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The Paperclip

@Paperclip_In

Nov 1, 2024 • 9 tweets • 3 min read • Read on X

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Of every ten firecracker boxes you’d pick up during #Diwali, nine of them would probably contain a label that reads ‘Sivakasi’, a town in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu.

A short thread on this unique town that has been synonymous with #DiwaliCelebration
#Revisit
(1/7)

Sivakasi city alone produces about 90% fire crackers of the nation while providing employment for about 250K people. The city thrived on an industry of making firecrackers and safety matches for almost a century (2/7)

The arid landscape of Sivakasi gets little rainfall, making the place difficult for agriculture and other industries. The city often fell under the grip of extreme drought and famine (3/7)

It all started when two cousins arrived at Calcutta in 1922 with just a few rupees in hand to escape from a famine. After much struggle, they landed a job in a matchstick-manufacturing factory (4/7)

The two brothers returned from Calcutta learning the art of match-making and founded the first factory in Tamil Nadu in 1923. But the industry started booming only when World War 2 put a halt to importing fireworks from UK and Germany (5/7)

Surprisingly, the only other industry that survived in Sivakasi, is printing industry. Majority of the diaries and calendars we receive as gifts around the New Year, are made in Sivakasi (6/7)

The city endured multiple fire incidents, explosions, & child labor issues over the years, but currently the locals, who've been involved in cracker factories for generations are facing an economic crisis as several states have imposed a ban on crackers (7/7)

Sridevi has likely appeared on more firecracker boxes than anyone else. Born in Meenampatti village near Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, her enduring presence in this festive tradition makes perfect sense.

Image sources: Pinterest, hakes.com, joseflebovicgallery.com

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Dec 13

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If only it was this angry when millions of migrants were walking home on foot.

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Simone Tata, the visionary who transformed Lakmé into India's leading cosmetic brand, passed away yesterday in Mumbai. She was 95. We recount the remarkable story of how Goddess Lakshmi inspired the most well-known cosmetic brand of India. 1/16
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Nov 26

This is one of the most significant pieces of furniture in India’s modern history. If furniture could speak, this one would tell the story of a hero’s last stand.

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Nov 25

Legendary actor Dharmendra passed away yesterday after a brave battle. He had been receiving treatment at Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital.
Did you know that the tune of this song from 'Anupama' (1966) was actually composed 4 years earlier for another film? #DharmendraDeol 1/9

Hrishikesh Mukherjee drew from his cousin's real-life story for the titular character in 'Anupama'. In an interview with The Indian Express, he shared, "My aunt died during childbirth, my uncle turned to alcohol, and he couldn't bear his daughter. " 2/9

"For Anupama’s relationship with the poet who rescues her, I used my imagination." he remarked.
Dharmendra played Ashok, an author sensitive to the world's sorrows, who sees the same melancholy in Anupama and helps her discover herself. 3/9

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