In this episode of the Yodakin Podcast, Arpita Das and graphic novelist and researcher Samarth discuss the experiences that led to the creation of the graphic novel Suit. Samarth talks about how he chose the theme of manual scavenging for his novel, the field trips for research, the influence of comic books while growing up and how he chose the graphic novel as the medium to tell this story.
Suit is set in a Mumbai of the near future, when Safai Karamcharis have been provided with safety equipment, including a full body safety suit which gives them the moniker of Suitwalas. The story explores stigma, social change and mobility through the eyes of Vikas, a young "Suitwala".
The book makes the reader question whether anything has changed in reality or is the suit just a cover? The book speculates what change could look like in a profession so steeped in exploitation and exclusion, where the persistent stigma infuses every step towards betterment with a bitter aftertaste.
Links to buy the book:
https://booksetcstore.com/collections/book-of-the-month/products/suit
https://www.midlandbookshop.com/en/product/suit
https://champaca.in/products/suit?_pos=20&_sid=119238c18&_ss=r&variant=39573478703139
https://www.amazon.in/Suit-Samarth/dp/938257932X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=106WFDCO3S4SX&keywords=suit+by+samarth&qid=1659003528&s=books&sprefix=suit+by+samarth%2Cstripbooks%2C432&sr=1-1
This episode has been produced and edited by Chitraksh Ashray. The opening song is 'Typewriter' by Marc Taboel via Epidemic Sound.