The rhythmic whirring of a machine, constant needle jabs, the permanence of an indelible mark, and let’s not forget about pain. There’s a lot that makes the concept of tattoos daunting – perhaps even unappealing. But if there’s one thing that no one can deny is that the trend of getting tattoos has been spreading like wildfire in the world.   What is it about the phenomenon of using your skin as a canvas that excites people so much? Today we take a deep dive into the world of ink.   For the longest time tattoos in popular representation have found themselves associated with the MTV culture of hard rock. But what’s popular may not always be true.  The first few accounts of tattoos in India come from the colonial records of the castes and tribes of India and go as far as 1916. Like with most ancient traditions in the country, the research and information available on when this practice started is almost negligible.  However, the tribes and communities of people who continue this tradition trace the roots of their tattoos to religion and group identity.   As varied as the tattoo designs are in India, perhaps just as varied are the meaning and significance of the motifs that people sport.   When a Baiga girl turns 9-10 years old, she gets these as her first tattoo. This motif means stove, this means grain, this is wood, and this again is grain.   Tattoos have served as markers of caste, to define a woman’s coming of age, as a warrior's decoration after battle. An interesting story as far as assertion of identity is concerned is also that of the Ramnamis of Chhatisgarh. A community of the lower castes who decided to rebel against bramhanical laws of worship through the use of ink.   It can be argued that the tattoo tradition in India has skipped a few generations. Colonisation and urbanisation for a while led to the belief that tattoos are primitive and have no place in the modern world. However, after a brief hiatus, people are slowly attempting to reconnect to their roots. This need to know more about the ancient tradition of tattoo-ing in India is also the inspiration behind the work of many artists, like Shomil Shah who documents this artform through his crowdsourced repository – India Ink archive.   Regardless of how much one may try to deny the existence and presence of tattoos in our country, the reality is that the practice of tattooing has been a part of our culture for a very long time. Not just for cosmetic purposes but also for a sense of community. Old records on the tattoo-ing tradition also detail songs and rituals specifically related to the practice.  It's muddy waters to talk about the practice of tattoos without touching upon cultural appropriation. Yes, tribal tattoos are coming back into fashion, but one must ask who gets to sport these designs, and who benefits from making them?  In fact, when talking about tattoos it’s also an interesting question to look at who actually owns tattoos as a piece of artwork? Is it the person who came up with the idea and design? The person who executed said design? Or the canvas – a living, breathing human being. We delve into that in our next episode! Watch Episode 2: Watch Episode 3: Watch Episode 4: 

How and Why | Tattoos Episode 1: The History and culture of tattoos in India 

The rhythmic whirring of a machine, constant needle jabs, the permanence of an indelible mark, and let’s not forget about pain. There’s a lot that makes the concept of tattoos daunting – perhaps even unappealing. But if there’s one thing that no one can deny is that the trend of getting tattoos has been spreading like wildfire in the world.  
 
What is it about the phenomenon of using your skin as a canvas that excites people so much? Today we take a deep dive into the world of ink.  
 
For the longest time tattoos in popular representation have found themselves associated with the MTV culture of hard rock. But what’s popular may not always be true.  
The first few accounts of tattoos in India come from the colonial records of the castes and tribes of India and go as far as 1916. Like with most ancient traditions in the country, the research and information available on when this practice started is almost negligible.  However, the tribes and communities of people who continue this tradition trace the roots of their tattoos to religion and group identity.  
 
As varied as the tattoo designs are in India, perhaps just as varied are the meaning and significance of the motifs that people sport.  
 
When a Baiga girl turns 9-10 years old, she gets these as her first tattoo. This motif means stove, this means grain, this is wood, and this again is grain.  
 
Tattoos have served as markers of caste, to define a woman’s coming of age, as a warrior's decoration after battle. An interesting story as far as assertion of identity is concerned is also that of the Ramnamis of Chhatisgarh. A community of the lower castes who decided to rebel against bramhanical laws of worship through the use of ink.  
 
It can be argued that the tattoo tradition in India has skipped a few generations. Colonisation and urbanisation for a while led to the belief that tattoos are primitive and have no place in the modern world. However, after a brief hiatus, people are slowly attempting to reconnect to their roots. This need to know more about the ancient tradition of tattoo-ing in India is also the inspiration behind the work of many artists, like Shomil Shah who documents this artform through his crowdsourced repository – India Ink archive.  
 
Regardless of how much one may try to deny the existence and presence of tattoos in our country, the reality is that the practice of tattooing has been a part of our culture for a very long time. Not just for cosmetic purposes but also for a sense of community. Old records on the tattoo-ing tradition also detail songs and rituals specifically related to the practice.  
It's muddy waters to talk about the practice of tattoos without touching upon cultural appropriation. Yes, tribal tattoos are coming back into fashion, but one must ask who gets to sport these designs, and who benefits from making them?  
In fact, when talking about tattoos it’s also an interesting question to look at who actually owns tattoos as a piece of artwork? Is it the person who came up with the idea and design? The person who executed said design? Or the canvas – a living, breathing human being. We delve into that in our next episode! 

Are tattoos just a sign of western rebellion or do they have Indian roots too? In this episode we take a look!&nbsp;

The rhythmic whirring of a machine, constant needle jabs, the permanence of an indelible mark, and let&rsquo;s not forget about pain. There&rsquo;s a lot that makes the concept of tattoos daunting &ndash; perhaps even unappealing. But if there&rsquo;s one thing that no one can deny is that the trend of getting tattoos has been spreading like wildfire in the world. &nbsp; &nbsp; What is it about the phenomenon of using your skin as a canvas that excites people so much? Today we take a deep dive into the world of ink. &nbsp; &nbsp; For the longest time tattoos in popular representation have found themselves associated with the MTV culture of hard rock. But what&rsquo;s popular may not always be true. &nbsp; The first few accounts of tattoos in India come from the colonial records of the castes and tribes of India and go as far as 1916. Like with most ancient traditions in the country, the research and information available on when this practice started is almost negligible. &nbsp;However, the tribes and communities of people who continue this tradition trace the roots of their tattoos to religion and group identity. &nbsp; &nbsp; As varied as the tattoo designs are in India, perhaps just as varied are the meaning and significance of the motifs that people sport. &nbsp; &nbsp; When a Baiga girl turns 9-10 years old, she gets these as her first tattoo. This motif means stove, this means grain, this is wood, and this again is grain. &nbsp; &nbsp; Tattoos have served as markers of caste, to define a woman&rsquo;s coming of age, as a warrior's decoration after battle. An interesting story as far as assertion of identity is concerned is also that of the Ramnamis of Chhatisgarh. A community of the lower castes who decided to rebel against bramhanical laws of worship through the use of ink. &nbsp; &nbsp; It can be argued that the tattoo tradition in India has skipped a few generations. Colonisation and urbanisation for a while led to the belief that tattoos are primitive and have no place in the modern world. However, after a brief hiatus, people are slowly attempting to reconnect to their roots. This need to know more about the ancient tradition of tattoo-ing in India is also the inspiration behind the work of many artists, like Shomil Shah who documents this artform through his crowdsourced repository &ndash; India Ink archive. &nbsp; &nbsp; Regardless of how much one may try to deny the existence and presence of tattoos in our country, the reality is that the practice of tattooing has been a part of our culture for a very long time. Not just for cosmetic purposes but also for a sense of community. Old records on the tattoo-ing tradition also detail songs and rituals specifically related to the practice. &nbsp; It's muddy waters to talk about the practice of tattoos without touching upon cultural appropriation. Yes, tribal tattoos are coming back into fashion, but one must ask who gets to sport these designs, and who benefits from making them? &nbsp; In fact, when talking about tattoos it&rsquo;s also an interesting question to look at who actually owns tattoos as a piece of artwork? Is it the person who came up with the idea and design? The person who executed said design? Or the canvas &ndash; a living, breathing human being. We delve into that in our next episode!&nbsp; Also Watch -
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/how-and-why-tattoos-episode-2-who-owns-a-tattoo-the-question-of-copyright-1657292416422">Episode 2: Who owns a tattoo? The question of copyright&nbsp;</a> <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/how-and-why-tattoos-episode-3-how-much-money-does-the-tattoo-industry-make-1657292863391">Episode 3: How much money does the tattoo industry make?&nbsp;</a> <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/how-and-why-tattoos-episode-4-why-do-people-get-tattoos-a-look-at-the-psychology-behind-getting-inked-1657293307863">Episode 4: Why do people get tattoos? A look at the psychology behind getting inked</a>

Both the left and right wing welcome the violation of human rights against people they don’t like. The judiciary alone can stand up to this pressure. The courts must not forget personal liberty, Justice Deepak Gupta tells Vikram Chandra.

