Through The Eyes Of Another

Suchismita Chattopadhyay has been researching grooming institutions in Delhi for the last 5 years. In an industry that seems to be widespread and competitive but not much has been written about, it wasn’t easy to gain access to those spaces. She discusses the process and some of her key findings wi…

Modern Values

The stakes are high as traditional ways of thinking about gender roles, relationships, marriage, clash with modern values. What is the identity of a person outside of these social roles, relations and obligations they have?  In this episode, the host Kavitha Devadas talks to Mohd. Ilyaz Shamshi fr…

What about men?

Episode 3 of Made to Order looks at some of the changes finishing schools have undergone, particularly with how they now have male clients and students. While the reasons for women attending or being sent to finishing schools seems more obvious, why are men attending these schools? What is their ex…

A School for Proper Ladies

The rebrand of finishing schools for today's context has meant they now appeal to everyone who has the means and resources to access them. But they are emblematic of ways in which society perceives the role of women. Even before finishing schools, women begin to train themselves for these roles.  …

Grand Old Traditions

Finishing schools are a thriving but not a widely researched and understood phenomena in India. They exist in cities, small towns, and now increasingly in the digital space as they attempt to rebrand themselves for the modern client. Despite this, they continue to focus on women and appeal to both …

Made To Order - Teaser

From Suno India productions, Made to Order is a new podcast that explores finishing schools, personality development courses and makeovers classes in India. Antiquated ideas about women being taught etiquette and social graces have been reinvented for the modern times. How have things changed? Have…