India (2017-2019: Eight Visits)
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Locations: Assam, Darjeeling, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Punjab, Sikkim, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal
Walking down a road in Odisha, my PhD co-researcher and I came across a divine religious shrine, breathtaking beyond words. After emerging on the other side, we came across the question painted on a brick wall, "Who will survive development?"
Only the mobilizers of the question can understand the intent of the message, but the question is striking, which makes many stop and ponder as they walk the public road.
The question surely does fit development discourses related to 'Cyclone Titli' in 2018, which caused widespread infrastructural destruction, such as the loss of agricultural land and the displacement of people in the hundreds of thousands. Yet it is a question that can seep into endless contexts and initiate conversations deep and often uncomfortable stories that must be told... [an excerpt from my field journal, May 2019]
A religious shrine in Odisha, India
On the main road exiting the shrine above
During my research, a prime focus in India was working with Nepalese and Tibetan youth who migrated throughout the country for higher education in the field of Art, Gender Studies, Medical Programs, and Hotel Management, or, were employed in fields related to trade, agriculture, and marketing.
In Goa, I explored concerns regarding environmental degradation of the beaches from coastal erosion and other causes
I also worked with Indian youth and community members on larger development concerns, such as rebuilding during times of natural disasters, utilizing digital media to preserve ancient knowledge, changing economic systems in relation to global relations, and the impact of popular culture on local tourism.
A museum in Kolkata, India - Victoria Memorial Hall
One area of particular interest I had throughout my research was examining the role of transnational businesses across India, such as restaurants and hotels, which (re)shape international tourism, bilateral trade, migration, and political relations across the country.
A temple in Hyderabad, India
Tomb of Isa Khan, built in 1547-1548, New Delhi India
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