Oral Histories

Interview of Jayashree Madhusudhan

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:
Madhusudhan, Jayashree
Persons Present:
Madhusudhan and Hampapur.
Place Conducted:
Madhusudhan'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. Madhusudhan 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 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.
Father's job—Siblings—Culture shock in New Delhi—House structure—Childhood games—Language skills—Differences from American childhood—Family picnics—Visiting the South—Listening to the radio—Television programming—No chores—Perceptions of South Indians—Religious activities—Elementary school—Importance of education—Extracurricular activities—Expectations in school—Working for ITC—Friends marry same year—Loved reading—Time for marriage—Wedding—Waiting for visa—First to come to U.S.—Knowledge of America—Lack of shock upon immigration—Differences in North and South India—Preparations for immigration—Arrival in New York—First impressions—Moving to Los Angeles—Familiarity with Indians—Indian goods—Working for the bank—Homesickness—Exploring Los Angeles—Changes in Torrance—Making Indian friends—Increase in Indian population—Separation of professional life—Decision to stay in U.S.—Stranger in India.
Family picnics—Knowledge of other Indians—Religious functions—Patriotic holidays—Multiple languages—Importance of education—Career path—Learning to drive—Traveling in Delhi—Staying with in-laws—Friends' immigration—Differences between the U.S. and India—Losing family—Small Indian population—Indian community—Cultural activities—Raising children in the U.S.—Passing on religious heritage—Rare visits to India—Foreignness of India—Hobbies—Differences working in India vs. U.S.—American holidays—Learning different cuisines—Diversity.