Shuddhabrata Sengupta examines the interplay between state control and grassroots efforts in shaping Indian art and culture. The narrative delves into the tension between institutional frameworks and independent cultural expressions, highlighting how grassroots movements are reclaiming artistic spaces to foster creativity and inclusivity. Sengupta, an artist and curator with the Raqs Media Collective, brings a critical perspective to this evolving dynamic, emphasizing the resilience of cultural communities in the face of systemic challenges.