Travel Diary: Raj Kapoor’s Melodies In Georgia - A Soviet Legacy (Wikimedia Commons)

During the days of the USSR, Georgia found itself under the influence of Moscow. Russian language and culture shaped Georgian society, dictating their preferences and norms. Amid this backdrop, an unexpected connection blossomed: Georgians developed a love for Hindi songs, particularly those from Raj Kapoor’s films.

As we explored Tbilisi, the capital city, we encountered street singers clad in traditional Georgian attire—red tops and black bottoms—playing accordions. Their repertoire? None other than Raj Kapoor’s iconic tunes. “Mera Joota Hai Japani” echoed through the streets, captivating both tourists and locals alike.

The enduring appeal of Bollywood music persisted even after the fall of the Soviet empire. While the younger generation may not be familiar with these melodies, the older Georgians still hum Raj Kapoor’s songs, bridging cultures across time and space.

So, next time you wander the streets of Tbilisi, listen closely—you might just catch a hint of India in the Georgian air.

During the early 2000s, Kerala found itself embroiled in a political debate centered around Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). While NGO-style social activism wasn’t particularly popular within the state, left-leaning activists sparked heated discussions. As Keralites, we often engage passionately in global issues, even when they intersect with local concerns.

Read also: Travel Diary: What Is Between India And Georgia (Part 1)

Now, let’s shift our focus to Georgia. In November 2003, the Rose Revolution—a nonviolent change of power—swept through the country, marking the end of Soviet-era leadership. The revolution earned its name from a climactic moment when protesters stormed the parliament session, clutching red roses.

Behind the scenes, the United States supported this ‘revolution’, aiming to topple the Soviet-backed leadership in Georgia. How did they do it? By strategically forming NGOs across the country and fostering discussions within local communities about the importance of political change. Remarkably, after 1995, thousands of NGOs sprouted in Georgia, aided by U.S. support.

Read also: Travel Diary: Two Legendary Women Of Georgia (Part 2)

Interestingly, this geopolitical manoeuvring also ignited debates in Kerala. Some leftist think tanks viewed NGOs as agents of the U.S., signalling the end of communism. Thus, the echoes of the Rose Revolution reached far beyond Georgia’s borders, resonating even in our own state.

(Riyas T Razack is a writer and traveller based out of West Asia)