Asian & Western Values

Deepa Parekh

Deepa Parekh has an eye for discovering charm in people and places within her own country and abroad. As a photographer for Cosmopolitan India, she has learned how to mesh existing Indian customs within a Western framework.

Born into an artistic family, Deepa's desire to pursue individual and creative endeavours was fostered at a young age. She graduated with a certificate in graphic design from the Delhi College of Art where she won first prize in an inter-college fashion show two years in a row.

After college, she worked as an assistant with Ashok Salian, an acclaimed fashion photographer in India. With a shaved head, she caught the attention of one of her clients and began modelling to earn extra money in order to buy more photography related equipment.

"I was conscious of the fact that I should not get carried away with modelling which was very tempting because it was easy money," she said. " But I also wanted to be on the other side of the camera to see how it felt."

Similar to when you experience a new culture, a relationship has to be built to ensure that both people feel comfortable otherwise the unease shows up in the photographs.

Speaking at the Asia Connects conference in Winnipeg about Asian and Western values, she says that she is not at all sure how to define Western values. Deepa explains that can only really perceive Western values through her own individual Indian experience.

Deepa's presentation will consist primarily of two sets of slides. The first set will demonstrate rural villages in India that espouse the traditional way of life. Her second set of slides will include samples of her work from Cosmopolitan India which show a modern India.

Dressed in loose overalls, she explains that she is part of a generation of young, urban women in India striking out on their own and choosing to forgo traditional paths. For example, getting married by the time they turn 21 years old.

"My generation wants to do its own thing," she said. "We want to lead individual lifestyles."

Like Deepa, young people in India are in the mood for change and are slowly starting to incorporate the best of both worlds into their lives.

Bombay, New Delhi, Calcutta, Madras and Bangalore have become the hot spots for a changing youth culture inspired by MTV and American fashion. Cosmopolitan India was the first North American magazine to break into India about a year ago with a customized edition.

Culturally, there is some confusion as to where, Deepa and her counterparts there is some confusion as to where they want to take their lifestyles. However, they managed to establish a fine balanceand expect quality from Indian and Western pop culture, such as music and films.

"My friends and I are a good example of both cultures coming together," she said. "We appreciate our cultures and traditions. You need to pick out the good stuff and include it in your lifestyle."