Author Madhushree Ghosh Explores South Asian Immigration in Safar
Madhushree Ghosh’s latest book, Safar, delves into four key waves of South Asian immigration to the American West. It intricately examines how food arrived in these communities, alongside recounting Ghosh’s own journey to the United States.
Homesickness Inspires Writing About Food
Having moved to the United States three decades ago, Ghosh reflects on how her homesickness for New Delhi fueled her desire to write about food. She describes the overwhelming sensory experience of her hometown, noting that it is often the noise rather than the smells that trigger feelings of nostalgia. “It’s the atmosphere, and I think that’s why this represents home to me,” she explained.
Childhood Memories Influence Culinary Experiences
Ghosh’s early years were shaped by culinary traditions passed down from her family. Her father taught her how to select the ripest fruits by tapping them, while her mother prepared masala chai and sweets daily at 4 PM. Many of Ghosh’s stories find roots in these cherished memories. “It always had to do with my childhood… the horribly awful food I made when I came here for grad school, because I didn’t know how to cook,” she recounted. Her culinary journey took a turn when she reached out to her mother for tips on using a pressure cooker to make dal.
Cultural Understanding Through Culinary Education
During her time in the United States, Ghosh gained a deeper understanding of her cultural heritage and the challenges faced by immigrants in her community. She began to consider the implications of the different immigration waves and how these shifts correlate with changing U.S. immigration laws. “This book came about because I started asking myself what this wave meant,” she noted, underscoring the current relevance of these issues.
Encouraging Conversations About Food Origins
Ghosh emphasizes the importance of understanding where food comes from and the journeys it undertakes before reaching our tables. She challenges parents to ponder how their children perceive food sources, highlighting the need to educate them about the farmers behind their meals and the land that nurtures them. “Respect the farmers who grew it, and respect the earth that supported it,” she stressed.
A Supper Club that Enriches Perspectives
Through years of writing and community engagement, Ghosh founded the supper club Khabaar Co. This platform allows guests to enjoy meals while conversing with influential figures, including chefs, food activists, and authors. Ghosh believes that sharing a meal fosters openness to new cultural perspectives. “How do I talk about food in a way that gets people interested in a culture that I had no idea about before?” she questioned.
Food as a Lens to Explore Identity and Belonging
Ghosh has discovered that food has the power to ignite discussions about complex histories, such as colonization, and promote community upliftment. In her view, conversations about food touch upon comfort, aspiration, and the essence of belonging. Safar is rich in recipes, teaching readers how to craft desi tacos, a variety of curries, rotis, and more, all tied to the journeys of South Asian immigrants.
Inviting Readers to Connect Through Their Own Journeys
While offering culinary history and recipes, Ghosh hopes readers will reflect on their own identities and experiences. “I hope people come back and watch Safar and realize that my journey is similar to theirs,” she stated. Concluding, Ghosh’s official book launch is set for June 11th at the Mission Hills Library Shop, starting at 6 PM.
