kochi social reformer sahodaran ayyappan made a powerful statement against casteism by organizing the historical mishrabhojanam community dining at cherai a century ago now vipin dhanurdharan a young artist from kochi is relooking at the idea of community dining as a medium to break the barriers of social interaction and connect people the outcome of his attempt is one of the notable installations christened sahodarar at kochi muziris biennale this yearsix months before the biennale vipin visited random houses at mattancherry and fort kochi partaking of whatever that was made at these diverse households to eat he also drew the portraits of one member form each family fortyfive such portraits have been put up for display as part of his art work each sketch has the name of person with prefix sahodaran or sahodari brother or sister promoting the idea of universal brotherhoodthough the idea was inspired by mishrabhojanam the basic framework reflects the artists observation that interaction between people has been on the decline i was born in a village in kollam where most people knew each other and spent time together without any hesitation but when i relocated to the city six years back i noticed people living in isolation amidst other our relationships are becoming more superficial and less rewarding by making ourselves less connected it is not something new here but i thought art could do something about it he saidwhen he got to know more about mishrabhojanam during its centenary celebrations last year his idea attained a concrete shape i felt mishrabhojanam was a piece of art just like how an artist brings together diverse colours on a canvas to produce something that gives an everlasting effect if food could unite people hundred years ago for a larger cause it could do the same even now to connect people said vipin who now resides at fort kochihowever it was not as easy as it is said when vipin started visiting homes saying he wanted to meet and dine with his neighbours many found it strange but when they understood what i was trying to convey they welcomed me during the meals we talked about various topics it was heartwarming to see strangers becoming friends he saidas part of the installation he has also set up a community kitchen at aspinwall house the main venue of the biennale where anybody can cook food and share it with others he also plans to invite all 45 people in his sketches to the kitchen to sit and eat together once again