NYU's Fourth Annual Global South Asia Conference
Justice, identity, and human rights in South Asia–these were some of the big ideas addressed at the 4th Global South Asia Conference, hosted by SASPI (South Asian Studies Program Initiative), at New York University on February 11th. The conference provided a lively forum for scholars, graduate students, and informed layfolk to explore a range of topics from Anglo Indian identity in India and abroad, to Gandhi and the Nehrus’ quest for human rights, to the progress of democracy across South Asia.
Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia Director of Human Rights Watch, kicked off the morning panel discussions conference with a sobering overview of human rights abuses in India and neighboring countries.
Kanchan Chandra, Professor of Politics, New York University
In the afternoon, Kanchan Chandra, a professor of Politics at NYU, analyzed the progress of Democracy across South Asia through a detailed analysis of patronage and party politics in India. The world’s largest democracy and one of unparalleled ethnic diversity, India is perceived as an economic powerhouse, but even in these changing times, economic advancement for many Indians is still enmeshed intimately with local party patronage, as well as dominance and discretion of the Indian State.
Lucy Copp (seated) greeting conference attendees
The Rubin Museum was delighted to conduct outreach during the conference–our thanks to Ashu Kasera, SASPI President, Sapana Gandhi, Conference Coordinator, and Kanchan Chandra, for inviting us to participate. With museum intern Lucy Copp lending a warm and enthusiastic helping hand, we learned that many conference attendees were not only familiar with the museum but visit on a regular basis. Building on this foundation of interest, we’re looking forward to developing collaborative projects and curricular connections with South Asian studies faculty in the future.