The India Story | “Power misused across spectrum”: Courts need to defend individual liberty?

Both the left and right wing welcome the violation of human rights against people they don&rsquo;t like. The judiciary alone can stand up to this pressure. The courts must not forget personal liberty, Justice Deepak Gupta tells Vikram Chandra.

Both the left and right wing welcome the violation of human rights, filing of FIRs, arrests, and harassment by the police when it's against people they don't like. The only institution that is supposed to stand up against this pressure is the judiciary.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-13-maharashtra-political-crisis-a-game-of-twists-and-turns-1656604715224" target="_blank">The India Story Episode 13 | Maharashtra political crisis: A game of twists and turns</a>
On this week&rsquo;s episode of The India Story, Justice Deepak Gupta tells Vikram Chandra that while power is being misused across the spectrum, the Courts must not forget the value of personal liberty.
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8 pm. Download the Editorji app: www.editorji.com/download

That the trend of getting tattoos is spreading like wildfire in the world is a fact that no one can deny. However, for a while now tattoos have been infamously dubbed as a western sign of rebellion that have nothing to do with India. But getting inked has been part of our culture for centuries – and many see it as art, a way to connect to their roots and as a sign of prestige. The industry is also pumping enough money for many to see it as a lucrative career option. What is it about using one’s skin as a canvas that gets people so excited? In this series, we attempt to find out!    

How & Why? | Series 1: All about tattoos! 

That the trend of getting tattoos is spreading like wildfire in the world is a fact that no one can deny. However, for a while now tattoos have been infamously dubbed as a western sign of rebellion that have nothing to do with India. But getting inked has been part of our culture for centuries – and many see it as art, a way to connect to their roots and as a sign of prestige. The industry is also pumping enough money for many to see it as a lucrative career option. What is it about using one’s skin as a canvas that gets people so excited? In this series, we attempt to find out!    

They're seen as a western sign of rebellion, and not a real art form. But is that really true? Find out in our new show!&nbsp;

That the trend of getting tattoos is spreading like wildfire in the world is a fact that no one can deny. However, for a while now tattoos have been infamously dubbed as a western sign of rebellion that have nothing to do with India. But getting inked has been part of our culture for centuries &ndash; and many see it as art, a way to connect to their roots and as a sign of prestige. The industry is also pumping enough money for many to see it as a lucrative career option. What is it about using one&rsquo;s skin as a canvas that gets people so excited? In this series, we attempt to find out! &nbsp; &nbsp; All episodes streaming from 9th July!&nbsp;

In 1999, 15 people walked around Park Circus Maidan and the queer movement in India took a giant leap forward. We speak with Pawan Dhall, one of the first few walkers at the Kolkata Friendship March 1999! 

The Footnote | Revisiting India's first Pride Parade with Pawan Dhall 

In 1999, 15 people walked around Park Circus Maidan and the queer movement in India took a giant leap forward. We speak with Pawan Dhall, one of the first few walkers at the Kolkata Friendship March 1999!&nbsp;

23 years ago, 15 people took a symbolic round of the Park Circus Maidan, and the queer movement in India turned a began a new chapter in it&rsquo;s history. On this anniversary of the Kolkata Friendship Walk of 1999 we take a trip down memory lane with Pawan Dhall, a queer activist, writer and archivist.&nbsp; &nbsp; Nishtha Shanti: Can you take us back to 1999 and tell us what motivated you to hold the march and what preparation went into it? &nbsp;What was the day like, how did things feel and what was the kind of reaction you got after the parade? &nbsp;&nbsp; Pawan Dhall: I felt that this would have been just another &lsquo;michil&rsquo; or just another procession on the streets of Calcutta. And what big difference would it make? But I came around to the fact that we needed much more public visibility for the Indian queer movements. So, the Fire controversy, the controversy around the film Fire had already happened in the year 1998 and then also it spilled over into 1999. And that had brought the issue, the LGBT issues, into the public forum in one of the biggest ways ever. So, we had in the beginning, we had only 30 people who had agreed to participate. And on the day of the walk, only 15 turned up. And what we decided was that 15 people were not going to make much of a difference walking on the streets. So, we said that let's use this occasion to build bridges. So we did a symbolic walk in Park Circus Maidan, and then we split into two teams. So both the teams visited different NGOs, other social activists and government offices to talk to people to advocate on the issue of LGBT rights, and to explain LGBT rights are nothing different from human rights. The photographs went out all the media publications and one of the members who walked in in the first walk, he actually came out to his family through the walk, actually, because his photograph was also published and his family happened to see it and ask him questions. So, he used that occasion to come out to his family and fortunately he was quite well accepted &nbsp; &nbsp; NS: At the time how did the queer community react to the march? How important is inclusivity of all groups within the movement? &nbsp; &nbsp; PD: Some of the queer support groups said that &lsquo;Oh this is just a Western fad&rsquo; You have pride marches in New York and Sydney and you&rsquo;re just a poor copy of those pride marches. But I personally think that that is not how it was and for us straight acting gay men or bisexual men to be visible on the street and to be visible in public forums, it was something empowering I personally had to face a lot of criticism from fellow gay men that you are walking with lower class people, you are working with hijras, you are working with sex workers. They are not respectable. Is this the way you want to take the movement forward? So, my answer was that it is such a sad thing for you to say this because you guys are so scared all the time you are hiding in the safety of your house. You are running down people who are actually out there fighting for your rights. They are getting beaten up by the police, they are being joked about by the public, but they are facing it with courage and they are walking their pride. And this is actually nothing but misogyny as well as transphobia, which was present among many sections of the queer community and still is actually. &nbsp; &nbsp; NS: Most major cities now have their own parades that are held as a celebration and on a large scale, that largely can be attributed to the step you took all those years ago. How do you feel about queer activism today? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; PD: There were something which the Supreme Court had said in its verdict of September 2018, is that we owe an apology to the queer community for all the stigma, discrimination and violence inflicted on the queer community through the years. But what have the governments done to honor the Supreme Court's verdict either for 2018 or for the NALSA judgment on transgender rights in 2014? It is eight years now, but how many government offices have become transgender inclusive? How many government hospitals have toilets where transgender persons can go confidently without being joked or without being called names? So why would these individuals come to the government hospital &nbsp; if they&rsquo;re not going to be treated with respect? &nbsp;Why does the police come and tell adult Indians that you have to listen to your parents? Be a good boy, be a good girl, get married, have children, that is destiny. That is not the police's job. The police's job is to protect our rights. And we have rights irrespective of gender and sexuality. So, the newer activists have to keep in mind the fundamentals and not be swayed just by the upper, you know, the flimflam, the rainbow colors. That doesn't make any difference at the end of the day.&nbsp;

As the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi steps down from power in Maharasthra, we chart the course of the rise and fall of this 'unholy alliance'. 

