India- Week 3

Professor Gross wrote me this email and posed some really interesting questions I wanted to reflect on and share.

Dear Jessica,

Just finished reading your blog and it sounds as though you are experiencing India in many real ways! The power outages are a common phenomenon across the larger urban centers (so get used to it). The bombing are also, unfortunately an increasingly common phenomenon, due to the ongoing religious and political tensions within and between India and neighbors (though I believe Bangalore has for the most part remained unscathed). Wondering what you think of the contrasts and extremes in this amazing country. Bangalore as the center of India's booming IT sector is growing in leaps and bounds, and yet their remains incredible poverty alongside. I have always been struck by Thomas Friedman's assertion that "The World is Flat" -- but am led to question this when exploring cities such as the ones you are visiting -- is the world really "flat"?

On a side note, you indicated in your blog that you were about to explore public transportation... to get you from your host to classes every day...

I am curious to hear your experiences and thoughts on all of the above, as you continue along on this wonderful adventure!

Best wishes,
Prof. Jill Gross

So since I've been here the one reoccuring theme that I've noticed is the startling contrasts. Bangalore is known as the IT hub in India and so many up and coming companies are based in Bangalore. But at the same time, I live in a house that uses as little electricity as possible, I don't have access to the Internet everyday, the power goes out frequently and so many people don't have access to technology. We studied the IT sector for my class and we discussed how it has changed urban life in B. I think it's interesting that there are such polar views on the IT boom: some think it's done amazing things for the economy and for Bangalore's image but others think that the IT sector is to blame for all the waste, pollution and marginalization of people. I've done some readings, gone on field trips to Electronic City and talked to a lot of people and it's amazing what a big discussion it is. Even for example, last night I went out to dinner and drinks with our host parents' nephew (aka our host cousin) and almost all of his 20-something year old friends work at Dell, Infosys or another IT company.

As far as the bombings, in my Politics and Development class we are conducting debates in groups about issues that are important to Bangalore. Our group will be debating the role of the government (national and local) in addressing the terrorist attacks. We will talk about individual rights, grassroots organizing and investment in intelligence. I hope to learn more about how people here feel about the govt's reaction to the bombings.

Finally, public transportation. BIG SIGH. hehe. Well the bus at 8am every morning is quite and experience. I can only describe it as similar to rush hour on the 6 train in NYC. It is absolutely PACKED with people. If you dont jump on quickly enough the driver will leave you. Women sit in the front and men sit in the back, which actually makes me feel more comfortable, especially when we are packed in like sardines! There is a ticket man who distributes tickets. Meg and I get cheated out of 1 or 2 extra rupees once in a while. Traffic is crazy here. It flows like sidewalk traffic-there are no rules except dont run into anyone else. Currently, B is building a metro that will be both underground and above ground. It is a contentious issue because it will displace many residents and shopkeepers.

Aside from all that I am experiencing, I do miss NYC a lot. I am getting accustomed to the city and feel more and more comfortable in it. I can't believe I will be leaving in two weeks! Time goes by so quickly.

This week we will be presenting on our contemporary issues: mine is waste management. I have learned a lot about governance, corruption, environmental justice, and much more. I will share more once I have finished my research.

Thanks for reading as always! I will post more personal stories next time.