How might we create communities with embodied healing from the intergenerational trauma of caste-based violence, and oppression practices for people affected by the caste apartheid here in the USA?
Creative Chai Chronicles
In my Creative Chai Chronicles project, I focused on addressing the deep-seated issue of caste discrimination within the South Asian diaspora through innovative social design. This initiative stemmed from extensive community engagement, where I facilitated discussions and creative expression to enable healing and dialogue on this often-ignored topic. By integrating art, discussion, and movement-based activities, I developed a series of gatherings encouraging participants to confront and share their experiences with caste. Through these gatherings, not only did we shine a light on the impacts of caste apartheid, but we also built a supportive space for emotional healing and community resilience. This project is a testament to the power of creative collaboration in tackling complex social issues and fostering a sense of belonging and understanding within the community.
Role: Researcher, Designer and Facilitator
Partner Organization: Moving Rasa LLC, Spanish Harlem, New York City
Team: Vandhana Jeyaram
Duration: Jan 2023- April 2024
Keywords: Caste apartheid, Healing Practices, Community Engagement, Design, Creative Facilitation, Cultural Sensitivity, Project Management, Collaborative Leadership, Conflict Resolution
Challenge: The Creative Chai Chronicles aimed to address the pervasive issue of caste discrimination within the South Asian diaspora. Despite residing in diverse urban settings like New York City, the social scars of caste continue to impact individuals, often going unaddressed due to societal stigma and discomfort surrounding open discussions.
Context/Research Methodology: My approach included comprehensive primary research involving one-on-one interviews, community gatherings, and interactive workshops. This research was critical to understanding the deep-seated biases and the silent yet profound impact of caste on the South Asian community in diaspora settings.
Research findings:
There is not much awareness about caste apartheid and how it operated in the diaspora.
BIPOC communities are often clubbed together, but this term also has a drawback- it doesn't account for the diversity and varied lived experiences.
The Indian diaspora has a monolithic representation dominated by historically caste-privileged people and, hence, the erasure of marginalized communities.
Insight/Idea and Area: The research revealed a significant gap in awareness and open dialogue about caste discrimination among South Asians in the USA. This insight led to facilitating safe spaces that encourage reflection, discussion, and healing through creative and culturally resonant mediums.
Solution/Intervention: The intervention, Creative Chai Chronicles, was a series of thematic gatherings that used art, storytelling, and shared experiences as tools to explore and discuss caste. These sessions were meticulously designed to foster trust and openness, creating a secure space for participants to engage deeply with the topic non-confrontationally.
Design Process: We mapped down which aspects of caste apartheid impact, selected some areas, and converted them into themes that we thought might be exciting and welcoming to the community members. The themes were framed in a way that sounded welcoming and not daunting. We wanted to invite participants with curiosity to learn and unlearn.
Implementation/Impact: The gatherings were held at culturally significant venues and attracted diverse participants, ranging from young professionals to seniors. The sessions facilitated discussions on topics influenced by caste, such as food, marriage, and social identity, helping participants articulate and confront their experiences and biases
Creative Chai Chronicles
Creative Chai Chronicles
Creative: gathering uses creative mediums such as drawing, writing, making art, body movement of expression, and reflection.
Chai: A ritual amongst South Asians. we hoped to create an intimate space, where the group can build trust, bond, and discuss complex topics. So we added an element that is familiar to them and reminds them of home.
Chronicles: A gathering where people can share their lived experiences, and life stories, reflect, and heal.
We came up with a format of 2-hour 30 min meetings where South-Asians could be in a community, find friends, and talk about caste through interesting topics and lenses. Over five gatherings, 40 participants attended- from early 20s to late 70s. From a yellow cab taxi driver to a VP of a fin-tech firm.
Working with the community
Through the Creative Chai Chronicles project, I delved deeply into addressing caste discrimination within the South Asian diaspora, using the rich cultural tapestry of traditional folk arts to foster dialogue and healing. My role in these gatherings challenged entrenched social norms by transforming dance and storytelling into powerful tools for community engagement and personal empowerment. This project wasn't just a professional journey for me—it was profoundly personal. It allowed me to reconnect with my cultural roots and use my skills to inspire change and promote social healing. This experience reinforced my commitment to using creative expression as a means to address and heal deep-seated social issues, moving us all closer to the ideal of Begumpura—a place without sorrow.