Maharashtra crisis: The rise and fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi

As the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi steps down from power in Maharasthra, we chart the course of the rise and fall of this 'unholy alliance'.&nbsp;

Not only the former ally BJP, but even the rebels who ensured the fall of Uddhav Thackeray-led government in Maharashtra repeatedly called the ruling coalition an unholy alliance. The Maha Vikas Aghadi, the formal term, used to describe the alliance between Hindutva-affiliate Shiv Sena and its once bitter opponents Congress and Nationalist Congress Party was formed in during a most unsuspected political churn in India&rsquo;s political history.&nbsp;
Masterminded by PM Modi&rsquo;s political guru Sharad Pawar, the Aghadi, which literally means front, fell flat as a coup within the Sena, outsmarted even one of the shrewdest politicians from the Opposition camp.
<h2>The rise of the MVA</h2>
In October 2019, the BJP - Shiv Sena Alliance fought the Maharashtra Assembly Elections together, and won a comprehensive 161 seats. The NCP and Congress won 54 and 44 seats each. But the Hindutva allies, despite having a majority, failed to form a government as Sena called for a rotational chief minister arrangement. Pages of Sena mouthpiece Saamna carried criticism for incumbent CM Devendra Fadnavis and heaped praise for the Maratha leader Sharad Pawar.
The BJP, which was no longer a smaller partner in the alliance, stuck to its gun. The partnership broke on November 8 of 2019 with Sena leader, who edits Saamna, stating that his Maharashtra-based outfit didn&rsquo;t need BJP to form a government.&nbsp;
4 weeks of political see-saws, parleys and intense speculations culminated in Uddhav, the first person from the Thackeray clan agreeing to take a seat of power. The photographer son and reluctant son of Sena co-founder Bal Thackeray, was to become the 19th chief minister of the Western Indian state, but Devendra Fadnavis had a trick up his sleeve.
Pawar&rsquo;s ambitious nephew Ajit Pawar, a chief minister aspirant, showed up on news wire video feeds taking oath as Fadnavis&rsquo; deputy in the Raj Bhavan. The NCP chief either was unaware of nephew&rsquo;s mutiny or set up a trap for the BJP leader.
The Aghadi moved Supreme Court which ordered a floor test, like Uddhav Fadnavis too didn&rsquo;t take it and quit 80 hours after taking oath. Ajit, as many described him as Pawar&rsquo;s Trojan horse, returned to NCP fold.&nbsp;
Finally, a Thackeray became CM for the first time on November 28, 2019.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-13-maharashtra-political-crisis-a-game-of-twists-and-turns-1656604715224">The India Story Episode 13 | Maharashtra political crisis: A game of twists and turns</a>
<h2>The fall of the MVA</h2>
The Sena adopted a softer stand on the core issue of Hindutva, the so-called unholy alliance had a largely smooth sailing till the Maharashtra Legislative Council polls on 20 June 2022. The BJP got the better of the Aghadi by winning more seats than predicted, as 12 Sena MLAs reportedly cross-voted in favour of the BJP.&nbsp;
Then came the news of senior aide of Uddhav, Eknath Shinde fleeing to BJP-ruled Gujarat with a pack of 11 rebel lawmakers. The message of rebels from a luxury hotel in Surat was explicit: they won&rsquo;t compromise on the Hindutva ideology laid bare by Bala Thackeray. In simple terms, Uddhav&rsquo;s softer Hindutva was unacceptable to them.&nbsp;
Emissaries were sent to placate the rebels; actions were taken but to no avail. Eknath Shinde, who was removed from key legislative post, in response called for patch up with old ally BJP and snapping ties with Congress and the NCP. &nbsp;
Amid an impasse, the rebels moved to a hotel in Assam, and their tribe grew to 40 legislators. Sitting over 2700 kilometers in India&rsquo;s commercial capital, Mumbai, Uddhav realized the patch up was impossible and showed first sign of demitting power. He shifted from the official CM residence in Varsha, to his ancestral home of Matoshree.&nbsp;
However, Aghadi kept the fight going with Deputy Speaker Narahari Zirwal from NCP sending disqualification notices to 16 rebels from the Shinde camp. He was acting on a petition filed by the Sena on June 24. Sitting in Guwahati, Shinde camp moved the apex court seeking to thwart speaker&rsquo;s move. In a reprieve for rebels the court stayed their disqualification, sought responses from all the concerned and scheduled a verdict on July 11.&nbsp;
While the political chess was on, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari was recuperating from coronavirus for much of the play, but as the game moved to the Apex Court, he had recovered from the deadly viral infection. Following the SC disqualification stay, Fadnavis met him in person, sought a floor test which he granted.&nbsp;
The Aghadi moved court which sided with the Governor. The apex court saw no merit in Aghadi&rsquo;s argument that the rebel MLAs who have defected cannot represent the will of the people, and thus a floor test cannot be conducted until the matter of their disqualification is resolved.&nbsp;
944 days after he took oath, Uddhav stepped down as the chief minister.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/maharashtra-shinde-govt-overturns-uddhav-thackeray-s-aarey-move-1656662154859">Maharashtra: Shinde govt overturns Uddhav Thackeray's Aarey move</a>
<h2>What lies next for the Shiv Sena?&nbsp;</h2>
The Sena draws its identity entirely from one family - the Thackerays. Founded by Bala Thackeray as a right-wing, pro-Marathi, and Hindu nationalist movement that birthed a political party, the Shiv Sena was led by the hardline leader for decades.&nbsp;
With Uddhav stating that he will return to Sena Bhavan, the seat of party&rsquo;s power in Dadar, and the rebels also claiming that they will continue to be Shiv Sainiks, an interesting battle over Bala Thackrey&rsquo;s legacy is bound to ensue much like the one that had ensued between Uddhav and his cousin Raj Thackeray when the Hindutva icon had passed away in 2012. &nbsp;

As the new regime settles in, is a Sena vs Sena battle on the cards? Vikram Chandra speaks to political and legal experts on all dimensions of all the twists and turns in a landmark week for Maharashtra politics.

The India Story Episode 13 | Maharashtra political crisis: A game of twists and turns

As the new regime settles in, is a Sena vs Sena battle on the cards? Vikram Chandra speaks to political and legal experts on all dimensions of all the twists and turns in a landmark week for Maharashtra politics.

A rollercoaster week in Maharashtra politics saw Uddhav Thackeray step down as Chief Minister 944 days after he was sworn in, even as rebel Eknath Shinde took over the post, with the BJP&rsquo;s Devendra Fadnavis in tow as Deputy Chief Minister.
After a long-drawn Shinde vs Thackeray struggle that tore the Shiv Sena apart, which is the &lsquo;real&rsquo; Sena? What are the legal quandaries in this unique political scenario? Will the Election Commission have to step in to solve the Sena&rsquo;s leadership tussle?
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-12-reversing-brain-drain-how-can-india-build-world-class-universities-1656079514934" target="_blank">The India Story Episode 12 | Reversing &lsquo;brain drain&rsquo;: How can India build world-class Universities?</a>
Even as the new regime sets in, sights are on the upcoming BMC elections. Will the Thackeray camp play spoilsport, and will there be a Sena vs Sena battle for the BMC? On this week&rsquo;s special episode of The India Story, Vikram Chandra speaks to political and legal experts on all dimensions of a landmark week in the state&rsquo;s politics.&nbsp;
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8 pm. Download the Editorji app: www.editorji.com/download

Why is India’s best talent choosing to take their skills out of India, as opposed to flourishing at home? This week, Vikram Chandra speaks to experts on the path ahead for Indian ed

The India Story Episode 12 | Reversing ‘brain drain’: How can India build world-class Universities?

Why is India’s best talent choosing to take their skills out of India, as opposed to flourishing at home? Why can’t an Indian university crack the top 100 in global rankings? This week, Vikram Chandra speaks to experts on the path ahead for Indian education. 

