Shivangi Singhal

Keep it! Kashi is an attempt to represent and highlight the existing potential of the Indian town of Varanasi, when seen from the perspective of planetary and social wellbeing. It is based on ground research conducted in the town in June 2023. Just by changing the goal from growthism to well-being, a lot of existing behaviours and ways of living gain value which otherwise are taken for granted or are ignored. Thus, this project intends to start a conversation about the opportunity to steer away from standardised strategies based on the growth imperative, by building upon what exists with care.

Keep it! Kashi is an e-book that takes a speculative approach and applies storytelling. It presents these values from the perspective of the future generation who have lost them over time. It is a monologue of a young adult in the year 2070 where a planetary and cultural tipping point has been hit. In the monologue the young adult is contemplating on the conversations with their elder as they are trying to picture what the Kashi of the past felt like. Along with trying to picture these atmospheres they are also critically reflecting on why these existed and what caused the loss. Thus, aiming to convey some blind spots in the current approach of the government in 2023 of carrying forward tradition as the country develops.

Along with the audio-visual elements of story telling the book features prompt cards for encouraging and enabling action for all 10+1 themes presented in it.

It is based on the belief that the embedded values present in all our communities hold great potential for the betterment of the people and the planet. And thus, this book, set in the context of Varanasi, is just a starting point.

To access the e-book – https://linktr.ee/ShivangiSinghal