CANDID WITH ARPIT AGARWAL
Amrapaali / January 2015
7
Arpit Agarwal from northeast India’s
Assam is an entrepreneur who came up
with a creative venture that reflects the
region’s culture and popular symbols in
all its dimensions. This young lad based
in Guwahati, Assam (India) did his study
at the National Institute of Design,
Ahmedabad. Arpit’s concept initiated
with his own savings have drawn interest
of many and is becoming the focal
attraction of souvenir, stationary lovers
and all those who loves to store a
beautiful piece of artistic thought.
this part of the world to experience it on
their own. Our effort is to use the local
resources wherever possible, cultural
symbols of NE, its diverse fauna, flora
etc. to take NE to India and rest of the
World. Idea is to create a visual imagery
about these symbols so as to leave a
lasting impact on people. Also with
growing
interest
in
North-east
Indian culture-tourism, we thought that
the time was right to introduce
a collection inspired by its culture and
traditions.”
He ventured the ‘NEst by Arpit Agarwal’,
a brand of notebooks/ journals, lifestyle
products etc. that are inspired by the
symbols, culture and crafts of the
picturesque and unexplored paradise of
North-Eastern India which includes Eight
states: each vividly different from one
other. The brand that is now almost two
and half years old puts effort to capture
and explore the immense rich heritage of
north-east, its diverse wildlife, flora,
fauna and its colourful people.
When asked if he faces any sort of
hindrances? He answered, “Hindrance
may
be
sourcing
and
producing
merchandise as resources are limited
here. But, we are trying to attract tourists
and people who love northeast and are
inquisitive about the place. We are taking
calculative risks.”
Most of the time whenever we come
across any northeast news, is all about
insurgencies and terrorism like the recent
militant attack in Assam. Arpit says,
“Although people keep talking about its
natural beauty, landscapes etc. but very
few actually have the courage to come to
At present products like notebooks,
coffee-mugs,
coasters,
key-chains,
bookmarks
have
graphic
elements
inspired by symbols and motifs of Assam,
Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal
Pradesh, gradually works on all the eight
states
of
north-east
will
be
included. Most of the products come with
a description about the inspiration,
which might further inspire the buyers to
take further interest in the region.
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