Why is India&rsquo;s best talent choosing to take their skills out of India, as opposed to flourishing at home? Why can&rsquo;t an Indian university crack the top 100 in global rankings? This week, Vikram Chandra speaks to experts on the path ahead for Indian education.&nbsp;

India has an undeniable &lsquo;brain drain&rsquo; problem. While Indians occupy some of the most coveted spots in the global corporate order, they often only do so after attaining a degree abroad.&nbsp;
Why is India&rsquo;s best talent choosing to take their skills out of India, as opposed to flourishing at home? Why can&rsquo;t an Indian university crack the top 100 in global rankings? Is the state of Indian education causing our best and brightest to migrate abroad - and if so, how do we reverse this &lsquo;brain drain&rsquo;? On this week&rsquo;s episode of The India Story, Vikram Chandra speaks to India&rsquo;s foremost education and skill experts on the path ahead for Indian education.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-11-revenge-travel-visa-delays-spoiling-post-covid-tourism-party-1655476995618">The India Story Episode 11 | &lsquo;Revenge travel&rsquo;: Visa delays spoiling post-Covid tourism party?</a>
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8 pm. Download the Editorji app: www.editorji.com/download

As visa delays spoil ‘revenge travel’ plans, the emotional and financial costs begin to take their toll. Vikram Chandra speaks to Jyoti Mayal and Ajay Awtaney on where Indians can still travel. 

The India Story Episode 11 | ‘Revenge travel’: Visa delays spoiling post-Covid tourism party?

As visa delays spoil ‘revenge travel’ plans, the emotional and financial costs begin to take their toll. Vikram Chandra speaks to Jyoti Mayal and Ajay Awtaney on where Indians can still travel. 


As visa delays spoil &lsquo;revenge travel&rsquo; plans, the emotional and financial costs begin to take their toll. Vikram Chandra speaks to Jyoti Mayal and Ajay Awtaney on where Indians can still travel.&nbsp;

As Covid-induced restrictions on travel ease up around the world, the phenomenon of &lsquo;revenge travel&rsquo; has become popular. After a gruelling few years, Indians want to travel the world and meet their families. However, unprecedented demand has clogged up the systems and facilities that facilitate travel, and caused delays in processing of visas. As a result, people have had to cancel or change their plans, causing great emotional and financial loss.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-10-gulf-backlash-balancing-act-required-1654870439228">The India Story Episode 10 | Gulf backlash: Balancing act required?</a>
On this week&rsquo;s episode, Vikram Chandra speaks to Jyoti Mayal, President of the Travel Agents Association of India, and Ajay Awtaney, aviation journalist, on what locations are still viable for Indians looking for a summer break.
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8 pm. Download the Editorji app: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/download">www.editorji.com/download</a>

Amid backlash over remarks by BJP spokespersons about Prophet Muhammad, is a careful balancing act required? Vikram Chandra speaks to experts on how the govt should navigate relations with the Gulf.


The India Story Episode 10 | Gulf backlash: Balancing act required?

Amid backlash over remarks by BJP spokespersons about Prophet Muhammad, is a careful balancing act required? Vikram Chandra speaks to experts on how the govt should navigate relations with the Gulf.

References to Islam by the ruling party&rsquo;s now-suspended spokespersons have put India on the defensive on the global stage. At least 17 countries have protested against the comments, summoning Indian envoys and releasing statements condemning the remarks. In a bid to firefight the backlash, New Delhi has responded, calling the two saffron leaders &lsquo;fringe elements&rsquo;.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-9-sidhu-moose-wala-killed-need-to-counter-indo-canadian-criminal-nexus-1654265556771" target="_blank">The India Story Episode 9 | Sidhu Moose Wala killed: Need to counter Indo-Canadian criminal nexus?</a>
On this week&rsquo;s episode, Vikram Chandra speaks to experts and analysts on India&rsquo;s need to balance relations with the Gulf, as it courts economic and diplomatic relationships in the region.
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8 pm. Download the Editorji app: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/download">www.editorji.com/download</a>

A large Indian contingent invited investment at Davos, as the WEF reflected a changing international order, with the Ukraine war, climate change, and global inflation at the top of the agenda.

India invites foreign investment in Davos as World Economic Forum reflects global conflict

Decoded | India invites foreign investment as Davos World Economic Forum reflects global conflict

A large Indian contingent invited investment at Davos, as the WEF&nbsp;reflected a changing international order, with the Ukraine war, climate change, and global inflation at the top of the agenda.

The war in Ukraine, climate change, and global inflation topped the agenda at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as political and business leaders converged to discuss global issues.
The first in-person event since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Economic Forum now reflects a changing world. Organisers asked those attending to take the train instead of travelling in an attempt to cut down on the event&rsquo;s carbon footprint, although how many took that advice is anyone&rsquo;s guess.
A large Indian contingent was in attendance at Davos, from Union Ministers to executives and leaders of India&rsquo;s biggest firms, who participated in a number of sessions at the forum. According to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, a record high 200 people from India attended the WEF this year.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/decoded-quad-summit-2022-can-the-quad-counter-china-in-the-indo-pacific-1653572534368" target="_blank">Decoded | Quad Summit 2022: Can the Quad counter China in the Indo Pacific?</a>
India&rsquo;s large turnout was accompanied by &lsquo;The India Lounge&rsquo;, set up in a street in Davos, serving up local delicacies, and inviting foreign investment at the same time. Several states, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, set up their own individual camps as well. &lsquo;Come, invest in India&rsquo;, seemed to be the message.
India recently reported its highest ever foreign direct investment inflow, with $83.57 billion invested in 2021-22. Indian states are trying hard to increase this number at Davos, with Maharashtra signing over $10 billion in investment intentions with 24 companies, and Telangana signing renewables investment pacts worth a total of around $16 billion.
The World Economic Forum reflected the tumultuous state of global affairs, with the war in Ukraine featuring heavily throughout sessions. Russian business and political leaders haven't been invited to the gathering this year, and the former Russia House has been converted to an exhibition covering alleged warcrimes committed by the country. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the forum, and asked business leaders to exit Russia.

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Bihar Political Crisis Live

Raksha Bandhan 2022

Bank holidays in August 2022

CWG 2022 India medals tally

Asia Cup 2022

The first game of terrific Thursday will see defending champions Mumbai Indians take on the struggling Rajasthan Royals. The match will start at 3:30 pm in New Delhi. While Mumbai has had two wins from five matches, its progress as usual for Rohit Sharma's team as they traditionally bloom late in the competition. The focus will be on Rohit Sharma as one can expect a big knock from the Hitman. On&nbsp;the other hand, Rajasthan Royals have the same number of points as Mumbai but are only left with 4 overseas players after several pull-outs due to various reasons. When it comes to the head-to-head record, the two teams are tied at 12 wins each in 25 outings over the last 14 years.

Terrific Thursday: Mumbai Indians play a struggling Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals have the same number of points as Mumbai but are only left with 4 overseas players after several pull-outs due to various reasons

The first game of terrific Thursday will see defending champions Mumbai Indians take on the struggling Rajasthan Royals. The match will start at 3:30 pm in New Delhi. While Mumbai has had two wins from five matches, its progress as usual for Rohit Sharma's team as they traditionally bloom late in the competition. The focus will be on Rohit Sharma as one can expect a big knock from the Hitman. On&nbsp;the other hand, Rajasthan Royals have the same number of points as Mumbai but are only left with 4 overseas players after several pull-outs due to various reasons. When it comes to the head-to-head record, the two teams are tied at 12 wins each in 25 outings over the last 14 years.

While China has abandoned 'all-weather friend' Sri Lanka in its darkest hour, India's aid has shown the sustainable nature of its development model.

India’s development model shines as China abandons ‘friend’ Sri Lanka

While China has abandoned 'all-weather friend' Sri Lanka in its darkest hour, India's aid has shown the sustainable nature of its development model.

