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Dr. Deborah is trained in Anthropology and has a Ph.D. in Ancient Indian Culture and History from the University of Madras. With a keen interest in the rich folk arts, culture and traditions of Tamil Nadu she founded the Madras Craft Foundation in 1984 in order to develop a healthy attitude towards one’s roots by brining alive the lives and ways of Indians in the pre- and post-colonial era. The result was Dakshinachitra, an exciting cross cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts and performing arts of South India. The Museum was opened in 1996 and since then has been a lighthouse for visitors globally to get a glimpse of South India’s revered culture. Despite her Western moorings and upbringing, Deborah found a powerful resonance with Indian culture. The anthropologist in her found the need to foster and cherish the wilting culture of her adopted country. In the current era where digital art is increasingly taking centre-stage and live art is being relegated to the wings, Deborah has managed to ignite a passion for rustic and rural art form.
