All about Mobaikars

Dr Cecilia D’Monte, a member of the East Indian community, was the first female doctor to be stationed at Cama Hospital in Mumbai. Pic courtesy/Dr Mridulla Ramanna

To this day, members of the East Indian community fondly refer to Mumbai as ‘Mobai', a term that they had coined generations ago. "It may be difficult to find in the world a community whose homeland falls within one of the most populous cities of India. East Indian culture is fast disappearing; when you look at the history of a city, you turn towards its people, their contributions. These are things that must be recorded," shares Dr Fleur D'Souza, former Head of the Department (History), St Xavier's College, Mumbai.

Dr Fleur D'Souza and Mogan Rodrigues

D'Souza is one of the three speakers of a five-day series of virtual interactive sessions till this weekend, titled Mi Mobaikar, conducted by the Asiatic Society of Mumbai and the Mumbai Research Centre that explores the history and culture behind the fast-disappearing gaothans of the city. These talks aim to highlight and bring to the fore the origins, identities, language, cuisine and apparel unique to the community. "We'll be showcasing the areas they've inhabited and nurtured through time. As urbanisation and its greedy demands demolish, pollute and erase, this series of lectures might give rise to the idea to document for posterity, several aspects of a community's past. Urbanisation and ‘development' have affected the lands, livelihood and culture of a community and this series records as it reminisces," adds D'Souza.

Vindaloo is a common preparation associated with East Indian ceremonies like weddings

City-based tour guide Mogan Rodrigues is also a part of the speaker ensemble and is set to helm the lecture on the cuisine of the community and its significance. "I'll be touching upon foods available to the community in the regions they inhabit. I'll also be showcasing the Portuguese influence in many dishes. Lastly, I'll be wrapping up with how food shows up in religious feasts and events. This is my way of charting the significance," he says.

Preparations underway for the Agera harvest festival at Uttan. The festival is celebrated by members of the East Indian community

Along with this, the upcoming sessions will focus on aesthetics, architecture and identity helmed by D'Souza, and one on textiles, focusing on the traditional lugra sari worn by members of the community, conducted by textile expert Savitha Suri.

Till: August 31
Time: I7 pm to 8.30 pm, daily
Log on to: https://forms.gle/7C1bQcCXfrZqzpvM8 to register
Cost: Rs 1,000