What is this intriguing project called Analogue Connect? The creators describe it as ‘a digital detox initiated by Chhimeki.’ Where is it happening? In the literary heart of Siliguri. The geographical venue for Analogue Connect is the kids friendly, family friendly Café The Twins, a bookstore cum café that has been rapidly growing since it came into existence in 2019.
Some beautiful slogans that represent the goals of Analogue Connect are -Slow down, be present, and reconnect. Every life is a story worth reading. A human book collective. The statement declares,
‘Analog Connect is about embracing life’s journey at a gentler pace.’
It is an invitation to take a step back from ‘digital noise and create space to rediscover ourselves and truly connect with those around us.’
In its vision, purpose and statement, Analogue Connect recognises the benefits of the internet while analysing that ‘excessive screen time has led to a decline in mental, physical, and social well-being. It has intruded upon the time once spent engaging in hobbies, fostering relationships, learning new crafts, and being present.’
Chhimeki is a growing network of changemakers, devoted to the ideals of neighbourliness and healthy interdependence on each other and Nature. The movement hopes to achieve its aims through artistic and academic mediums.
The creators and collaborators of Analogue Connect are Chhimeki founder Abhay R Pradhan and Café The Twins owner Lekha Rai and her husband Binoy. It originated from Abhay’s dream of people connecting and spending time together without their phones. Chhimeki means neighbours. It is an organisation that works ‘to connect people – propagate interdependence through various mediums and enhance social health’ and thereby increase the ‘quality of interpersonal relationships in a society.’
Their vision ‘is all about bringing back the natural way of bonding that people are meant to enjoy. It invites us to slow down, reflect, and build genuine connections - through art, music, literature, and other creative expressions—but most of all, through story sharing because we believe that every life is a story worth celebrating. Analogue Connect, thus helps us reclaim the dignity of human life from the rush of the dopamine - economy.’
Abhay further explained, The idea for Analogue Connect came about as part of a casual chat that Binoy, Lekha, and I were having in the café one day. It grew from a deeper need we felt—to understand and to find balance in this uncharted territory in an age of virtual simulations and AI boom - as parents and as ordinary citizens. I proposed the structure of a Digital Detox Initiative based on Chhimeki’s vision of Connecting people. Lekha liked the Idea as she had been following a similar kind of initiative happening elsewhere with much interest. She asked me to work on the name and structure of the event. And that is how the whole thing started.’ The logo was designed by a friend.
Many young families flock to Café The Twins, and young children feel at home in the café cum bookstore. Café owner Lekha Rai has devotedly carved out a space where children feel safe and relaxed. They sit on the carpet and listen to stories, and they have even performed stage plays based on famous legends. For the regulars, the café is a second home. It is where Analogue Connect takes place.
I am quoting verbatim from their purpose statement as it gives a clear description of the movement:
‘The word Analog signifies the natural, unfiltered, and tangible aspects oflife—experiences that engage the senses without digital interference. It represents a return to simplicity, presence, and depth in interactions. Connect - embodies deep, meaningful interactions—whether with oneself or others. True connection is not about quantity but quality, creating a space where individuals can be seen, heard, and valued.’
The movement is now underway. It is hopeful and forward looking. In a way, it is like a modern day morung, a community-based movement where all members can come together in an organic manner and receive from each other. It is organic because human societies have always naturally congregated together and done things as a group be it feasting at a festival or wedding celebration or at a storytelling night around a fire. It is a concrete move against extreme digitalisation that is witnessing the fissures in parent-child relationships with children feeling that the virtual world is more valuable than the real world. So far, Analogue Connect has had a few successful evenings of story sharing which left the listeners hungry for more. It is a worthy lesson and every neighbourhood will certainly benefit by starting up a chapter of Analogue Connect.
