Anthony Bourdain's Visit to Punjab: A Reminder of India's Nation-Making in Parts Unknown (2013)

                   Anthony Bourdain, a celebrity chef and world traveller has been making his name with his larger-than-life demeanor. Known for gaining success through his hard-hitting book, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly(2000), the man made strides in the media and television industry with the first show that aired on Food Network called The Cook's Tour (2001) where he began his journey to visit world wide locations to sample their cuisine, meet people, and understand the dynamics and diverse cultural systems that are in existence globally. The man then began filming for Travel Channel's No Reservations (2005-2012) and The Layover (2011-2013), before moving on to CNN's Parts Unknown (2013). I have been following his shows like a travel fanatic and foodie since The Cook's Tour aired on the Food Network. I loved his rhetoric hard-hitting and truth-telling style with his openness to culture and a transparent honest approach to the way he filmed, wrote, and hosted the shows. Parts Unknown started its third season and its focus was on the subject that is near and dear to my heart: India. It is not as if Bourdain has not visited India before. He has filmed in Rajasthan, Kerala, Mumbai, and Kolkata but none of the episodes really delved into the heart of India's nation-making and history like his Punjab episode did.

The episode was rich in its discussion of India's colourful history, its troubling history of the Partition, and nation-making process, exploration of the relationship between India and Pakistan in its present form, and a visit to the colonial past with the journey he takes to Shimla. Although I have never been to the regional states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, these states are still on my bucket list. Heck, all of India is. That is the reason why I am so passionate about my heritage and culture because it is so deep rooted, so diverse, and together - an amalgamation of amazing people, cultures, and customs.

              Bourdain begins his journey in Punjab visiting the area and trying out delicious Indian vegetarian cuisine in dhabas (or roadside stands spread across the region and in high ways). Then, he has an opportunity to visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar (another location I am dying to visit someday). He speaks profoundly about the Sikh community that welcomes people from all religions, caste, and creed into the temple to partake in the langar (a vegetarian meal served and prepared by volunteers).

            Today I write about The Partition, an event that was taking place simultaneously as both the nation of India and Pakistan were coming into being. I have been concerned, touched, and baffled by India's history. From all the documentaries, historical accounts, and people whom I have heard from about the time of Partition - India's largest mass migration which led more than a million displaced and many more violently killed. I have not been able to forget that as the nation was coming into being in 1947 when Nehru was giving his tryst with destiny speech, there was utter chaos and displacement. Bengal and Punjab were among the two states that were divided into the East and West Pakistan then. Part of my own research tries to understand the lived experiences of women during this time period and the ways in which their subjectivities were defined then plays a strong role in the way women in contemporary India are treated now. It is part of India's history that is hard to overlook and forget. Furthermore, it was part of the nation building process although people sometimes view this time period as separate from post-independence India in academic and non-academic scholarships. However, I would argue that it is part of India's colonial history and part of the decolonization process even the two nations were in the process of becoming their own nations during this time.

           Perhaps, there are two endearing moments that are part of this episode that were emotionally and intellectually revealing to me: the discussion that Bourdain has with a documentary filmmaker making a film based on the India-Pakistan border and the stay and meal he has at the guest house in Shimla where a grandson continues to maintain his grandfather, a man known to entertain the English at his home during the colonial past. After 1947, the royal families who had supported the English had to convert their homes into museums and guest houses. You see, India's process of de-colonization with the intervention of capitalism and the rise of modern cosmopolitan India has not been an easy one at many levels. 1947 and the years leading up to this fateful year were the defining moments of India's current situation. India as a nation prior to 1947 was an amalgamation of feudal states that were run by Maharajas of those regions. 

Although a nation of more than a million and half people, India's current political situation, its stance of issues on the recent issues such as violence against women all are part of India's historical past and the time of nation building. The reason why I consider Partition so important is because the decisions that were made politically and socially at that time have continued to have irreparable consequences with countless wars with Pakistan, the hot issue of Kashmir, and so on. I do not have any solutions to these problems but have a desire to understand learn about them as I pursue my research. Anthony Bourdain's latest episode is a strong hint that India's current situation must be understood through the lens of the nation's historical past and the time when the nation was coming into being. As I continue forth my research, I will be writing and speaking more about the cultural products such as films and novels that have represented the violence against women that used to happen at this time period.

