Alia Bhatt's Met Gala Moment: A Timeless Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

As a girl of Indian origin born in the United States, my three years at a boarding school in India offered me an immersive experience in my culture, cultivating a deep appreciation for Indian traditions. Drawing from these personal experiences, I explore the inspiration and pride that fashion choices like Alia Bhatt's iconic Met Gala saree can evoke for those who share similar cultural backgrounds.

“There’s nothing more timeless than a saree,” says Alia Bhatt, referencing her stunning designer saree at this year’s Met Gala. This traditional Indian garment, often worn at weddings, festivals, and significant cultural events, was given a unique twist for the occasion. The annual fundraising event, formally known as the Costume Institute Benefit, is held for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in Manhattan and is one of the most prestigious nights in fashion. The gala is known for its elaborate themes and bold fashion statements, making Alia’s choice to wear a saree a powerful representation of her Indian heritage and a unique interpretation of the evening’s dress code: “The Garden of Time.” 

The eye-catching saree, designed by renowned Indian fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, showcases the work of 163 artisans, who dedicated 1,905 man-hours into its creation. Featuring intricate hand embroidery with silk floss, semi-precious stones, glass beads, alongside floral patterns reminiscent of a garden in bloom, it radiated elegance and became a standout presence.  In her brief interview with Vogue at the event, Alia shared how a saree aligns with the dress code: “...when I thought of the dress code, [and] got enough time, I felt like it needed something timeless, and there’s nothing more timeless than a saree.” Alia's choice was indeed exceptional, as she was the only guest wearing a saree.

Alia’s decision to wear a saree reveals her strong connection to her Indian heritage and roots. By wearing a traditional garment, she highlights India’s rich textile history, bringing her culture to the global stage. In Alia’s Last Looks video with Vogue, her stylist, Anaita Shroff Adajania, explained the inspiration behind her attire, stating, “We did a lot of research on archival portraits of Parsi nobility, [which had] beautiful Indians wearing delicate pastel sarees.” This insight shows the fusion of traditional and historical fashion  with a modern touch. 

The impact of Alia’s saree on both the fashion community and the public was significant.  According to influencer marketing platform Lefty, Alia topped the visibility chart at the Met Gala, surpassing the likes of attendees such as Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Doja Cat. She has also been ranked as one of the 21 Best Dressed Stars according to People magazine, acknowledging the bold, innovative blend of traditional and contemporary fashion. 

As an Indian girl living in the United States, I sometimes struggle with cultural identity, especially when it comes to clothing. My three-year experience at a boarding school in India made for a deeper immersion into my culture, cultivating a sense of appreciation for its richness and diversity. Alia’s selection of a traditional saree at such a prestigious event is incredibly inspiring, serving as a reminder of the beauty and significance of our cultural heritage. Her decision fills me with pride as she confidently showcases our rich traditions on a global stage, allowing the world to appreciate the nuances of Indian fashion. It’s empowering to see Alia celebrate our roots while making a bold statement in the fashion world, inspiring others like me to embrace our cultural identities with confidence. 

Alia Bhatt’s choice to wear a traditional Indian saree at the Met Gala may inspire future trends in fashion, encouraging designers to embrace the fusion of traditional and modern elements. This decision underscores the potential for more cultural representation at prestigious events, motivating others to celebrate their roots as well. Such moments have the power to cultivate a deeper appreciation of global fashion and the traditions behind iconic garments such as the saree.

Hawaii: The spirit of aloha.

I recently visited Hawaii, and I wanted to share my experiences with you all, from the sandy beaches and massive volcanoes to the vibrant city life.

The feel of the salty wind blowing through my hair, the sand between my toes, the vibrant and unique cities, the volcanoes—all were once mere dreams of Hawaii for me. Now, as someone who lives in the US, it felt almost wrong to have never set foot in this unique state. Since the pandemic began, my travel plans have been on hold, and balancing my studies in India with trips back to the US made travel challenging.  Now that I’ve returned to the US, the chance to explore Hawaii myself finally arrived. 

The journey began with a five-and-a half-hour flight to Honolulu, Oahu, that seemed to stretch on forever. Free airplane WiFi made the journey bearable. Upon landing, the thrill of being in Hawaii washed over me. After settling in, our first stop was the lively Waikiki Beach Walk, conveniently located right near where we were staying. The ambience, as well as its wide array of shops and live entertainment, immediately captivated me.

