"(Re-)Building Punjab: Political Economy, Society and Values” Conference

Punjab is a state in the nation of India, but also a state of mind. The larger geographic region of Punjab was the birthplace of the Sikh religion. The Indian state of Punjab, within that larger region, is the homeland of the Sikhs, the nation’s granary, and a major recipient of diaspora remittances. But within an economically resurgent India, Punjab is in relative decline, apparently beset by societal and environmental problems. This multi- and inter-disciplinary conference will explore the complex relations between the Sikh community and its real and imagined homeland. Individual sessions will be on the historical roots of Punjab’s contemporary society, the state of its politics and political culture, possibilities of economic improvement, challenges of environmental degradation, the role of diaspora philanthropy, and ways in which Punjab’s situation is expressed in and shaped by music and film as forms of cultural production.

he conference and dinner are free and open to the public. Conference sessions will take place in the Humanities Building 1, Room 210 each day.
Dinner space is limited and attendees should register by March 20th, by emailing Courtney Mahaney.