Oral Histories

Interview of Marguerite Heyn Byrne

Subtitle:
Project India: The Early Years
Series:
Project India
Topic:
UCLA and University of California History
UCLA History: Events and Projects
Interviewer:
Brownstein, Bettina Ellen
Interviewee:
Byrne, Marguerite Heyn
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Series Statement:
This is a series of interviews with former UCLA students who participated in Project India, a program founded by Adaline Guenther, executive secretary of the University Religious Conference. Operating at the height of the Cold War, Project India was a cultural exchange program in which UCLA students toured India, speaking to Indian students and attempting to familiarize them with American life and the benefits of democracy.
Abstract:
Initial exposure to Project India; Motivation for applying; Selection criteria; Impressions of Adaline Guenther; Training program; Purpose of Project India; Funding; Meetings with Nehru and Prasad; Initial reaction to India; Itinerary in India; Project India work projects; Indian students and their political involvement; Attempts to deal with culture shock; Meeting Richard Byrne; Frightening and humorous incidents in India; Assessment of the success of Project India and its effect on Mrs. Byrne’s future life.