International seminar on
“Indian Transnationalism Online: Ethnographic Explorations”
University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, A.P., India
26-27 March 2012
The Centre for the Study of Indian Diaspora, University of Hyderabad & the
Department of Cultural Anthropology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands are
organizing an International Seminar on ‘Indian Transnationalism Online’ from 26
th
–
27
th
March 2012.
CALL FOR PAPERS
The objective of this inter- and multidisciplinary seminar is to debate and structure
explorations of (a) the online organization of the massive Indian diaspora, and (b)
online interaction/exchanges between Indians abroad and their motherland. The
meeting is scheduled to bring together pioneers in this emerging field of study and
establish a network of researchers that, by exploiting the potential the Indian case,
will claim a prominent role in the further advance of both theoretical and
methodological debates concerning the World Wide Web and its impact on processes
of culture and identity.
In order to increase our understanding of the socio-cultural function of the WWW in
contexts of migration and deterritorialization, some crucial themes will be addressed
in panel discussions. These themes include the configuration of power, practices of
narration and imagination, processes of disembedding, and the (re)formation of
community/networks.
Considering this thematic orientation, twenty-minute papers and presentations in
English are invited on (but not limited to) the following subjects:
1. The ‘I’ in digital (online identity and globalized subjectivities)
2. The strength of wireless ties (debating the instrumental internet)
3. World Wide India (representing and (re)negotiating the nation-state)
Workshops will be offered on the second day of the seminar. These workshops are
organized to facilitate the exchange of practical experiences as well as a first
translation of thematic inspiration from the panel discussions into a research agenda.
The focus of these sessions is the particular methodological challenges of web-based
research. Key issues concerning online ethnography that should be contemplated
involve online research sites and strategies, online research relationships and online
presence.
Proposals: Abstract of 250-300 words for a 20 minute paper should be sent to
(ajayacsid@yahoo.com and j.g.dekruijf@uu.nl) by 11 January 2012. Abstracts
should be accompanied by a brief (100 word) CV of the presenter.
Conference venue: Centre for the Study of Indian Diaspora, School of Social
Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad-500046, Andhra Pradesh, India. Proceedings: Contributors are invited to submit a written version of their paper for
review and inclusion in an edited volume which will be published by an international
publisher. For guidance on length/format/style, please contact: ajayacsid@yahoo.com
Accommodation: The seminar will be held at the University of Hyderabad campus
which is easily accessed by air, rail and road. Accommodation and hospitality will be
arranged for all participants at the University campus without any cost. Please note
that we can not offer international travel support to participants, however, we will
support internal travel (within India) to few participants.
About Hyderabad City: Founded by Quli Qutub Shah in 1591, this large metropolis
is unique in its rich architectural glory and blend of diverse linguistic, religious and
ethnic groups and an ideal place indeed to locate a Central University. The weather
for most part of the year is pleasant except for the months of April and May when the
temperature is likely to go up to 40°C. Hyderabad is home to nine major Universities
and several research institutions, laboratories and libraries.
Enquiries and questions about your submission & presentation should be
emailed to the Seminar Coordinators:
Dr. Ajaya K. Sahoo, University of Hyderabad: ajayacsid@yahoo.com
Dr. Hans de Kruijf, Utrecht University: j.g.dekruijf@uu.nl
for details click;
