Beats of Change
Beats of Change is a graphic narrative exploring the complexities of caste-based discrimination in Indian society. Inspired by a personal encounter with a tabla teacher in Vijayawada, the story delves into the personal struggles, societal pressures, and the transformative power of art. While inspired by real-life experiences, the narrative incorporates elements of fiction to amplify the themes and create a compelling storytelling experience.
Project type - Academic Project
Role - Story Building, Graphic Design, Illustrations
Process - It all started one day when I went to the banks of the Krishna River at the Prakasam Barrage
to capture some images. There, I saw a man and a group of 4-5 people playing the tabla. Their rhythm was
captivating, and I didn’t want to interrupt. Later, when my Narrative Design course began and we were asked to
interview someone interesting, that group at the river instantly came to mind.
I decided to trace them back, so I returned with a Telugu-speaking friend. We managed to get in touch with one of the students, but he was very reserved and wouldn’t share much—he didn’t even give me the teacher's phone number, insisting that his guruji was always busy. His loyalty was clear.
Undeterred, I went back the next day and asked around. Eventually, I met another guruji who knew the teacher. Finally, I got to speak with the tabla teacher over the phone. He asked me to call back the next day, but when I did, he said he was busy. After several attempts, I began to wonder if he was truly busy or if he was hiding something bigger.