A Lot’s Brewing

Conceived by Sukhmani Kohli three years ago as a community space for like-minded people to come together and share feelings,ideas and talents,sans any agendas,the cafe has grown in both spirit and size since then.

There are poetry sessions,workshops,concerts,artsy interactions over tea,coffee and home-made sandwiches going on all the time here. “The idea was to work out a model concept without any commercial interest,where people could sit back and relax,find friends,look for new ways to develop their talent and share their skills,” says 26-year-old Kohli,a theatre director,artist and photographer who is currently travelling but is nevertheless happy to hand over the charge of celebrations to the members.

As 24-year-old Sumedha Sharma spreads out durries and gets out the cake to celebrate the café’s birthday,she invites other volunteers to come up and share their experiences. “The space has helped me know myself better. I’ve developed enriching relationships here and also found my calling — to be a teacher — thanks to the constant support of like-minded people I found here,” says Sharma.

Many absorbing activities are organised here every week. Also,there is this annual Garage Film Festival,which screens movies by young filmmakers alongside those by renowned directors,in order to attract movie buffs of all age-groups. “Work is on for this year’s edition of the festival,and we hope to include some new elements and themes,” adds Dr Gaurav Chhabra,an activist and documentary filmmaker.

Working together as a team,the 40-plus members have devised an activity calendar,which includes book-reading sessions,musical evenings,theatre workshops,interactive lectures and many other skill-sharing evenings.

“It’s a meeting point,a space where there is no rush,” says 27-year-old Shitij Sharma,also sharing how he was inspired by his “cafe friends” to launch Yuvshalla,a career counselling initiative,which has now expanded considerably. “I’ve learnt so much here,including how to create a blog,” adds Sharma.

Agrees 23-year-old Rubina Singh,who is part of Hollaback,an NGO generating awareness about sexual harassment. “It was here that we launched our NGO,” she says.

Sit back and savour the moment,as a brand new idea takes shape at his spot every Sunday.