On our first day, we set off for the beach, as one naturally does upon arriving in Hawaii. Along the drive, we paused at several scenic points to take in the breathtaking views. Once at the beach, we basked in the sun and walked along the shore for a while before heading off to lunch. Although finding vegetarian options was a bit challenging, we eventually found a place that met our preferences. After lunch, we returned to our accommodation to cool off from the hot sun. Rested and refreshed, we returned to the Waikiki Beach Walk to enjoy the sunset and further explore the area.

Diamond Head, a famous volcanic landmark, invited us for an early morning hike. The trail, though slightly difficult, rewarded our efforts with stunning panoramic views of Waikiki Beach and the city of Honolulu. As the sun rose, casting its golden hues across the sky, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of it all. The tranquil atmosphere atop the volcano made our early morning adventure truly unforgettable. 

Following our hike at Diamond Head, we continued our exploration. After our previous beach outing, we spent the rest of the morning soaking up the sun at a different stretch of coastline. However, this beach offered more than just sand and water; it had a variety of tropical birds, and even a hen crossing the road with her young ones (yes, a chicken does cross the road to get to the other side). After a lunch at another hard-to-find vegetarian spot, we switched gears and visited the Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest open-air mall. We spent a couple of hours exploring its vast array of shops, boutiques, and attractions. With so much to see, we couldn’t cover it all in one go, but we still enjoyed its many offerings. 

Our time in Oahu concluded on a high note, leading us to our next destination: Big Island. The following morning, we boarded a flight that started its descent just ten minutes after take-off — it was incredibly short– and we arrived in Kona, Big Island. The first thing I noticed was its open air airport, which was unlike any I’ve ever seen before. Despite its awe-inducing appearance, it did leave me to wonder how it would fare in the rain.

Our accommodation in Kona, Big Island, offered a stunning, unobstructed ocean view, making me feel as if I was in a Hawaiian dreamscape. The rest of the day was spent indoors, meticulously planning the next day’s adventures, which promised to be the most exciting yet. 

First on the list was the Punalu’u Black Sands Beach, which lives up to its name with its distinctive black sand formed by volcanic materials and lava fragments. The sight was mesmerizing, and I even glimpsed a few rare hawksbill sea turtles, leaving me in awe. The island seemed to hold countless mysteries at every turn, and I was eager to discover what else awaited.

Continuing our adventure, we visited the Volcanoes National Park in Hilo, filled with its own plethora of attractions. Steam poured out of crevices in the rocks, filling the air with a sultry feel and the scent of ash. Bright yellow spots of sulfur dotted the area, inviting new vegetation. Despite the gentle drizzle, we eagerly explored the lava tubes, formed when the surface of a lava flow cools and solidifies. The entrance was enveloped in greenery, and the inside was illuminated by a soft yellow glow. The park offered a variety of wonders, but our journey continued to Akaka Falls, a massive 442-feet waterfall that nearly took my breath away. The fall is so big I couldn’t even see the bottom, no matter how hard I tried. 

That evening we were able to attend a luau, a traditional and cultural dance show. Under the beautiful night sky, we enjoyed the rhythmic beats of traditional Hawaiian music and the hula dances that went with it, captivated by the dancers’ vibrant costumes. Torches flickered, casting a warm glow as we watched the festivities, experiencing the true spirit of aloha in every moment. 

The next day took a historical and spiritual turn with a visit to the Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Park, known for its rich cultural and sacred sites. This park, once a place of refuge for lawbreakers and warriors defeated in battle, offers a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian history and customs. The many pictures of the tiki statues I had seen online made me especially excited to visit this park and get a taste of Hawaiian culture. However, the sun had other plans. The heat was simply unbearable, and we had to retreat after a while. 

Our last full day in Hawaii called for another beach, which happened to be our first one on Big Island. We settled for Kukio Beach, and I’ll be forever grateful we did. It was calm and quiet, with both sand and grass, gentle waves, and water showcasing a thousand different shades of blue. To top it all, the weather was perfect, creating an ideal way to end our stay in Hawaii. 

But of course, we couldn’t actually leave the islands before buying some of its exquisite chocolate. We went to authentic Hawaiian chocolate stores, one of which was part of a cacao and coffee plantation. The sight of the cacao fruit growing on the trees was fascinating, showcasing the natural source of these delectable treats. Hawaii, known for its locally grown cocoa, produces some of the finest chocolate in the world. From wine berry chocolate to macadamia nut chocolate, we picked up an array of delicacies to enjoy back home.  

