Oral Histories

Interview of Kamala Ananth

Immigrant from India.
Series:
South Asian Women in Los Angeles
Topic:
Asian American History
Community History
Biographical Note:
Immigrant from India.
Interviewer:
Hampapur, Veena
Interviewee:
Ananth, Kamala
Persons Present:
Ananth and Hampapur.
Place Conducted:
Ananth's home.
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Interviewer Background and Preparation:
The interview was conducted by Veena Hampapur; B.A., anthropology, minor in South Asia studies, UC Berkeley; M.A., anthropology, UCLA. Her research focuses on conceptions of citizenship and identity in the South Asian American diaspora.Hampapur prepared for the interview by reading about the waves of South Asian immigration to the United States. As a graduate student in anthropology, she has conducted research on the South Asian diaspora in the United States which shaped the direction of her inquiries. Veena Hampapur gained access to the participants through her personal and academic networks. Before each interview, she reviewed her previous knowledge of the participant (if any) in order to tailor the interview for each woman's personal experiences.
Processing of Interview:
The transcript is a verbatim transcription of the recording. It was transcribed by a professional transcribing agency using a list of proper names and specialized terminology supplied by the interviewer. Ananth was then given an opportunity to review the transcript and make corrections and additions. Those corrections were entered into the text without further editing or review on the part of the Center for Oral History Research staff.
Length:
2.25 hrs.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Audio:
Series Statement:
The South Asian Women in Los Angeles series documents the lives of a number of women who are first generation South Asian immigrants and who lived or currently live in the greater Los Angeles area. This project was generously supported by Arcadia funds.
Parents' background—Move to Bangalore—Living with grandparents—Childhood games—Neighborhood--House set-up—Religious festivals—Community radio—Cricket games—Movies—Elementary school—School competitions—Private school—Importance of education—Gender differences—Extracurricular activities—Traveling—Familiarity with South Indians—College activities—Academic track—Working at insurance company—Stigma against working—Modes of travel—Changes in Bangalore—Marriage—Knowledge of North America.
Immigration preparations—Feelings about immigration—Traveling internationally—First impressions of Montreal—Initial difficulties—Further education—New skills and experiences—Eating meat—Making Indian friends—Kannada association—Indian goods in Canada—Learning French—Visiting India—Extended family—Learning to drive—Traveling—Impressions of New York—Friends in Canada—Homesickness—Celebrating holidays—Raising a son—Decision to immigrate to U.S.—Citizenship—Volunteering at school—Raising a son in America—Making Kannada friends—Activities with friends—Differences from Canada—Indian goods in Los Angeles—Diversity—Attending the temple—Sports fan—Working as a teacher's aide—Retired life—Managing accounts—American Kannada Koota—Permanence of immigration—Activities in India—Remaining in Los Angeles—Favorite place to live.