As the new regime in Sri Lanka tries to manoeuvre the country out of its worst crisis in decades, many have stepped in to help. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the new President, will need help from the international community. Neighbour India has already stepped in to help in a big way. But one question has been on everyone&rsquo;s mind - where is China?
As Sri Lankan protesters stormed the presidential residence in Colombo, the Chinese Embassy released no statements. Beijing&rsquo;s assistance to its self-proclaimed &lsquo;all-weather friend&rsquo; has also been found wanting, especially given the fact that many think it has contributed to Sri Lanka&rsquo;s current state.&nbsp;
A symbiotic relationship between the Rajapaksas, the erstwhile ruling family of Sri Lanka, and Chinese leadership, has been posited as one of the major reasons for the current crisis.
<h2>China&rsquo;s role in the Rajapaksas&rsquo; rise and Sri Lanka&rsquo;s fall</h2>
Mahinda Rajapaksa first took oath as President in 2005, assisted by his siblings who held key portfolios. The Rajapaksas came to power in the wake of a decades long civil war, which they were able to end because of a fast-tracked and unrestricted supply of weapons and ammunition from China. China also bucked international pressure and defended the Rajapaksas against charges of human rights violations.
From 2005 to 2015, China emerged as Sri Lanka&rsquo;s leading source of development assistance and FDI. China seized the opportunity to invest in several mega infrastructure projects, which often lacked the possibilities of returns, but allowed the Rajapaksas to show them off as a sign of Sri Lanka&rsquo;s growing development, and reap political benefits. China saw these investments as opportunities to further entrench its influence in the country.
China preyed on Sri Lanka&rsquo;s economic vulnerabilities and loopholes to further its own political and economic ends. For the Sri Lankan government, the easy inflow of money allowed the leaders to ignore structural weaknesses in the country&rsquo;s economy. By 2019, the value of Chinese development finance in Sri Lanka had reached $12 billion.
And when the road China helped Sri Lanka along led the country to crisis, Beijing went missing.
<h2>As China deserts Sri Lanka in crisis, India steps up</h2>
Many have said that China &lsquo;deserted&rsquo; Sri Lanka, and the Rajapaksas. Some analysts argue that China is eager to disassociate itself from the Rajapaksas, who are now immensely unpopular politically. Beijing did not help its long-time allies to escape their country, or provide them asylum.
China also did not actively respond to Sri Lanka&rsquo;s requests for debt-restructuring. In June, it denied Sri Lanka access to a $1.5 billion credit line, and did not respond to requests about a $1 billion loan to buy essential commodities.
China&rsquo;s treatment of Sri Lanka may be a cause of worry for multiple other countries who have similar investments from Beijing. More than 40 low and middle-income countries owe debt to China which is more than 10% of the size of their annual GDP, who may need to seriously reconsider their method of relying on Beijing&rsquo;s investments.
China&rsquo;s approach to the crisis, and consequent aid, is in stark contrast to India. While China has sent emergency grants worth $76 million, India has already provided over $3.8 billion in assistance. India&rsquo;s aid supplies have included rice, kerosene, milk powder, and medical supplies which often kept the country&rsquo;s emergency systems going, which may otherwise have died. While others have fled the scene, India has stuck around in Sri Lanka&rsquo;s darkest hour.&nbsp;
This has also created an opportunity for India to show the world that its development model is different. As showcased in India&rsquo;s investments into countries like the Maldives, Afghanistan, Guyana, and Niger, New Delhi&rsquo;s model is not predatory but based on mutual respect, and sustainable development. &nbsp;

Sri Lanka has no fuel left, inflation is at over 50%, and the health system is on the brink of collapse. Can a new political regime steer the country out of this crisis? Vikram Chandra discusses with economic and political experts.

The India Story | Sri Lanka crisis: Can political change help dire economic situation?

Sri Lanka has no fuel left, inflation is at over 50%, and the health system is on the brink of collapse. Can a new political regime steer the country out of this crisis? Vikram Chandra discusses with economic and political experts.

Sri Lanka is going through its worst economic crisis in decades. As protestors have stormed the official residences of the country&rsquo;s former President and Prime Minister, and treated themselves to their luxuries, the citizens are facing the brunt of the scarcities. The country has no fuel to run essential services, inflation is running at more than 50%, and a lack of medicines has brought the health system to the brink of collapse.
As a new political regime is set to take over in the island country, can they restore public trust in government and steer Lanka out of crisis? How can close neighbour India help? Vikram Chandra discusses with political and economic experts, and sports icon Sanath Jayasuriya, on this week&rsquo;s episode of The India Story.
Also Watch: <a href="https://editorji.com/story/the-india-story-power-misused-across-spectrum-courts-need-to-defend-individual-liberty-1657289991078" target="_blank">The India Story | &ldquo;Power misused across spectrum&rdquo;: Courts need to defend individual liberty?</a>
We also look into how China&rsquo;s &lsquo;debt-trap diplomacy&rsquo; trap may have contributed to Sri Lanka&rsquo;s downfall, and which other countries should be on the lookout for this predatory lending policy.
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8PM.

It’s a near impossible task to be able to find an all-encompassing answer to why paying someone to poke you with needles can be such a gratifying experience for so many. By now we know that the answer can range anywhere from knocking back one too many on a night out with your friends and making questionable decisions – or paying homage to something that is poignant and matters to you deeply.   But do all tattoos have to matter to you in a philosophical, or meaningful way? Do they always have to mean something? While they may be physically permanent – do they have to be emotionally too? Everyone doesn’t seem to think so.  Some argue that ideas are fluid and can keep changing. So, apart from enjoying the pure aesthetics of the artform there really is no limit to why people get these motifs.  There’s also some people for whom tattoos represent pride and prestige. It’s time to tell you the story of Guinness Rishi!  A man who got 499 flags tattooed on this body and was awarded the Guinness World Record alongside his tattoo artist for the same. Now you’d think that would be the claim to fame for this tattoo artist – but we’re talking about Tattoographer Karan here – the world’s first fully modified athlete, and the first man in India to get a Scleral tattoo – he got his EYES tattoo-ed.  Whether your reason is big or small, or philosophical or not, whether your tattoo covers your body or is hidden and no one can see it, the truth is that getting your skin inked has become a way for people to exert control over this body that they own. Or even a way to cope with complex and painful emotions.   Well, that was the how and the why of tattoos but we’ll be back soon to deep-dive into the nitty-gritties of a whole new topic, very soon. Watch Episode 2: Watch Episode 3: Watch Episode 4: 

How and Why | Tattoos Episode 4: Why do people get tattoos? A look at the psychology behind getting inked

It’s a near impossible task to be able to find an all-encompassing answer to why paying someone to poke you with needles can be such a gratifying experience for so many. By now we know that the answer can range anywhere from knocking back one too many on a night out with your friends and making questionable decisions – or paying homage to something that is poignant and matters to you deeply.  
 
But do all tattoos have to matter to you in a philosophical, or meaningful way? Do they always have to mean something? While they may be physically permanent – do they have to be emotionally too? Everyone doesn’t seem to think so. 
 
Some argue that ideas are fluid and can keep changing. So, apart from enjoying the pure aesthetics of the artform there really is no limit to why people get these motifs. 
 
There’s also some people for whom tattoos represent pride and prestige. It’s time to tell you the story of Guinness Rishi!  A man who got 499 flags tattooed on this body and was awarded the Guinness World Record alongside his tattoo artist for the same. Now you’d think that would be the claim to fame for this tattoo artist – but we’re talking about Tattoographer Karan here – the world’s first fully modified athlete, and the first man in India to get a Scleral tattoo – he got his EYES tattoo-ed. 
 
Whether your reason is big or small, or philosophical or not, whether your tattoo covers your body or is hidden and no one can see it, the truth is that getting your skin inked has become a way for people to exert control over this body that they own. Or even a way to cope with complex and painful emotions.  
 
Well, that was the how and the why of tattoos but we’ll be back soon to deep-dive into the nitty-gritties of a whole new topic, very soon. Till then, what is the reason behind your ink? Let us known in the comments below! 

