Favorite smell: How Mirzapur smells for sure, of wet earth, of raat rani, of cinnamon sticks and tea shops

Avni is an interdisciplinary practitioner with her primary concern lying between culture, memory, space and the body. She studied Interdisciplinary Design from the Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore and pursued a master’s in performance studies at Ambedkar University, Delhi. She conceptualized and designed the Conflictorium in 2013 and has operated as its Artistic Director from 2013-2023. Trained in multiple dance idioms, her performances are largely inspired by syncretic faith traditions as well as sites of contested narratives. She is interested in exploring the relationship between intimate audiences and the performing body.

Favorite smell: Freshly boiling chai & Parijat flowers

I work at the intersection of space, everyday life, and politics. My curiosity lies in how the mundane performs meaning, how ordinary gestures, routines, and interactions create quiet yet powerful social textures. I am also deeply curious about the nature of natural light and how it interacts with objects, people and buildings and the sensory experience light creates. It is through photo zines and film making I best express myself.

Favorite smell: Dashang Dhoop

Kamini Nag is a housekeeping and maintenance coordinator at the Conflictorium, Raipur. She is from Bhilai-3 in Chhattisgarh. Mother of three children, she likes to read whenever she gets a chance. She also enjoys listening to music and indulging in impromptu dance with her daughters. She likes to work at the museum the most as she gets to learn new things on a daily basis.

fatimajuned.conflictorium@gmail.com

Favorite Smells: “Geeli mitti, bela, yakhni, and mangoes”

Fatima is an interdisciplinary visual artist and researcher working across images, text, and textile. Her practice sits at the intersections of gender, labour, memory, violence, and resistance – shaped through collaborations with communities and grassroots movements. She builds spaces for dialogue and reflection, tracing the delicate, everyday rhythms of survival in a changing world. She is drawn to complexity and contradiction, choosing to linger where things remain unresolved. She holds a Master’s in Conflict and Peace Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia, and has worked with grassroots organisations. Moving between Lucknow, New Delhi, and Ahmedabad, she works across disciplines and solidarities, holding space for multiplicity, friction, and quiet, persistent resistance.

Favorite smell: Naphthalene balls and sauteing garlic
Gargi is an associate working in research and outreach of the museum. She moonlights as a freelance journalist and is exploring storytelling through different media. She is interested in exploring conflict, its symptoms and consequences, through stories.

Favorite Smells: My grandmother’s belongings, mogra and Biryani 

Born in Lucknow, shaped by my years in Delhi and now building my career in Raipur. I carry with me a blend of diverse experiences, lifelong learning and a passion for making a positive difference. I am driven by curiosity about people, community and lived experiences. By combining thoughtful research and compelling visual narratives I want to encourage understanding and spark meaningful conversations. I believe in living life one bite and one beat at a time.

Favorite Smells: Garbage! 

Bhavesh is a theatre artist and cultural activist who blends performance with community engagement, using stagecraft to explore social narratives and public memory.

He currently works as support staff at the Conflictorium museum in Ahmedabad, he is contributing to the museum’s day-to-day operations.

Alongside this, he is currently pursuing an LLB, deepening his engagement with justice, rights, and civic discourse. His practice reflects a commitment to making art accessible and participatory, grounding creative work in the realities of the communities it touches.!

Favorite smell: Scent of geniunity and creativity

Abhishek has submitted and presented PhD thesis in Film Studies at School of Culture and Creative Expressions (SCCE), Ambedkar University Delhi. He has taught courses and conducted workshops in film-production, film- studies, theatre performance making, culture studies and creative arts at universities like Ambedkar University Delhi, AAFT Noida, Amity School of Film and Drama Noida and Amity School of Communication Jaipur. At Conflictorium Abhishek serves as an educator to initiate dialogues and workshops that promote critical thinking and art-appreciation. He is also practicing as a documentary filmmaker and theatre-maker.

Favorite Smells: Fresh flowers, rain wet clay and sweet basil

Nayan Rathod working as a museum manager at Conflictorium-Ahmedabad, which includes but is not limited to interacting and guiding visitors at the Museum premises. Along with, also handle many internal communications for purposes of accounting, building maintenance and intra-team logistics. Studied M.com from the H.L Commerce College. Like to watch movies, swimming and always excited for wandering new places.

Favorite Smells: Citrus and Coco Butter 

Jignesh is a graduate of Gujarat University and has earned a diploma in computer programming from H.K. College, Ahmedabad. He has more than 15 years’ experience in commerce and the IT sector. At the Conflictorium, he provides technical & technology support from time-to-time.

Favorite Smells: Jeera and Phenyl 

Ranjeeta is the sole earning member of her family, and has been working as domestic housekeeper and carer for the last 30 years. She has three children who she is extremely proud of. Her two daughters have studied till 5th grade and are now married and engaged respectively. Her son, the youngest child, is a professional dancer. Ranjeeta has a sweet tooth and is most happy to survive off just cake and mithai for an entire day!