When India finally won its independence – culminating in a new democracy, but also the violent rupture of Partition –
ABOVE: A show of hands: voting for Partition, 14th June 1947
Bombay’s culture of cosmopolitanism and shared spaces (such as the humble Irani café) offered insulation against the deep unrest occurring elsewhere. In recognition of this at Dishoom, we intentionally honour the stories of Indian independence: using our cafés as the backdrop for them to be seen and heard by all. Our 75 Years event is just one of many events we have personally curated to commemorate Indian independence, so that both the good and the bad may not be lost from our collective memory. By humbly creating spaces where that people can have their stories told, their voices heard and their histories understood, we can also forge shared experiences through which understanding can be deepened, bonds can be tightened and one of the most momentous and tumultuous events of South Asian and British history can be kept alive for future generations.
A series of unique events
Dishoom presents "75 Years"
In August, 2022 we held a series of events commemorating “75 years” of Indian Independence and the creation of Pakistan. These events brought together intimate testimonies, specially composed musical performances from Soumik Datta and a plentiful Dishoom feast in a unique interpretation of Kavita Puri’s book Partition Voices: Untold British Stories.
The story continues
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History
Learning more about Indian Independence
77 Years on, there is still much learning to be done