It&rsquo;s a near impossible task to be able to find an all-encompassing answer to why paying someone to poke you with needles can be such a gratifying experience for so many - but in this episode we make a brave attempt!&nbsp;

It&rsquo;s a near impossible task to be able to find an all-encompassing answer to why paying someone to poke you with needles can be such a gratifying experience for so many. By now we know that the answer can range anywhere from knocking back one too many on a night out with your friends and making questionable decisions &ndash; or paying homage to something that is poignant and matters to you deeply. &nbsp; &nbsp; But do all tattoos have to matter to you in a philosophical, or meaningful way? Do they always have to mean something? While they may be physically permanent &ndash; do they have to be emotionally too? Everyone doesn&rsquo;t seem to think so.&nbsp; &nbsp; Some argue that ideas are fluid and can keep changing. So, apart from enjoying the pure aesthetics of the artform there really is no limit to why people get these motifs.&nbsp; &nbsp; There&rsquo;s also some people for whom tattoos represent pride and prestige. It&rsquo;s time to tell you the story of Guinness Rishi! &nbsp;A man who got 499 flags tattooed on this body and was awarded the Guinness World Record alongside his tattoo artist for the same. Now you&rsquo;d think that would be the claim to fame for this tattoo artist &ndash; but we&rsquo;re talking about Tattoographer Karan here &ndash; the world&rsquo;s first fully modified athlete, and the first man in India to get a Scleral tattoo &ndash; he got his EYES tattoo-ed.&nbsp; &nbsp; Whether your reason is big or small, or philosophical or not, whether your tattoo covers your body or is hidden and no one can see it, the truth is that getting your skin inked has become a way for people to exert control over this body that they own. Or even a way to cope with complex and painful emotions. &nbsp; &nbsp; Well, that was the how and the why of tattoos but we&rsquo;ll be back soon to deep-dive into the nitty-gritties of a whole new topic, very soon.&nbsp; Also Watch -&nbsp; <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/how-and-why-tattoos-episode-1-the-history-and-culture-of-tattoos-in-india-1657292213294">Episode 1: The History and culture of tattoos in India&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/how-and-why-tattoos-episode-2-who-owns-a-tattoo-the-question-of-copyright-1657292416422">Episode 2: Who owns a tattoo? The question of copyright&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/how-and-why-tattoos-episode-3-how-much-money-does-the-tattoo-industry-make-1657292863391">Episode 3: How much money does the tattoo industry make?&nbsp;</a>

Right from beachside stalls at Goa to professional studios at malls, the Indian tattoo industry is bright and booming. The estimated projections since 2016 about the annual revenue of the industry is above ₹20,000 crore.   To become a tattoo artist is an offbeat job, but they say necessity is the mother of invention, and many artists we spoke to choose this profession because well – they wanted to get inked!   There is no dearth of information on the internet on how a person can start the practice of tattoos at home, and e-commerce websites will deliver supplies to your doorstep. This has led to a lot of home-grown and local artists who work on the artform. The size, design, experience of the artist, time consumed, colors of the tattoo and placement are all factors that play into how much a tattoo will cost.   For many this work is also becoming lucrative enough to do as their full-time job, to spend the time it takes to learn the craft and it pays!   However not all tattoo stories have a happy ending. If Ariana Grande can get a tattoo that spells Japanese Barbeque Grill and Deepika Padukone can get a permanent tattoo to mark a relationship that didn’t quite have a fairy tale ending, we are after all mere mortals. If there is money in getting a tattoo – there's also money involved in removing it! And we Indians often get our tattoos removed too – more than any other country in the world.  But it’s not always wrong tattoos, or not being invested in them anymore that leads to tattoos being removed.   One reason for this boom in the tattoo industry in recent years could also be the fact that there is no longer a ‘type’ of person who gets inked. And the attitudes to this style of art are also changing.   We now know there is money being spent here. But the largest question still remains – why are people going through this permanent process for tattoos at all? Why do people get inked and to what lengths will they go for their adornment? We take a look at that in the next episode, but do tell us how much dough you spent on your tattoos in the comments below! 
 
Watch Episode 1 Watch Episode 2 Watch Episode 3 

How and Why | Tattoos Episode 3: How much money does the tattoo industry make? 

Right from beachside stalls at Goa to professional studios at malls, the Indian tattoo industry is bright and booming. The estimated projections since 2016 about the annual revenue of the industry is above ₹20,000 crore.  
 
To become a tattoo artist is an offbeat job, but they say necessity is the mother of invention, and many artists we spoke to choose this profession because well – they wanted to get inked!  
 
There is no dearth of information on the internet on how a person can start the practice of tattoos at home, and e-commerce websites will deliver supplies to your doorstep. This has led to a lot of home-grown and local artists who work on the artform. The size, design, experience of the artist, time consumed, colors of the tattoo and placement are all factors that play into how much a tattoo will cost.  
 
For many this work is also becoming lucrative enough to do as their full-time job, to spend the time it takes to learn the craft and it pays!  
 
However not all tattoo stories have a happy ending. If Ariana Grande can get a tattoo that spells Japanese Barbeque Grill and Deepika Padukone can get a permanent tattoo to mark a relationship that didn’t quite have a fairy tale ending, we are after all mere mortals. If there is money in getting a tattoo – there's also money involved in removing it! And we Indians often get our tattoos removed too – more than any other country in the world.  
But it’s not always wrong tattoos, or not being invested in them anymore that leads to tattoos being removed.  
 
One reason for this boom in the tattoo industry in recent years could also be the fact that there is no longer a ‘type’ of person who gets inked. And the attitudes to this style of art are also changing.  
 
We now know there is money being spent here. But the largest question still remains – why are people going through this permanent process for tattoos at all? Why do people get inked and to what lengths will they go for their adornment? We take a look at that in the next episode, but do tell us how much dough you spent on your tattoos in the comments below! 

The trend of getting tattoos seems to be spreading like wildfire, and everyone seems to have them! So how much money is the industry really making? In this episode we find out!&nbsp;

Right from beachside stalls at Goa to professional studios at malls, the Indian tattoo industry is bright and booming. The estimated projections since 2016 about the annual revenue of the industry is above ₹20,000 crore. &nbsp; &nbsp; To become a tattoo artist is an offbeat job, but they say necessity is the mother of invention, and many artists we spoke to choose this profession because well &ndash; they wanted to get inked! &nbsp; &nbsp; There is no dearth of information on the internet on how a person can start the practice of tattoos at home, and e-commerce websites will deliver supplies to your doorstep. This has led to a lot of home-grown and local artists who work on the artform. The size, design, experience of the artist, time consumed, colors of the tattoo and placement are all factors that play into how much a tattoo will cost. &nbsp; &nbsp; For many this work is also becoming lucrative enough to do as their full-time job, to spend the time it takes to learn the craft and it pays! &nbsp; &nbsp; However not all tattoo stories have a happy ending. If Ariana Grande can get a tattoo that spells Japanese Barbeque Grill and Deepika Padukone can get a permanent tattoo to mark a relationship that didn&rsquo;t quite have a fairy tale ending, we are after all mere mortals. If there is money in getting a tattoo &ndash; there's also money involved in removing it! And we Indians often get our tattoos removed too &ndash; more than any other country in the world. &nbsp; But it&rsquo;s not always wrong tattoos, or not being invested in them anymore that leads to tattoos being removed. &nbsp; &nbsp; One reason for this boom in the tattoo industry in recent years could also be the fact that there is no longer a &lsquo;type&rsquo; of person who gets inked. And the attitudes to this style of art are also changing. &nbsp; &nbsp; We now know there is money being spent here. But the largest question still remains &ndash; why are people going through this permanent process for tattoos at all? Why do people get inked and to what lengths will they go for their adornment? We take a look at that in the next episode, but do tell us how much dough you spent on your tattoos in the comments below!&nbsp;
Also Watch -&nbsp; <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/how-and-why-tattoos-episode-1-the-history-and-culture-of-tattoos-in-india-1657292213294">Episode 1: The History and culture of tattoos in India&nbsp;</a> <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/how-and-why-tattoos-episode-2-who-owns-a-tattoo-the-question-of-copyright-1657292416422">Episode 2: Who owns a tattoo? The question of copyright&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/how-and-why-tattoos-episode-4-why-do-people-get-tattoos-a-look-at-the-psychology-behind-getting-inked-1657293307863">Episode 4: Why do people get tattoos? A look at the psychology behind getting inked</a>

