“The art of living lies in balancing the acts of life,” wrote Indian novelist and playwright, B.S. Murthy. The word ‘balance’ has its roots in Late Latin, the combination of bi (“twice, having two”) and lance (“scale pans”). It conjures the image of weighing scales, often associated with ideals of justice, order and harmony.

Interestingly, to understand balance one must appreciate duality: an instance of opposition or contrast between two concepts. Sun and moon, past and future, day and night, mind and body are fundamental examples, intrinsic to the nature of holistic living. At Swadesh, we like to go that extra mile. We mean it when we say that a life beyond the ordinary involves embracing all that enriches our soul.

With the burgeoning distractions of modern technology, it is worth it — more than ever — to pay attention to the details that make life worth living. In a climate that prizes immediacy and convenience, where the lines between analogue and digital are increasingly blurry, notions of space and time have become caught in the crossfire. Here too, we venture to say it is a question of ‘and’ not ‘or’ — a dynamic dialogue between tradition and innovation that allows us to move forward with agility and grace.

And so, we set out to unite the best of both worlds through a celebration of authenticity. Swadesh is an endeavour to revive India’s handmade traditions, an homage to all that makes us proud countrymen. Whether you’re considering a Pichwai painting or a Banarasi saree, you can rest assured that no small amount of painstaking effort and passion has brought your purchase to life. Our collection retains the essence of practices perfected over generations, adapted into consciously-made merchandise for you — the contemporary customer.

At Swadesh, we hope to foster a community that not only invests in craft but also bands together to shape the future of India and the world. Dressing deliberately and sustainably, filling your home with artistic treasures, invoking wellness rituals that nourish the mind, body and spirit all offer a beautiful counterpoint to unremarkable living. Treat it as our wholesome invitation to thrive with balance, discernment and pride of ownership.