'Floating Roots' is an interactive installation exploring the cultural, religious, and political history of Pokkali rice paddy farming, a traditionally farmed, salt and flood resilient rice found across the country, especially in Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Alappuzha districts of Kerala, India.

As we move through the world, we often experience multiple histories at once. Fragments of these stories are hidden in plain sight - in the food we eat, the music passed down through generations, and the narratives of progress we inherit.

This installation invites the viewer to explore different perspectives of Pokkali, a traditional farming practice rooted in the backwaters of Kerala. More than just an agricultural technique, Pokkali is a carefully designed organic ecosystem, one that choreographs the tides through alternating cycles of rice cultivation and prawn farming.

The installation is divided into four sections: Working with Water, Ceremonies of Pokkali, Ecotourism, and Building for the Future. Each story features a co-designed mechanism that symbolizes a unique aspect of Pokkali life. Each one is powered by a foot pedal, welcoming the viewer to step into the experience, literally and figuratively. The project looks, bigger picture to experiment with how technology can be used as a tool in storytelling and art, towards a more resilient future.

This work was sponsored by the Kerala Startup Mission and showcased in the Kerala Innovation Festival on July 25-25, 2025 in Kochi, Kerala.

Learn more about the project by reading the sister explainer here.