Migrations

Speaker: Sugata Bose
Discussant: Kamala Ganesh
The Future of Asia Series | Edition I: Migrations
In collaboration with Asia Society India Centre, Mumbai

January 13, 2011 | 6.30 pm
Rangswar Hall, Y. B. Chavan Centre, Mumbai

Legacies of historic migrations have had a profound impact on life in Asia, whether they be in small or large numbers, triggered by war, politics or economic necessity. Today, movements within and between countries have increased manifold, magnifying previous effects and creating new ones. Sugata Bose will contextualize migration in the Indian Ocean region during the 19th century, and address how this movement of people has, and will continue to, influence the future of Asia.

As countries in Asia experience unprecedented economic growth, they are also grappling with capacity challenges in areas extending from housing, food and water security, to education. Moving forward, Asia’s challenge will lie in remaining cognizant of this dichotomy, and in adapting to ensure its goals for economic and human development are both met. Where does the future of Asia lie? How can it address its multiple challenges, optimize its progress, and apply lessons from other regions?

Sugata Bose is Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs and Director of the South Asia Initiative at Harvard University (Massachusetts, USA). He is a specialist in modern South Asian and Indian Ocean history. He is the author of several books on the economic, social and political history of modern South Asia, and has pioneered work in historical studies emphasizing the centrality of the Indian Ocean. He published works include A Hundred Horizons: the Indian Ocean in the Age of Global Empire; Modern South Asia: History, Culture, Political Economy; and South Asia and World Capitalism.

Kamala Ganesh is Professor at the Department of Sociology, University of Mumbai. Her areas of interest include Indian Diaspora Studies, Gender and Society, Culture and Identity, and Feminist Theories and Methodology. She has authored books on Culture and Citizenship, Caste and Women and has co-edited books on the city of Bombay, Identity in Contemporary India, Labour Movement in India and Gender and Kinship.

The Future of Asia Series brings together a diverse group of speakers from across the world to explore the Future of Asia from a multidisciplinary perspective. Each speaker addresses this theme through a distinct lens provided from his or her discipline, offering unique insights into what we can expect for Asia, and how we can shape a positive, sustainable future for the continent. In the inaugural year of the three-year series, three speakers will share their expertise on Migration and its impact on the future of Asia.