East Indian Memory Co.

Welcome to the East Indian Memory Co., an online project that seeks to research, document and share the stories of the East Indian people and community.

Native to the North Konkan coast of Western Maharashtra, we are the descendants of the first Christians of Baçaim (Bassein/Vasai), Bombay (Mumbai) and Salsette (parts of Mumbai, Mira-Bhayander and Thane). Over the years, our cuisine, customs and faith have combined the colonial (Portuguese) with the local (Maharashtrian) and added our culture to the diverse tapestry of communities that is India.

The various occupational groups, geographical peculiarities, class differences, etc. can add to the challenges involved in the collation and documentation of East Indian culture and history. The East Indian Memory Co. (EIMC) aims to take on this task and aid community members and anyone else interested in a greater understanding of the community. An East Indian myself, I hope to tell my people’s stories to the rest of the world through the art I create (and help facilitate), the stories I uncover, and my interactions with other communities and cultures.

EIMC also seeks ways to keep East Indian culture and traditions alive and empower our youth and elders by highlighting the various roles our people have played historically and continue to play not only within our own community, but also in the wider world.

Your contributions, conversations and patronage are most welcome.

Warm regards,
Reena Pereira-Almeida