BANYAN-TREE

The »Banyan-Tree« is a symbol for »family« in Indian literature – a tree, which, after growing into the sky, will let his branch fall to become the root of a new tree. To me it’s also a symbol for the »Indian diaspora« – all the Indians who went to the West »to get to know the its methods« (as my father). Suddenly, through devices as Facebook, a family connects. Branches from all over the world are talking to each other.

I’d like to form a website which looks like a »Banyan tree« – if you click certain »branches,« you will be connected to both – a part of my family and a very specific question. A cousin living in the USA, e.g., raises questions of feminism in India, another cousin in India raises questions on the class system. Another one, a photographer, presents his work on Indian women. And I want to use something I just started: »Letters to Papu.« Papu is my dead cousin, who didn’t survive her arranged marriage. This project is an introduction to my further plans: Oct. – Dec. I’ll be in India to do research on my cousin’s life. A radio play is the planned »result.« My virtual »Banyan-Tree« could be both: first of all documenting my preparations, using e.g. my Eastern holiday with my parents to have a look at »my father’s archives,« his photos of the Indian family, second showing the further steps in autumn / winter. Embedded in the personal, private story shall be questions raised in India and about India today – about feminism, the class system, and religion under »Modi.« *