Here’s a question for you – does a painting belong to the artist or a canvas? Do films belong to the directors and producers or the screen you saw it on? Do your headphones deserve credit for the latest Dua Lipa hit, or well Dua Lipa herself?   Unless you’re an anti-social rabble rouser who just wants to argue – chances are you would have sided with the artist in all these cases - When it comes to the ownership of art, the artiste always trumps the medium.   But what about tattoos?  Here, art is being created, but the medium is not lifeless. It's a living, breathing, thinking human being with their own rights. So does a tattoo artist lose rights over their artwork, or do they start owning their customers' arms, or legs, or even faces? The question boggles the mind, but here’s a breakdown of what our laws have to say about the ownership of artwork.   Section 2 of The Copyright Act of 1957, describes artistic work as work that includes engraving, sculpture, painting, or a photograph. Section 13 says that as long as this artwork is fixed to a tangible medium the copyright shall remain.   If we were to put two and two together, then tattoos are clearly engraved and well, human skin is pretty tangible – so tattoos can in fact be copyrighted by the tattoo artist!   We can all agree Stu waking up with his Mike Tyson tattoo in Hangover 2 will go down in the Hall of Movie fame as one of the funniest scenes ever - but you know who wasn't laughing at that scene The film-makers!  That 64 second scene cost Warner Bros way more money than intended.  S. Victor Whitmill, the artist who designed and made Mike Tyson's face tattoo, filed a case against Warner Bros, for not taking his permission to use the tattoo in the movie.  So, did he really have a case or was this a shot in the dark?   For that, we go back to 2003, when Mike Tyson effectively gave up all rights over a design he sports on his face. To be fair, not the weirdest thing he's done. The legendary boxer signed a tattoo release form stating that "all artwork, sketches and drawings related to my tattoo and any photographs of my tattoo are property of Paradox-Studio of Dermagraphics." - So yes, the tattoo artist absolutely had a case! And it’s not just us saying that, before the matter could go to trial, Warner Bros. arrived at an amicable settlement with Whitmill, details of which are not available to the public. So, despite the fact that the wrestler was actually himself a part of the film, the artist had the final say in the matter.   This issue presents a few pitfalls – if a person enjoys complete autonomy and control over their own artwork, this could enter a dangerous territory of controlling the autonomy of your canvas too. Case in point: what if Dwayne Johnson’s tattoo artist suddenly decides he wants his artwork covered up at all times? Would Dwayne Johnson stop taking his shirt off in public? Probably not!   But the law is written in black and white – and not only does the law grant copyright to the tattoo artist, it also grants them something called ‘Moral rights’ or right to Integrity! Which means that if any distortion, mutilation, or alteration of the artwork takes place that is detrimental to the author’s reputation – they can sue.  All in all, this is starting to sound like a very bad deal for the person actually getting the tattoo – is there nothing that protects their rights? Of course, there is!  Take for example removing a tattoo that you don’t want anymore. A very important case comes to mind – that of Architect Raj Rewal who went to the courts to try to stop the demolition of a building he had designed, citing that it will be a blow to his reputation. Here the court exclaimed that which cannot be seen cannot harm the author’s reputation. All in all, despite the laws granting the artist several rights, you can probably still get that ‘I love Dolly’ tattoo removed if you want to!  Coming back to the principal question we began with – what are the rights of the canvas when the canvas is a living breathing person?    In our country, publicity rights are almost synonymous with privacy rights, and have the importance of a fundamental right. So, what are Publicity rights? A person has protection against the misuse of their name, likeness or other markers of identity. Simply put, a person can protect their image from being used unfairly. Despite the fact that publicity rights are not explicitly enshrined in our laws, there have been several cases that involve this principle. And it’s also been held that publicity rights included the ability to allow or prohibit the commercial use of one’s appearance or personality traits.   It’s a double-edged sword to answer this question of copyright vs publicity – because while economic rights in artistic work are provided by law, including the right to transmit the work to the public, reproduce it, issue copies and so on, any effort by the tattoo artist to exercise these rights would be a violation of the individual’s own publicity rights. India is yet to see a case where these two rights butt heads, but it’s a not uncommon in other parts of the world.  That’s not to say that a person can never get the copyright for a tattoo they didn’t design. In fact, Shah Rukh Khan has a copyright for the tattoo design that he sported in the film Don 2! There are some methods to ensure that you get this legal right – granting a license, signing a contract with your designer, relinquishing a copyright are just some such ways.   Art is heartwarming, and powerful – but in this world where there’s art, there’s also big money. From sports stars in ads, to movie star blockbusters – it's fair to say that everyone wants a piece of the pie, so this argument isn’t going away anytime soon.  Watch episode 1: Watch episode 3: Watch episode 4: 

How and Why | Tattoos Episode 2: Who owns a tattoo? The question of copyright 

Here’s a question for you – does a painting belong to the artist or a canvas? Do films belong to the directors and producers or the screen you saw it on? Do your headphones deserve credit for the latest Dua Lipa hit, or well Dua Lipa herself?  
 
Unless you’re an anti-social rabble rouser who just wants to argue – chances are you would have sided with the artist in all these cases - When it comes to the ownership of art, the artiste always trumps the medium.  
 
But what about tattoos?  
Here, art is being created, but the medium is not lifeless. It's a living, breathing, thinking human being with their own rights. So does a tattoo artist lose rights over their artwork, or do they start owning their customers' arms, or legs, or even faces? 
The question boggles the mind, but here’s a breakdown of what our laws have to say about the ownership of artwork.  
 
Section 2 of The Copyright Act of 1957, describes artistic work as work that includes engraving, sculpture, painting, or a photograph. Section 13 says that as long as this artwork is fixed to a tangible medium the copyright shall remain.  
 
If we were to put two and two together, then tattoos are clearly engraved and well, human skin is pretty tangible – so tattoos can in fact be copyrighted by the tattoo artist!  
 
We can all agree Stu waking up with his Mike Tyson tattoo in Hangover 2 will go down in the Hall of Movie fame as one of the funniest scenes ever - but you know who wasn't laughing at that scene The film-makers! 
 
That 64 second scene cost Warner Bros way more money than intended.  S. Victor Whitmill, the artist who designed and made Mike Tyson's face tattoo, filed a case against Warner Bros, for not taking his permission to use the tattoo in the movie.  
So, did he really have a case or was this a shot in the dark?  
 
For that, we go back to 2003, when Mike Tyson effectively gave up all rights over a design he sports on his face. To be fair, not the weirdest thing he's done. The legendary boxer signed a tattoo release form stating that "all artwork, sketches and drawings related to my tattoo and any photographs of my tattoo are property of Paradox-Studio of Dermagraphics." - So yes, the tattoo artist absolutely had a case! And it’s not just us saying that, before the matter could go to trial, Warner Bros. arrived at an amicable settlement with Whitmill, details of which are not available to the public. So, despite the fact that the wrestler was actually himself a part of the film, the artist had the final say in the matter.  
 
This issue presents a few pitfalls – if a person enjoys complete autonomy and control over their own artwork, this could enter a dangerous territory of controlling the autonomy of your canvas too. Case in point: what if Dwayne Johnson’s tattoo artist suddenly decides he wants his artwork covered up at all times? Would Dwayne Johnson stop taking his shirt off in public? Probably not!  
 