Image sources: i2.cdn.turner.com

© Nidhi Shrivastava 2014 This content is subject to copyrights. Please ask for my permission before using this content for any purpose. 

"He Let Me Live" - Nisha Pahuja's The World Before Her (and US)

       "He let me live" - these words echo in my mind a day after the screening of The World Before Her at the University of Toronto last night. I was watching the documentary for the second time and this time in an dark theatre at the University of Toronto observing the audience's reactions and finally meeting Nisha Pahuja via skype, Farzana Shammi, and Mariam Zaidi for the first time.

Filmmaker Nisha Pahuja beaming across from India 

       The words "he let me live" mean so much to me because I come from a family where girls are valued, loved, and cared for. Unlike what Prachi Trivedi called a "traditional" family where girls are killed through the act of female infanticide, I was brought up with the rhetoric that I was the first girl after 18 years.  I was the first born. I was the oldest from my dad's side of the family because he is the oldest among the children. Both my parents have given me whatever I wanted, I was allowed to wear what I wanted, travel the world, date whomever I wanted. When I was down and ready to give up on life two-three years ago, when my thesis got rejected twice during my first masters, my father sat me down in his office and encouraged me to follow my dreams. Lo and behold, my life changed after meeting with Bipasha Baruah, professor and Canada Research Chair at the Women's Studies and Feminist Research Department at University of Western Ontario. Today, with her guidance and with the guidance and support of Nandi Bhatia and Julia Emberley. I have started my journey as a PhD student. I am thankful everyday and grateful to have a supportive family system both compromising of my extended family (who have loved me as their own daughter), best friends who are like sisters, and friends and mentors who make me who I am today. Every day I am thankful to the higher being!

Farzana Shammi and Mariam Zaidi 

       And yesterday, when I heard the words from Prachi - he let me live - I realized how much of a privileged position I am in to be able to have the appropriate knowledge and language, write, and study these issues that affect India. This film means a lot to me both intellectually and emotionally because it is not only a cultural product, but also because it has generated a movement that seeks to educate and spread awareness of violence against women. It speaks of female infanticide and the women who are straddled between choosing the "old" and the "new" India. These issues are important to me for selfish reasons. I was indeed allowed to live and allowed to embrace both sides of the ideologies. Many women who belong to India are not given such privileges and support that I have received from my support system and thus, I feel that by becoming a part of the campaign I play some role or if any of spreading knowledge about these issues. It is also my way of giving back to the world I belong to. Like Nisha Pahuja, I consider myself a "humanist." I care for any marginalized and oppressed being whether it be a man, woman, or child who is suffering from oppressive systems.

Before the screening! 

           The campaign is in its last 62 hours. Any amount that you contribute to this campaign will help make a difference in India because I strongly believe that documentaries or any type of a visual cultural product has a different type of impact on our minds when we see the events taking literally before our eyes. By pledging to the campaign, your contribution will be used to fulfill the stretch goals to reach 3 additional grassroots screenings, perhaps even the film can be released in Mangalore, where women were beaten up for visiting bars (which is honestly a personal choice) and Jaipur, the home of Ruhi Singh - one of the speakers in the film. To be honest, its times like this I wish I had been more of a saver than a spender. I would have happily contributed more than I had to the campaign for the goals and mission it has and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Even if its a dollar or two or more, imagine the power you have to make a change in India. Here is the link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/411325600/the-world-before-her-india-campaign.

Farzana Shammi, Mariam Zaidi, and me! 

These photos are courtesy of people who attended the event including Mariellen Ward and Farzana Shammi!

© Nidhi Shrivastava 2014 This content is subject to copyrights. Please ask for my permission before using this content for any purpose. 

