Namaste everyone! Abhi mai Hindustan me hu (I am now in India). I arrived in New Delhi, the capital, a few days back and have been hanging out with my cousin Bindu, her husband Sekar, and their son Vishvak. Growing up in the US has made it a little tough to get to know my extended family so it's been really great spending so much time with them here.
On Sunday, we visited the historic Red Fort which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (the same guy that had the Taj Mahal built). We also saw India Gate and the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the president's house) while driving through the city. In addition to site seeing and family, I've also been enjoying the local food! If you're ever in India you have to try a traditional street snack called "pani puri". To be on the safeside you can have this snack in local supermarkets and restaurants, but there is something special about eating on the streets :)
On Monday and Tuesday, I visited the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) as well as the Center for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS). The think tank community here in Delhi isn't nearly as large as it is in DC, but it is definitely growing. Speaking with scholars at these institutes has helped me develop my research focus as I begin my study of the Sikh insurgency. The movement for an independent Sikh nation, "Khalistan", reached its height in the 1980s but is now generally peaceful.
Tomorrow morning I leave for Amritsar, a city in Punjab, where I will study the Sikh issue in more detail. I have arranged to meet a few professors at Guru Nanek Dev University and will hopefully make more contacts upon my arrival. After I finish my research in Amritsar I will head south to visit more family (and attend my eldest cousin's wedding!) Will write again soon :-D
My Last Breakfast
15 years ago
sabs, super glad to hear that you've arrived safely in india!!! i apologize for not commenting religiously on your blog, but fear not, for you will soon be bombarded with comments from me as you continue to post about your exciting life!
ReplyDeletehope your meetings with these professors go well, and HAVE FUN AT THE WEDDING! take pics of you in pretty indian clothes, please. miss and love you!
Hey sabi!
ReplyDeleteWas talking to the brother and told him about your visit and publicized your blog :P Hope to see his comments as well!
This is turning out to be a fun and interesting experience from me as well. I am definitely going to bombard you with stories for the little one when you get back :P
where are you?
ReplyDeleteHey Sabala,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great adventure, which will hopefully also bare some pretty interesting fruits..
My take on it- where there are lots of people with even a little cultural differences, there will most likely be some sort of conflict.
Was a great pleasure meeting you, and I also hope that you will make many a friend along the way.
Popped you some additional info on a mail which might come in handy. Do hope you enjoy your leg in South-Africa!
Keep well, and have a safe and enjoyable trip!