Oral Histories

Interview of Sanford Ragins

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:
Ragins, Sanford
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:
Exposure to Project India; Selection process; Adaline Guenther and her influence on Project India; International context and communism; Relationship between Project India and U. S. government; Ethnic, religious, and racial composition of Project India team; Contact with Indian students; Initial impressions of India and reaction to poverty; Project India work projects; Effect of experience on Ragin’s personal development; Present and continuing contact with India and other Project India members.