(Apologies about the poor audio quality!)

Hey everyone and welcome back to another episode of Modern Malayali!

Today’s episode is about a topic that I've been wanting to speak about  for a while. It’s close to my heart, and I know it’s something so many of us, especially in the Malayali community, have experienced in some way or the another. We’re talking about skin colour - more specifically, how darker skin tones are viewed within Malayali culture.

In this episode I am joined by Gauri. Gauri shares her experiences of dealing with colourist comments from family and friends and how it has shaped her self-worth. She also opens up about living with eczema, which often draws further remarks from others about her skin.

 We talk about the cultural biases and the generational mindsets that perpetuate them. We delve into theinfluential and powerful role of media in shaping beauty standards. We explore how films, advertisements, and social media perpetuate narrow ideals of beauty, often marginalising diverse skin tones and features.

Through our discussion and Gauri's personal insights, we highlight the need for more inclusive representation and the power of media to redefine what is considered beautiful.

Gauri shares how she navigated the complexities of identity, self-acceptance, and resilience, and offers a heartfelt message of empowerment and solidarity to listeners who have faced similar challenges.

 This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing your unique beauty and challenging discriminatory norms. To anyone else that's listening, if there’s one thing I would like you to take away from this episode, it’s that your skin tone is not a flaw.

It’s not something to fix or hide. It’s part of you. And you don’t owe anyone “fairness” to be loved or celebrated. Dark skin is just as beautiful as fair skin :) 

Please go check out Gauri's Tiktok page on: @powchikawowza and show some love!

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About the Modern Malayali podcast:

Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala?

I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives.

I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time.

This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences.Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this.

Please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Music.

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To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram and TikTok!

Instagram and TikTok are also a great way to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show!

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Music by Kalpesh Ajugia from Pixaby.

Hey everyone, and welcome to the first episode of Modern Malayali!

We're kicking things off strong by talking about the one main event that brings all of us Malayalis around the world together.

Once July hits, it's like our internal Onam alarm goes off... you just know it's coming. The sarees and mundus, the sadya, the pookalams... it's all right around the corner.

In this episode of Modern Malayali, I'm joined by Elina, the inspiring president of the Association of Young Malayalis in South Africa (AYMSA). We talk about the importance of celebrating our culture and traditions outside of Kerala, while also embracing our modern upbringing.

Elina shares her experience of creating a space for young Malayalis to not only celebrate Onam, but also to build connections and friendships within the community - fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride among Malayali youth.

Onam doesn't have to look the way our uncles and aunties do it, it can simply be us showing up and doing our best. It doesn't need to be a copy-paste version of how it's done in Kerala either.

Elina talks about the impact of creating our own version of Onam, wherever we are, in a way that feels real and meaningful to us.

She also shares some tips and advice for fellow Malayalis who are passionate about building a shared cultural community.

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About the Modern Malayali podcast:

Have you ever wondered how other Malayalis live their lives outside of Kerala?

I have. I've always been curious about how other Malayalis navigate their culture while living very modern, Western lives.

I’m talking about the influence our culture has had on the decisions and choices we've made — from choosing a career path to choosing a life partner, from how we talk about mental health to how we spend our free time.

This is a podcast where Malayalis from all over the world can connect and share stories. We’re all in this together, and I’m sure many of us have had similar experiences.

Hopefully, one of these episodes will inspire or reassure you that you're not alone in this.

--------------------------------------------------------

Please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music.

To stay up to date with new episodes and upcoming guests, find me on Instagram and TikTok!

Instagram and TikTok are also a great way to connect with me, and to let me know if you’re interested in being on the show!

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Music by Kalpesh Ajugia from Pixabay.

Hi and welcome to Modern Malayali!

I'm so glad you're here.

My name is Ria, and this podcast is a space for open, thoughtful conversations with Malayalis born and brought up outside of Kerala.

People like me, and maybe like you, who've grown up balancing our culture, family and identity in places far from where it all started.

This podcast is not about judgement or having all the answers.

It's simply about sharing stories, listening, and maybe finding comfort in knowing that we're not alone in these experiences. And who knows, you may inspire someone else on the opposite side of the world with your stories.

Each episode, I'll be chatting with fellow Malayalis from around the world about the ways our culture has shaped who we are and who we're becoming.

Some conversations will be light and fun. Others may be a little more personal. But all of it will be honest, respectful, and real.

If you are proudly 'mallu', but also not too sure what that means, then let's talk about it. Because I also don't know what that means.

So join me as we explore what it means to be a Modern Malayali today.