The following morning was filled with last minute packing and a wild scramble to get to the airport. We had another five-and-a-half-hour long flight ahead, but this time I was prepared and luckily, there was free WiFi on this one too.

Returning home was a bittersweet experience. While I was glad to settle back into my regular routine, I couldn’t help but feel a hint of sadness at leaving behind Hawaii’s alluring culture and landscape. My time on the islands was an unforgettable adventure, filled with natural beauty and moments of awe, and I eagerly anticipate the day I can return to discover even more of it. 

Earth Week: A call for action.

Happy Earth Day! As we celebrate Mother Earth, I invite you to do your part, as I am doing mine, to take care of this wonderful sphere of life.

Did you know that in the days of your great-grandmother, one orange provided the same amount of nutrition as eight oranges today? This startling fact highlights a larger crisis that we face today: soil degradation. As we celebrate Earth Day, I want to shed light on the Save Soil movement and its crucial mission. Let me share my journey with the movement and how it has transformed my perspective on the health of our planet.  

The Save Soil Movement, led by spiritual leader and founder of Isha Foundation, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, emphasizes the essential role of healthy soil in producing nutritious food, supporting biodiversity, and storing carbon. Sadly, unsustainable farming, deforestation, and other harmful practices have devastated our soils. The movement aims to reverse this trend by promoting regenerative agriculture and other sustainable practices that positively impact food security and combat climate change. 

Soil degradation is defined as the decline in soil quality due to physical, chemical, and biological changes. According to a 2022 United Nations report, approximately 40% of soils worldwide are moderately to severely degraded. If damaging practices persist, this number could rise to an astounding 90% by 2050.

The consequences of soil degradation are severe, including reduced nutritional value and water scarcity, affecting millions of people and endangering countless species. Without immediate intervention, food production could plummet by 40% in the next 20 years, making it difficult to feed a global population of 9.3 billion. Currently, 2 billion people suffer from nutrient deficiencies, leading to health issues. Alongside this, habitat loss threatens around 27,000 species with extinction each year, which is a major disruption to the surrounding ecosystems.

To better understand the urgency of preserving soil, let’s examine what makes it healthy. Healthy soil teems with life and contains a rich organic content known as humus, which should ideally comprise 3-6% of the soil. This includes leaf litter, microorganisms, and other plant and animal materials, which retains moisture and nutrients, supports plant growth, and maintains soil structure. Humus fosters a lively environment for earthworms, bacteria, and fungi that cycle nutrients and sustain soil vitality. 

As a student of Isha Home School, founded by Sadhguru, I’ve been actively engaged in promoting the Save Soil movement. My journey began by running a 5-kilometer marathon in Coimbatore, wearing bright green Save Soil t-shirts that inspired many to unite for the cause.

We explored permaculture by working on an unused plot within the school grounds, learning to integrate human and natural systems for sustainable ecosystems. Visiting local farms to share information about permaculture and Save Soil, and even harvesting potatoes, strengthening our connection to the land.

Writing letters to the Prime Minister advocating for the cause and handing out stickers in city parking lots helped raise awareness. Planting saplings in school was another frequent activity that became more exciting as grades competed to plant the most. Through these experiences, I’ve grown as an advocate for the Save Soil movement and recognized the importance of taking immediate action.

Climate change has become a central focus of political policy worldwide, with governments enacting laws and international agreements to combat its effects. For instance, the Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Amid these efforts, revitalizing the world’s soil is essential. If we fail to act, global soils could release an astonishing 850 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere — more than the total emissions of the past 30 years combined. 

As we strive to address climate change, there are meaningful steps we can take at home to prevent soil degradation. Composting enriches the soil with nutrients and organic matter, improving its structure and water retention. Planting native plants supports soil biodiversity and local ecosystems while also conserving water. Rainwater harvesting conserves and prevents runoff, protecting soil from erosion. Simple practices such as these help preserve the health of the soil, promoting sustainable living and supporting the fight against climate change.

My experiences and learnings from the Save Soil movement have shown me the critical importance of healthy soil for our planet’s health and future generations. I have realized that by fixing the soil, we have the best chance of fixing the whole. Helping the earth has been a fulfilling journey for me and I hope it can be for you too. On this Earth Day, I encourage you to join me in taking action and raising awareness and taking action to protect our soil. Together, we can inspire others to join the cause and create a sustainable world. Let’s act now to protect our future for generations to come.