Engaging in saree diplomacy in Brazil
Diplomatic assignments abroad for defence personnel are few and elusive and hence considered prized. The tenure, though, has its own challenges professionally and socially. Hosting frequent parties for visiting delegations and the diplomatic community is an essential part of such assignments which require considerable planning and effort. We, however, soon learnt the tricks of the trade and were doing well after completing six months and successfully hosting a few such gatherings.
The ladies’ group was active too and they conducted a regular event exclusively for women, café da manhã (Portuguese for breakfast) was hosted in turn by spouses of all military attaches. A typical such event would have 40 ladies from as many countries. My wife’s turn came sooner than anticipated. While the menu was worked out after lot of brainstorming, there was one aspect that needed more ingenuity.
By convention, such events culminate in showcasing some aspect of the host country’s culture. A cooking demonstration, yoga and dance were some events considered but rejected onsomeortheotherground.One night, while returning from the celebration of the national day of a country, my wife had her eurekamomentandpronounced that she will hold a saree-tying exhibition. “People here are in awe of my saree. Most of them have never seen it as there is hardlyanyIndiancommunityin Brazil.Theyhavealotofmisconceptions about the saree and keep asking questions about the size, time taken and people required to tie it. They could not believe it when I told them that it’s easy to wear and also most of activities can be done wearing it, including running. They love it and click photos with me. I have also started loving the saree and feelsooverwhelmedandgrateful tothisattirewhichInevervalued back in India.” Before starting for the assignment, we were told to try to be in our national attire at official functions. Faithfully, I got a Jodhpuri stitched for myself, while she packed a lot of her sarees, many of which she had never worn earlier.
The culinary part went off well with almost all Indian traditional breakfast dishes on the table. Thereafter, she assembled the ladies in the hall where she had kept several sarees along with the underskirt (petticoat) andtop(choli/blouse).Itwastold to them that the underskirt and tops were optional as most of them were in western clothes and their trousers/skirts provided the waist band to tuck the upper edges and pleats. She gave a live demonstration-cum-tutorial in an artistic manner, explaining each and every step with utmost simplicity.
Everyone was able to drape the saree in one go. The triumphant teacher and the student for that moment celebrated their victory with loud cheers and high fives and queued up in front of mirrors for photo shoots and selfies. It was evident that the event was a big hit. Unfortunately, I did not have the same luck with the Jodhpuri as at the very first event that I attended, I was mistaken for a garçom (Portuguese for waiter).
While she continued wearing sarees to functions, I preferred to be in a formal suit or my service uniform for the rest of our stay there.
THEY HAVE A LOT OF MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SAREE AND KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT TIME TAKEN TO TIE IT