postcards on love, friendship, nature and other themes.