I was reminded of similar intent and pride, albeit from a very different platform that was a refreshing take to highlight one’s heritage. I was in the process of polishing off a very delicious meal while in conversation with the owner of a new restaurant in Thane. He was a fourth-generation member of the Koli community, and was immensely proud of the fact that he could use his restaurant as a place to showcase his community’s unique culinary heritage. “I wanted to take a leap of faith; it was a risk and everyone including my father, who still goes out to sea, was anxious. But now, when they see patrons enjoying authentic Koli fare cooked from the fresh catch that he and his fellow fishermen bring to shore and prepared using recipes from our family, the joy is unparalleled,” he shared. It made the meal even more memorable. The young entrepreneur who had a business degree from one of the city’s leading management colleges, had taken the opportunity with both hands. Today, I am happy to say that the same restaurant has several outlets across Mulund and Thane.

Examples like these stride across different worlds, cultures and circumstances but they both have the same, common goal in mind. For the indigenous tennis champ Barty and the young Koli entrepreneur, their foot will never get off the pedal when it comes to giving their community’s legacy and heritage its due.

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In the past, so many examples emerge from popular culture where heroes and people of influence have played their roles to effect change. Tommie Smith and John Carlos, African-American athletes who raised their hands at the podium, at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, showed solidarity with black people. Then, there is Mexican actor Salma Hayek, who has been championing the cause to help open more doors for Hispanic artistes to break new ground in the big, bad world of Hollywood. Her portrayal of Frida Kahlo in the cult film continues to be an inspiration to Latino-American actors. Earlier this year, Afro-fusion artiste Burna Boy’s stunning win in the Global Music [formerly World Music) category at the 2021 Grammy Awards brought to light the thriving talent of his home nation Nigeria. Suddenly, producers from the West were looking at the tiny African country to find their next big music brand.

Ambassadors needed

Cultural heritage — be it tangible or otherwise — needs its ambassadors to keep it alive and well-oiled for future generations to respect. And it is up to influencers to acknowledge their roots on the big stage to ensure it doesn’t remain a symbolic act or a momentary photo-op but something more far-reaching, inclusive and purposeful enough to spur next Barty to lift a Grand Slam title or more members of the Koli community to celebrate their culinary legacy.

mid-day’s Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the city’s sights, sounds, smells and stones...wherever the ink and the inclination takes her. She tweets @bombayana

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