The East Indian Memory Co. is part of a journey that started with Miss Lorraine Fernandes, Reena’s history teacher at St Joseph’s Convent, Panchgani (a hill station in Maharashtra, India) who imparted her lessons with insight and great passion and constantly encouraged her students to question and critique the past.

This interest in all things old and fascinating was further nurtured by Reena’s Ancient Indian Culure teachers at St Xavier’s College, Mumbai – Dr Radha Kumar and Dr Anita Rane-Kothare – two women whose knowledge and expertise for the subject continue to inspire and motivate her, years after completing her Arts major in the subject.

When the internet took off in India (late 2000s), Reena was gearing up for her nuptials. The lack of any substantial information about her community as well as the larger Christian community of Mumbai, especially in terms of the marriage customs, kicked off Plan M where she began documenting her wedding preparations.

The interest garnered by this blog inspired an informative bridal blog, Bombay Brides, that profiled married Christian couples and bridal vendors in addition to documenting vintage weddings of the Christian communities populating Bombay.

Both these spaces are currently dormant, but they have been instrumental in laying the foundation for the East Indian Memory Co.

Reena divides her time between Bassein and Brisbane, her day job and working on EIMC, and her varied hobbies and interests. She constantly questions and seeks to understand better the connections between her religion, culture, society, ideology, and heritage.

Follow her as she wanders around Vasai, Thane, Raigad, Mumbai (age-old East Indian strongholds) and abroad and researches, records and documents her vibrant and fascinating community on the East Indian Memory Co.’s website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

To read what various news outlets have to say about Reena’s work with EIMC, head to the EIMC Memory Book. For collaborations, consultation and inquiries, email Reena at eastindianmemoryco@gmail.com

You can also shop for some fun East Indian themed art, clothing and authentic and traditionally made masalas while you’re on this website.

By purchasing EIMC products, you help fund Reena’s research, so if you have bought something from here, a big thank you to you.