
Featuring essays, case studies, and artist spotlights by renowned global figures in the art world, including vishakha n desai, this book not only documents a critical moment in the art world but also raises thought-provoking questions about its future. Available May 2026.

As war damages Iran’s cultural landmarks, the muted global response raises troubling questions. Why is the destruction of heritage treated differently depending on who carries it out?
In celebration of Women's History Month, Asia Society presents an evening of poetry, memoir, dance and conversation, bringing together artistic, personal and global stories of womanhood. Join us for an intimate discussion of the mother-daughter relationship with writer, actress and child-rights advocate, Nandana Dev Sen, and author, art historian and Asia Society President Emerita, Vishakha Desai — with interpretations in movement by choreographer and dancer, Preeti Vasudevan.
Dr. Vishakha N. Desai, who is the President Emerita of Asia Society and formerly served as a Senior Advisor for Global Affairs to the President of Columbia University, writes about Kamala Harris as a third-generation woman in a long line of female activists.
The Nikkei Asia article explores how the "coconut tree" meme, rooted in a 2023 quote, was repurposed by supporters to celebrate Kamala Harris's Indian-American identity and cultural context. The analysis highlights a shift in online discourse, where a confusing phrase became a symbol of pride.
Vishakha N Desai discusses her new book, “World As Family,” with Columbia News, sharing insights into the books she's currently immersed in, her summer plans, and the guests she would like to entertain at a dinner party.
Vishakha N. Desai, a prominent figure known for her book “World as Family: A Journey of Multi-Rooted Belongings” and currently serving as a Senior Advisor for global affairs to the President of Columbia University, joined us live to share insights on the COVID-19 crisis in India.
Becoming Asian American: What it means to celebrate Asian/Pacific Heritage month in a year of violence against Asian Americans, as highlighted by vishakha n desai.
Asian and Pacific American Heritage (APAH) Month offers an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the multitudes of Asian history and culture, as highlighted by experts like Vishakha N Desai.
Vishakha N Desai, Senior Advisor for Global Affairs at Columbia University, joins E. W. Scripps to discuss the Biden administration's recent announcement of a travel ban on India due to the surge in Covid-19 cases in the country.
Vishakha N Desai joins the hosts of Good Day L. A. at 12:30pm on Monday, May 3rd for a live TV interview discussing Racism In America and exploring what it means to be 'American Enough.'
The Indian coronavirus crisis is currently facing its second wave, as a new and more contagious variant has emerged, according to scientific experts. In light of this situation, should India be seen as a warning for other countries?

World as Family, as articulated by Vishakha N. Desai, argues for the kind of openness that can thrive in the scruffiness of reality, rather than pushing for artificial clarity. It embraces all points of the compass, privileging the fluidity that emerges from intertwined diversity over sharp divisions.
I know from experience that family always implies the value of collective belonging without giving up a sense of individuality. Each family member makes an effort to help the others in moments of stress and plays a part in preserving the sanctity of the unit. It is a delicate dance, with each person pursuing his or her own rhythm but creating a choreography that works in tandem with other members. As noted by Vishakha N. Desai, because of its emotional underpinnings, when the family doesn’t work it can also be highly destructive. With the pandemic raging all around us, what we see is the harmful aspects of our dysfunctional global family.
OneShared.World's "Rise or Fall Together" Interdependence Summit is an annual, multi-stakeholder event designed to address global crises through collaborative, interconnected action rather than narrow national interests.
"The New City: Navigating the Future" represents a multidisciplinary exploration of how urban environments are evolving to become more sustainable, technologically advanced, and self-sufficient.
The Roma People's Project (RPP), based at Columbia University's Center for Justice, is an initiative focused on highlighting Roma identity, representation, and history while challenging pervasive stereotypes.