Oral Histories

Interview of Hema Veeragoudar

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:
Veeragoudar, Hema
Persons Present:
Veeragoudar and Hampapur.
Place Conducted:
Veeragoudar'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. Veeragoudar 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.
Life in Kolhapur—Sugar factory colony—Parents' background—Five sisters—Residence in colony—Parents' roles—Relationship with neighbors—Childhood games—Radio—Movies—Owning a car—Traveling to the city—Jain activities—Visiting Sangli—Elementary school—Ganapati Utsav—Traveling for schooling—Importance of education—Academic tracks—College--Household chores—Sugar season—Community center—Popularity of dramas—Celebrating Independence Day—Traveling North India—Learning Hindi—Marriage—Life in Bombay—Decision to immigrate—Knowledge of America—Feelings about leaving India—Typing school—Immigration process.
Immigration preparation—Impressions of U.S.—Indians in Jersey City—Finding employment—Changes in clothing—Being vegetarian—Making friends in New Jersey—Television and movies—Transportation—Homesickness—South Asian goods—Cultural activities—Indian population—Hindi movies—Social activities—Visiting India—Green card jokes—Working in a bank—Staying permanently—Moving to Texas—Beginning to drive—Working in Texas—Indians in Texas—Moving to Los Angeles—Impressions of California—Getting a job—Making Indian friends—Bharatanatyam--Entertainment—Cultural activities—Familiarity with Indians—Passing on cultural heritage—Diversity—Visitors from India—Traveling—Changes in L.A.—Seeing family—Career—Celebrating holidays—Retired life—Changes in Indian community—Remaining in L.A.—Visiting India—Changes in India—Home in America.