Anika Basu, Jemima D’Sa, Saira Backhouse, and Rishita Bhuvanagiri are second-year students at the University of Edinburgh and the creators of Maala Zine, an online platform showcasing South Asian creatives. This project celebrates their culture and centres the experience of being part of a diaspora community at university.
The four met at Brown Girl* Soc social and found that they shared a frustration with the lack of spaces available for South Asian students to engage with and create art inspired by their culture. “Creative outlets at University feel quite white-dominated and Eurocentric,” Anika explains. Jemima expands on this: “even when we talk about South Asia at University, it is very politicised, talking about colonialism for example, but sometimes when I talk about my South Asian identity I want to talk about fashion and art instead. I also find it weird that South Asian students have become so associated with STEM, because I’ve been to India twice in the last two years, and seeing all the outfits and festival celebrations highlights the incredible histories of art, literature and culture. How can you go to places that colourful and not be inspired?”
For the creators of Maala Zine, celebrating South Asian art is about much more than just the aesthetics, it is a way to defy stereotypes and reclaim the meaning of their culture. “At the moment, hatred and politics of religion always get in the way of discussions around South Asia.” Saira explains. “People can be quite nationalistic, but we wanted to provide a universal, open space for creatives.”
Though the zine is a bold celebration of being South Asian, the creators’ experience of growing up in the UK was not always characterised by this acceptance. “A few years ago, I did not take much pride in being South Asian. Especially being British Asian, it is something you tend to diminish around your peers.” Jemima admits, “there has been a shift in cultural appreciation over the last few years, and I wanted a way to celebrate that” she explains. Saira adds, “I’ve always been connected to the visual elements of my culture, but there is so much hatred on the rise on social media. For example, white, privileged Gen Z influencers who travel to remote places in South Asia and mock them online for clout. With the zine, we hope to provide a space that counteracts all of this negativity.”
For diaspora communities, embracing a new city whilst maintaining cultural connections poses an additional challenge to university life. “Most of us [four] grew up in London, surrounded by our families and members of the South Asian community. It was common to see women out shopping in saris and trainers.” Anika explains, “For me, Edinburgh lacks this community, so the project has helped me find comfort in elements of my culture that I’ve had to leave behind.” Jemima adds, “South Asian student societies at University are centred on international students, but the experience is very different growing up in the UK, so you feel like you don’t quite fit in.” For this reason, the zine is also a space for learning. When individuals share and express themselves through art, others better understand their unique experiences and outlooks. “South Asian culture is not homogenous. Though we relate to one another, each of our experiences are very different, so we are learning new things even from each other’s work,” Anika explains.
Currently, Maala Zine is accepting submissions through Instagram (@maala.zine). They welcome all kinds of submissions, including art, photography, creative writing, think pieces, case studies, reviews and rants. “Basically anything that is related to South Asian arts and culture, but not overly divisive,” Anika explains. The project is in its early stages and can be found on Instagram, but the group are keen to produce a physical zine at the end of the Semester as they publish more work. “We are all going abroad next year, but we want Maala Zine to continue online,” Saira explains. “I was quite scared to put myself out there in first year, but this has given me much more motivation and made me less afraid to take part. I hope it can help other people in the same way.”
When asked about future projects, the creators excitedly explain their plans for a photoshoot that centres around the “juxtaposition of urban Edinburgh and being a young, South Asian woman decked out in flashy bling and bright colours.” Saira explains: “it is an unapologetic, defiant statement.” This perfectly sums up the passion that has fuelled Maala Zine, with Anika, Jemima, Saira, and Rishita successfully creating a space that boldly challenges stereotypes and celebrates the creative influence of Edinburgh’s diverse student community.
Artwork by Jemima D’Sa.