        

The Power of Celebrity: India's Upcoming Elections and Satyamev Jayate (2014)

     I was born in Dehra dun, India and  growing up I was obsessed with Aamir Khan. He was my first love (well after my papa), my first crush, and my first hero. I think from what I remember of the stories that I was told, I would calm down if my mother put Dil (Heart, Indra Kumar,1990)'s video cassette and I would quieten down and go about my day! Today, the same man proves to be more than just a pretty face! He is an intellectual and has been called "a social crusader" by the recent media press that has released since the release of his final episode. Although I am not in India right now, I have as an Indian woman who has developed and shaped her career in hopes of bettering and understanding India's future and improving the lives of those who live in the marginalized edges of the nation.
        When Satyamev Jayate (2012) was released, the show sent shock waves around the nation as it uncovered truths about the country through sophisticated research. His views are also very democratic, secular, and speak volumes about the plight of the nation. Although agreeably and perhaps rightfully many will critique them based on their own values (and they are indeed entitled to their opinion). However, his final episode of the second season, which began with a bang explicating the question of rape, ended on a powerful note especially in regards to the current elections that in his words is a historic moment in India's fate. As I talk among my peers, friends, and advisors in regards to India's political elections, I get a mixed bag of reactions. To be honest, I was never really a fan of Indian politics as the government to me, as someone who was living outside of India (but visiting India for short periods of time), seemed to me like an entity of its own separate from the heart of India.I used to say naively: "I love India and its people but not the government" However, as time have passed and I have grown emotionally and intellectually trying to understand the Indian history in greater detail and understanding where I, as an Indian woman, really fit in. I have come to realize that Khan is indeed correct and courageous to bring this show to the forefront just as Nisha Pahuja and her The World Before Her (2012) team has been proactive in bringing the issues of violence against women to the forefront.  As citizens of India, we need to realize our individual power to bring change in India whether we do it through writing, rallying, protesting, or any act that shows one's stand in the future of the country. In order to bring change within a system, you need to understand the system. As easy as it is to blame the government, indeed we need to look in the mirrors and reflect on our selves - what have we done to bring change the various systems that exist within the government? if we don't want to participate in the politics, that is okay. How can we then bring changes as citizens. What can we do? One, honestly, does not need to be in a so-called "seat of power" to bring change to a country. You can do it from wherever you are. I would suggest that this is the underlying message of the show - to make citizens realize their own empowered position within the nexus of the Indian nation. You don't need to be an intellectual or a politician to better your nation. Any one can do it. You don't need higher education degrees. What you do need is a clear mind that is aware of the surroundings, a clear heart, and an agenda to bring change? I think everyone has that. That being said, its a matter of taking one step - of going one extra mile! :-) 

             In the finale episode of Satyamev Jayate, Khan exposes horrifying numbers of criminals - people who have committed grave crimes such as rape, murder, kidnapping, and etc - who are currently MPs and MLAs in the Indian government. While this is a truth that everyone knows and no one wants to speak about, it is something to think about. Of course, as one of his guests had said, that this system of corruption has become so grandeur that it has overwhelmed the country as a nation. No matter whom you support politically, nobody can deny that corruption continues to be a debilitating disease that continues to plague India. I am not writing this to say or urge you to vote for one candidate or another but I am writing this in support of what his show's content is trying to speak of. Perhaps, for me, the most touching moment in the episode was when he takes a vow (a shapath) that he will wear the three colours of the Indian flag as threads as a reminder that he will vote for the right people who will work together to bring India to great levels. 

