Activism
Activism and political engagement are important aspects of the story of South Asians in the Bay Area. From the founding of the Ghadar Party in San Francisco in 1913 to today’s activists and political figures, this history is long, complex, and deserving of attention.
This portion of our digital exhibit focuses on photographs of contemporary protests and marches organized by different groups, such as Alliance of South Asians Taking Action and members of the Sri Lankan community. We plan to add more images and other artifacts in the coming months.
-
India Currents – “Black and Desi: A Shared History” (June 2015, Vol. 29, No. 3)Cover of the June 2015 issue of India Currents (Vol. 29, No. 3), featuring the story “Black and Desi: A Shared History” by Anirvan Chatterjee. This issue explores more than a century of solidarity between Black Americans and South Asian immigrants — from early civil rights collaborations to contemporary activism. The cover image, depicting two elders from African American and South Asian communities holding hands, symbolizes intergenerational connection and shared struggle. The issue foregrounds narratives of mutual support, anti-racism, migration, and coalition-building — themes especially relevant in the Bay Area’s diverse and politically engaged landscape. Additional featured articles include: “Seeking Kabir in Malwa” by Jayaram Malathy “A Stroke of Luck?” by Harshad Rajani “Picking Waste” by Anita Felicelli Published during India Currents’ 29th year, the issue reflects the magazine’s commitment to amplifying cross-cultural dialogue, intersectional histories, and community advocacy.














