Diasporastan

We were thrilled to be guests on the amazing High Theory podcast! Host Saronik Basu interviewed us about -- what else -- the word "Diaspora" and how we approach it. Music used in promotional material: 'The Beginning or the End' by Nicholas Mackin. High Theory takes on difficult ideas from the academy with irreverence. http://hightheory.net/podcast/diaspora-with-diasporastan/ Subscribe to it on your favorite pod app!  

Akhtar Mohammed joins us to talk about his Fijian background, the history of the South Asian labor trade, Islamic finance ethics, and how that all led to his new book, Islamonomics.  Intro: "Kabi Nai Drao", nvee music. Outro: "Satoshi Nakamoto", Gramatik Mid: "Tabla Solo in Vilambit Teentaal", Cassius Khan Cover Art by Nirja Desai, @kalakar on IG. Comments & suggestions for future topics: [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter @diasporastan.

As Ramadan 2021 begins, writer Maz Halima joins us to discuss how to create conversations around celebrating and observing the holiday when our identities, lifestyles, or health concerns pose challenges and set us on the fringes of what is "traditional". For more resources, please check out: Imaan, the UK's leading LGBTQ Muslim Charity and Hidaya Foundation, serving the poor and needy in the Muslim population. Follow Maz on Twitter @MazHalima and follow her newsletter! Intro: "Husn-e-Haqiqi" by Arieb Azhar and Rohail Hyatt Outro: "See Me" by Ajah UK Cover Art by Nirja Desai, @kalakar on IG. Comments & suggestions for future topics: [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter @diasporastan.

Our guest is Nathi Ngubane, South African writer & illustrator of the children's book series DUMA SAYS, which teaches kids about how to cope with and protect themselves in the COVID-19 pandemic. He talks to us about what inspired the books, how they reflect the particulars of his South Africa, his background, and more! Follow Nathi on Twitter @Nkosinaartjie Intro: "Brand New Day", Emtee feat. Lolli Outro: "Sponono" Kabza de Small Cover Art by Nirja Desai, @kalakar on IG. Comments & suggestions for future topics: [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter @diasporastan.

Sharmin Hossain, Political Director of Equality Labs, joins us to talk about uprooting and resisting casteism, religious intolerance, gender-based violence, and other oppressions through organizing, digital security, and (possibly), K-Pop stans. Follow Sharmin on Twitter @sharminultra. Intro: "Esho Brishti Namai", Habib Outro: "Laal Meri Pat", Abida Parveen Cover Art by Nirja Desai, @kalakar on IG. Comments & suggestions for future topics: [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter @diasporastan.

Halima Begum, Chief Executive of the Runnymede Trust, joins us to mark one-year of the pandemic quarantine in the UK and how it has affected the BAME population in distinct, particular ways. Follow Halima on Twitter @Halima_Begum. Intro: "Only Way Out Is Through", Banglamotorr Outro: "Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano" in Twelve Languages Cover Art by Nirja Desai, @kalakar on IG. Comments & suggestions for future topics: [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter @diasporastan.

Wardah Abbas, co-founder and editor of The Muslim Women Times zooms in from Nigeria to talk about what inspired her to start this project and why it is important for modern Muslimahs to take control of their narratives, both past and present. Follow @Wardah_abbas and @TMWT_tweets on Twitter. Intro: "As Real As They Come", Miss Undastood Outro: "Hijabi", Mona Haydar Cover Art by Nirja Desai, @kalakar on IG. Comments & suggestions for future topics: [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter @diasporastan.

Shivam Bhatt joins us to talk about challenging Hindu fundamentalism and adapting his religious faith, values, and traditions towards contemporary social justice issues. Follow him on Twitter @elektrotal. Intro: "Dhalsim's Theme," Capcom's Street Fighter Outro: "Caught in the Divide" by Punk on Toast Cover Art by Nirja Desai, @kalakar on IG. Comments & suggestions for future topics: [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter @diasporastan.

We examine the Punjab Farmer's Protest with a duo of interviews. First, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, British Labour MP for Slough, details his engagement and advocacy for the protest in UK Parliament and politics. Follow him on Twitter @tandhesi. Next, Gizmodo writer Dharna Noor shares the environmental implications as written in her Earther article, "What India Really Needs To Do To Protect Its Farmers." Follow her on Twitter @dharnanoor. Songs: "Jatt Takda Hoja", Jass Bajwa "Panjab", Sidhu Moose Wala "Kisaan Anthem", various "Wapas Jao" (Hindi Bella Ciao), Poojan Sahil Cover Art by Nirja Desai, @kalakar on IG. Comments & suggestions for future topics: [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter @diasporastan.

Manu Chander, Professor of English at Rutgers University-Newark and author of Brown Romantics: Poetry and Nationalism in the Nineteenth Century, joins us to talk about Brownness and its expressions through political & poetic forms. Read his latest piece on Brown reading at The Rambling: https://the-rambling.com/2021/02/13/ramblist-chander/ Intro: "Poets & Gangstas" by Talib Kweli and Styles P Outro: "Sunshine" by Mos Def Cover Art by Nirja Desai, @kalakar on IG. Comments & suggestions for future topics: [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter @diasporastan.