But the law is written in black and white – and not only does the law grant copyright to the tattoo artist, it also grants them something called ‘Moral rights’ or right to Integrity! Which means that if any distortion, mutilation, or alteration of the artwork takes place that is detrimental to the author’s reputation – they can sue.  
All in all, this is starting to sound like a very bad deal for the person actually getting the tattoo – is there nothing that protects their rights? Of course, there is!  
Take for example removing a tattoo that you don’t want anymore. A very important case comes to mind – that of Architect Raj Rewal who went to the courts to try to stop the demolition of a building he had designed, citing that it will be a blow to his reputation. Here the court exclaimed that which cannot be seen cannot harm the author’s reputation. All in all, despite the laws granting the artist several rights, you can probably still get that ‘I love Dolly’ tattoo removed if you want to!  
Coming back to the principal question we began with – what are the rights of the canvas when the canvas is a living breathing person?  
 
 
In our country, publicity rights are almost synonymous with privacy rights, and have the importance of a fundamental right. So, what are Publicity rights? A person has protection against the misuse of their name, likeness or other markers of identity. Simply put, a person can protect their image from being used unfairly. Despite the fact that publicity rights are not explicitly enshrined in our laws, there have been several cases that involve this principle. And it’s also been held that publicity rights included the ability to allow or prohibit the commercial use of one’s appearance or personality traits.  
 
It’s a double-edged sword to answer this question of copyright vs publicity – because while economic rights in artistic work are provided by law, including the right to transmit the work to the public, reproduce it, issue copies and so on, any effort by the tattoo artist to exercise these rights would be a violation of the individual’s own publicity rights. India is yet to see a case where these two rights butt heads, but it’s a not uncommon in other parts of the world.  
That’s not to say that a person can never get the copyright for a tattoo they didn’t design. In fact, Shah Rukh Khan has a copyright for the tattoo design that he sported in the film Don 2! There are some methods to ensure that you get this legal right – granting a license, signing a contract with your designer, relinquishing a copyright are just some such ways.  
 
Art is heartwarming, and powerful – but in this world where there’s art, there’s also big money. From sports stars in ads, to movie star blockbusters – it's fair to say that everyone wants a piece of the pie, so this argument isn’t going away anytime soon.  

No one can argue that artwork belongs to the artist and not the medium it is made on. But what happens when the canvas is a living, breathing human being? In this episode we find out!&nbsp;

Here&rsquo;s a question for you &ndash; does a painting belong to the artist or a canvas? Do films belong to the directors and producers or the screen you saw it on? Do your headphones deserve credit for the latest Dua Lipa hit, or well Dua Lipa herself? &nbsp; &nbsp; Unless you&rsquo;re an anti-social rabble rouser who just wants to argue &ndash; chances are you would have sided with the artist in all these cases - When it comes to the ownership of art, the artiste always trumps the medium. &nbsp; &nbsp; But what about tattoos? &nbsp; Here, art is being created, but the medium is not lifeless. It's a living, breathing, thinking human being with their own rights. So does a tattoo artist lose rights over their artwork, or do they start owning their customers' arms, or legs, or even faces?&nbsp; The question boggles the mind, but here&rsquo;s a breakdown of what our laws have to say about the ownership of artwork. &nbsp; &nbsp; Section 2 of The Copyright Act of 1957, describes artistic work as work that includes engraving, sculpture, painting, or a photograph. Section 13 says that as long as this artwork is fixed to a tangible medium the copyright shall remain. &nbsp; &nbsp; If we were to put two and two together, then tattoos are clearly engraved and well, human skin is pretty tangible &ndash; so tattoos can in fact be copyrighted by the tattoo artist! &nbsp; &nbsp; We can all agree Stu waking up with his Mike Tyson tattoo in Hangover 2 will go down in the Hall of Movie fame as one of the funniest scenes ever - but you know who wasn't laughing at that scene The film-makers!&nbsp; &nbsp; That 64 second scene cost Warner Bros way more money than intended. &nbsp;S. Victor Whitmill, the artist who designed and made Mike Tyson's face tattoo, filed a case against Warner Bros, for not taking his permission to use the tattoo in the movie. &nbsp; So, did he really have a case or was this a shot in the dark? &nbsp; &nbsp; For that, we go back to 2003, when Mike Tyson effectively gave up all rights over a design he sports on his face. To be fair, not the weirdest thing he's done. The legendary boxer signed a tattoo release form stating that "all artwork, sketches and drawings related to my tattoo and any photographs of my tattoo are property of Paradox-Studio of Dermagraphics." - So yes, the tattoo artist absolutely had a case! And it&rsquo;s not just us saying that, before the matter could go to trial, Warner Bros. arrived at an amicable settlement with Whitmill, details of which are not available to the public. So, despite the fact that the wrestler was actually himself a part of the film, the artist had the final say in the matter. &nbsp; &nbsp; This issue presents a few pitfalls &ndash; if a person enjoys complete autonomy and control over their own artwork, this could enter a dangerous territory of controlling the autonomy of your canvas too. Case in point: what if Dwayne Johnson&rsquo;s tattoo artist suddenly decides he wants his artwork covered up at all times? Would Dwayne Johnson stop taking his shirt off in public? Probably not! &nbsp; &nbsp; But the law is written in black and white &ndash; and not only does the law grant copyright to the tattoo artist, it also grants them something called &lsquo;Moral rights&rsquo; or right to Integrity! Which means that if any distortion, mutilation, or alteration of the artwork takes place that is detrimental to the author&rsquo;s reputation &ndash; they can sue. &nbsp; All in all, this is starting to sound like a very bad deal for the person actually getting the tattoo &ndash; is there nothing that protects their rights? Of course, there is! &nbsp; Take for example removing a tattoo that you don&rsquo;t want anymore. A very important case comes to mind &ndash; that of Architect Raj Rewal who went to the courts to try to stop the demolition of a building he had designed, citing that it will be a blow to his reputation. Here the court exclaimed that which cannot be seen cannot harm the author&rsquo;s reputation. All in all, despite the laws granting the artist several rights, you can probably still get that &lsquo;I love Dolly&rsquo; tattoo removed if you want to! &nbsp; Coming back to the principal question we began with &ndash; what are the rights of the canvas when the canvas is a living breathing person? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In our country, publicity rights are almost synonymous with privacy rights, and have the importance of a fundamental right. So, what are Publicity rights? A person has protection against the misuse of their name, likeness or other markers of identity. Simply put, a person can protect their image from being used unfairly. Despite the fact that publicity rights are not explicitly enshrined in our laws, there have been several cases that involve this principle. And it&rsquo;s also been held that publicity rights included the ability to allow or prohibit the commercial use of one&rsquo;s appearance or personality traits. &nbsp; &nbsp; It&rsquo;s a double-edged sword to answer this question of copyright vs publicity &ndash; because while economic rights in artistic work are provided by law, including the right to transmit the work to the public, reproduce it, issue copies and so on, any effort by the tattoo artist to exercise these rights would be a violation of the individual&rsquo;s own publicity rights. India is yet to see a case where these two rights butt heads, but it&rsquo;s a not uncommon in other parts of the world. &nbsp; That&rsquo;s not to say that a person can never get the copyright for a tattoo they didn&rsquo;t design. In fact, Shah Rukh Khan has a copyright for the tattoo design that he sported in the film Don 2! There are some methods to ensure that you get this legal right &ndash; granting a license, signing a contract with your designer, relinquishing a copyright are just some such ways. &nbsp; &nbsp; Art is heartwarming, and powerful &ndash; but in this world where there&rsquo;s art, there&rsquo;s also big money. From sports stars in ads, to movie star blockbusters &ndash; it's fair to say that everyone wants a piece of the pie, so this argument isn&rsquo;t going away anytime soon. &nbsp; Also Watch:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/how-and-why-tattoos-episode-1-the-history-and-culture-of-tattoos-in-india-1657292213294">Episode 1: The History and culture of tattoos in India&nbsp;</a> <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/how-and-why-tattoos-episode-3-how-much-money-does-the-tattoo-industry-make-1657292863391">Episode 3: How much money does the tattoo industry make?&nbsp;</a> <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/how-and-why-tattoos-episode-4-why-do-people-get-tattoos-a-look-at-the-psychology-behind-getting-inked-1657293307863">Episode 4: Why do people get tattoos? A look at the psychology behind getting inked</a>

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