Straddling the Gap: How Sharing Diverse Experiences and Interests Can Help You Become a Fulbright Cultural Ambassador, By Katie Walter, 2009-10, India

I am in the finishing stages of a Fulbright-Nehru grant that examines conservation initiatives in the pilgrimage town of Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India. My research will offer insight into how to optimize public communication campaigns addressing conservation issues.

My journey has taken me from the narrow, medieval backstreets of traditional-minded Vrindavan, to the town’s mega temples, sprawling roads and luxury housing properties, to the office buildings and affluent areas of the capital city of Delhi. In each place, I have encountered varying degrees of concern over new development projects in Vrindavan: some critique them for helping to increase the number of visitors to the town while the basic infrastructural needs of local residents remain unmet; some believe that these haphazard development projects are a sign of well-deserved “progress;” while others still posit that they damage the town’s natural environment, which needs to be protected in the name of public health, local prosperity, religion and heritage.

My reverence for the environment and culture, which exists alongside a belief in the benefits of development, has baffled some who view these two concepts as being in perpetual conflict. For instance, many young and prosperous Delhiites, eager to make their mark on the world, shun traditions they associate with backwardness and narrow-minded thinking. The foreigners they have encountered have largely been from the business sector. Therefore, they are somewhat surprised that I would want to learn about the legacy of a place like Vrindavan, where the Hindu God Krishna is said to have lived 5,000 years ago. On the other hand, religious leaders and devotees in Vrindavan have found it difficult to reconcile my efforts to serve the dham (or Lord’s abode) based only on human empathy and cultural appreciation rather than on my own devotional path.

Of course, I have met numerous people who are not so easily categorized. My favorites among these have been strong women who have asserted themselves and accomplished a great deal either in business, academia or conservation organizations. I have worked independently when necessary and spoken out when confronted with disrespect or hypocrisy. My strong work ethic, gained from my working-class parents, has taught me to find a way forward even in the toughest situations. My presence as a strong, independent woman has inspired respect in some, and aversion in others. Nevertheless, I think it has made me stand out in Vrindavan.

I have made it a point to talk about my background as a non-traditional Fulbright student who worked in retail for 12 years before finally attending a liberal arts college. This has also received mixed reactions; some people wonder why I would admit to a less than prosperous background, while others think it is wonderful to encounter an example of the upward social and economic mobility commonly known as “the American Dream.”

The relatively free expression of my diverse interests and experiences has brought me very close to some and not-so-close to others. More importantly, however, is that in meeting such a wide range of people, I have gained much food for thought regarding who I am and how I perceive not only the world, but the role that each of us plays in it. I know that I have also encouraged the people I have met to consider these things, especially as it concerns India’s continued economic growth.

This is what being a Fulbright cultural ambassador is about. It is about showing respect for the people and beliefs Fulbrighters encounter and acting in a responsible manner. It is also about appreciating the identities of those we meet while expressing our unique American identities so that stereotypes and assumptions can be transformed by a more nuanced understanding of nations and cultures.

My advice to Fulbright applicants is to choose a research topic that will allow you to come into contact with people from various backgrounds, and will offer opportunities for you to contribute something positive to their communities.

This not only fulfills the goals of the Fulbright Program, but is also highly rewarding. For example, my work, which favors no particular organization or sect, has earned me friends from all over the world (including Vrindavan, of course) who congratulate me on my endeavors to gain a detailed overview of problems involving local conservation.

Contact as many local organizations and public stakeholders as you can before applying and mention any possible volunteer or liaison opportunities in your application. This can help to make the application process fun.

First and foremost, though, talk with friends and family. Seek the advice of those who know you best as you compose your personal statement – and maybe someone who doesn’t know you so well. Your statement should sound like you and give the review committees a very clear sense of who you are.

Serious thought should be given as to why you wish to work in your chosen Fulbright country, what unique personal characteristics or experiences you can contribute, and what you hope to gain from the Fulbright experience in terms of personal, academic and professional development.

Top photo: Katie Walter, 2009-2010, India, in the home of Gopal, a young boy whose siblings attend the Sandipanimuni Charity School in Vrindavan.

Bottom photo: Katie Walter, 2009-2010, India (center, in green sari), attending a meeting of the Braj Vrindavan Heritage Alliance, an open forum for local stakeholders to discuss and act upon environmental and development issues.

Learning to Embrace Your Fulbright Country, By Lindsay Bacurin, 2009-2010, India

For my first two months in India, my Fulbright research has been going fairly well. When you arrive in your Fulbright country, something you quickly realize is that getting what you need doesn't happen in the same way as it does in the U.S. I have also come to realize that Americans are used to being very independent and that we prefer doing things ourselves. Along with being patient on Fulbright, you have to let go of your independence to some degree and ask for help. Let go of some of your expectations, including the amount of time in which you want to accomplish things. Otherwise, you will become very frustrated!

On my Fulbright grant, I have been studying whether the city of Gandhinagar, which was planned by an Indian but also highly influenced by Chandigarh’s city plan, has adapted more to Indian culture and how people use space compared to Chandigarh, which was planned by a European. I have traveled to both cities, spoken with a number of planners and professors, and have been observing how people use space in India.

My trip to Chandigarh was really eye-opening. I had already been to Gandhinagar several times and expected Chandigarh to be lacking vibrancy because Gandhinagar’s plan was based on Chandigarh’s. But Chandigarh is different; people gathered in public spaces everywhere. Actually, after seeing Chandigarh, I think you can't compare the two cities at all. The similarities lie only in the physical planning of sectors and roads. There are so many other factors that have contributed to each city's unique development. For example, Gandhinagar, located 20 km north of Ahmedabad, is only a satellite town even though it was originally planned separately. In contrast, Chandigarh has developed into a major regional hub. The Punjabis are so proud of their city! They are proud of the design, cleanliness and green landscape. When you talk to someone in Gandhinagar about the city, no one likes it because it lacks social vibrancy. Since Gandhinagar was planned to be a purely administrative town, there has been little job diversification and few other opportunities for the city. Also, strict control of land development has resulted in streetscapes that lack the shops and street life of most other Indian cities. As a result, most people seem to prefer to live in Ahmedabad. Overall, it was really interesting to finally see Chandigarh - this city I had read so much about!

My advice for future Fulbrighters –

Be prepared to be patient and frustrated. The research methods you planned will probably not work as expected. The data will not be available, it may be dependent on the help of a few certain people, or it will take much longer than expected to obtain. Day-to-day things will be difficult: finding the right shop that sells what you need, washing clothes and getting an Internet connection.

Fully immerse yourself in your country! Don’t just pursue the comfortable way of doing things, stick with ‘American tourist’ experiences or with the ex-pat community. The one choice I have been happiest with has been rooming with two Indian women. They have been a great resource when it comes to asking questions about culture, teaching me Indian cooking and wonderful company. They have kept me from feeling lonely or homesick.

Talk to as many people as possible! Take advantage of the professors and professionals at your place of affiliation or host institution. Unless you feel unsafe, never decline if someone invites you to do something!

Photo (courtesy of Caryn Schadegg, 2009-2010, India): Lindsay Bacurin, 2009-2010, India, enjoying the Ganesh Chathurthi festivities and observing how space is used for religious events. In this case, the entire Ellis Bridge over the Sabarmati River was closed for immersing statues in the river.