This past weekend was the kick-off for the NEA Big Read* of Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake. Between the tasty samosas and snacks, the vibrant exhibit, the invigorating keynote address, and the friendly crowed comprising campus and local community members, the kick-off event provided a glimpse of what all is to come over the course of […]
Tag: India
Garba Raas in Champaign Urbana
Every year during the period of Navratri, the Indian Association at Urbana Champaign brings the festive vibe with Garba Raas and pooja. Garba is a form of dance that originated in the state of Gujarat, India. It is usually performed for nine nights of Navratri around a centrally lit lamp or a picture or statue […]
“The Fairer Sex” Films, Too
Let us know your favorite female directors and/or movies directed by women in the comments below! We heard you all loud and clear– you loved our March post on female authors from around the world! Just because Women’s History Month is over doesn’t mean we can’t highlight more talented female artists. So this week we […]
“Sari, Not Sorry”: Thoughts on Cultural Appropriation
The author acknowledges that the pun-intended title originates with Tanya Rawal’s “Saree, Not Sorry.” Cultural appropriation was in the headlines (again) late this January when Coldplay and Beyoncé released a divisive music video, “Hymn for the Weekend”. The video was set in stereotypical, exotic India complete with peacocks, temples, yogis, Hindu gods, poverty, saris, glittering […]
Buying Trips from Urbana to Bangladesh
Ever wonder how the shelves and stacks get populated with just the materials you need for your research? Here’s a look into a buying trip recently made by our very own South Asian Studies Librarian, Mara Thacker. She was one of the fist to participate in the University Library’s pilot program designed to allow librarians […]