Expression Underground

True to its name,the group began its work by associating itself with a community that technically does not exist,and yet is a distinctive part of city’s culture — the street book sellers. After a police crackdown on the book sellers in Flora Fountain and Kala Ghoda in 2005,the group pooled in around Rs 6 lakh to procure and house the entire collection in Bandra.

“We realised that many of these collections have rare books and documents that will not be found in regular upmarket and formal book stores. So we decided to put up a centralised collection of such books,thus starting our work,” said Himanshu,one of the persons behind Bombay Underground.

The group,later,also began their own publications,including write- ups,photographs and paintings. Through these,it voices opinion concern on issues ranging from child education,the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and Irom Sharmila to freedom of artistic expression.

“Cultural activism” is how the group,rather ambitiously,describes the work that it does. Saurabh Singh,one of the members,says,“The idea is to have a single platform to showcase and discuss works of art from as diverse fields as possible. It is a place for alternative expression.” This includes political dissent,tribal art,feminism and literature from lesser known parts of the world.

The library put up in the Bandra garage also serves as a regular meeting-cum-exhibition venue for those interested.

For the past two years,the group has been showcasing its collection at the annual Kala Ghoda festival and will be taking part this year as well. A major section of the paintings will be the work of children in slums in Mankhurd and Vikhroli,who have been trained by the members of Bombay Underground. They also collaborate with other activists and NGOs,including the Salaam Bombay foundation in the field of primary education.

The group now plans to soon make its own short films,while continuing to publish its own magazines and booklets. They also intend to increase their work through “neighbourhood projects”— introducing others and being introduced themselves to new ideas in literature,music and fine arts.

The beginning of the entire project and the meeting of minds,recounts Saurabh,was the work of serendipity. Five years on,the serendipitous journey continues.