              One cannot deny that unlike many celebrities, Aamir Khan is using his star power to create change in the country. He is a paragon of humility, intellect, and shows great concerns for the future of India. When you watch him or listen to him speak, it is evident that he is down to earth and that fame and its privileges have not spoiled him. Instead, he is ready to talk to the nation at an emotional and intellectual level to bring some sort of reality (which sometimes we do not want to see or hear because it makes us ashamed or embarrassed as a nation). While it is understandable to react in that way - to feel uncomfortable - it is important to give an open minded chance to all who are involved in making a difference in India - whether it be the Right or Left. It is important, however, as citizens to make the decision after much thought and without any greed. I think that is the point of Aamir Khan's finale and something that really should be thought about more.  
               Unlike many other countries, India has had a privilege to be called literally one of the largest democracies yet we do not take advantage of it. We live in a nation where all types of religions, castes, and communities have always come together since the B.C. era. Imagine the power we have together if as Indians, we forget our differences and join hands to better the nation and bring to the heights of success it deserves. You do not need to be a politician to do that but you need to be a good citizen (whether you reside in or outside of India). 
                 Growing up I lived in so many countries including Malaysia and Singapore, but thanks to my parents and extended family, I grew up in an environment where I was taught to always be humble, to be grateful, and never forget and be proud of my roots and heritage. I used to visit India for months on end, live with my progressive (and traditional) grand parents, and even as I grew up - I would find excuses to live in India for the summers and stay with my relatives and family. I would have a chance to wear my salwar suits and be in a country where I didn't have to adapt at all. My passion and love for India never changed even when I moved to the States, I would wear Indian salwars to my high school and would proudly tell my fellow students and classmates that I don't need to wear clothes that signify my culture on a holiday or a special occasion. My love for my heritage has always shaped my life and every day decisions. It is the reason I chose to do a Ph.D - the reason why when the Delhi Rape Case happened in 2012, I jumped to speaking to my entire class on Introduction to Women's Studies trying to tell them to not believe everything that the media speaks of  but to understand and learn about India, its culture, history, and so on. Sometimes, it would even surprise and bother me at the same time that people will be like - either "oh wow, you speak such good English or oh wow, you speak Hindi so well!" - or when I would have to prove my "Indianness" - but I do that now as a writer and a budding intellectual in my actions, words, and voice. I am proud of my roots, culture, and heritage - its strengths and weaknesses - but I am not the one to watch India's future develop as a  mere spectator but my intellectual project and work has been to better India and its future. Its what makes me wake up everyday! 
           All of this being said, the questions of poverty and the fate of women who do indeed still get treated as second-class citizens is still an issue. Having studied feminism and feminist theories as a graduate certificate at University of Michigan and a master's degree at Western (and I am not a "feminist"), I can also say that unfortunately and fortunately, the violence is not gender- or class-specific. Female infanticide, for example, happens everywhere in India not only in rural areas but in families where people hold professions typically known to be more forgiving and understanding of such crimes. The process of dowry (the culprit) behind the increasing rates of female infanticide is still an issue.These are just few examples. It is also hard to overlook the question of poverty that continues to hang like a sword above the head that remains important for India's fate. However, I would argue, that even beyond any of these issues that I think are important for the progress of India as a nation and country. We need to remain united as "Indians" and really think about who we are as "Indians" - what defines us? is it our history? our future? our present? The amalgamation of various and diverse cultures and customs coming together to form a nation? As citizens, we have the utmost right to choose whom we want to vote for. I think we should all participate and vote, as Khan urges, and remember how the nation came to be in 1947. 
          I am aware that my views reflect hope and idealism (which many will think is perhaps too unrealistic) but I think desiring a coherent and united nation was an idea that was pushed by our own ancient political scientist and intellectual, Chanakya who brought together "India" as a nation for the first time. I call for a united nation. A nation where the young and the old work together to bring change in India regardless of religion, caste, class, gender, and creed. To me, that is the India I want to call home and every day of my life I work to bring this idea together. We sometimes forget in our daily lives that we indeed are empowered individuals who have the right to bring change in India (and believe me, it only takes one). So as the election day come near, please take the time to vote (and don't just vote for anyone) but think about the right leaders who bring the nation together as one, whom we can be proud of, and who can shed light to the issues such as poverty, unemployment, women's issues, development, and so on. 
           Recalling what Satyamev Jayate tweeted: Cast your vote, don’t vote your caste. Make an informed choice in the 2014 elections. #MyVoteNotForSale.”

Image sources: www.nrimatters.com and images.indianexpress.com 

© Nidhi Shrivastava 2014 This content is subject to copyrights. Please ask for my permission before using this content for any purpose.