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      • VIDEO ARCHIVE
      • PODCASTS
      • PHOTO GALLERY
      • POLITICS OF VISUAL ARTS
    • EVENTS
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  • Home
  • ABOUT
  • CV
  • MEDIA
    • PUBLICATIONS
    • WORLD AS FAMILY
    • VIDEO ARCHIVE
    • PODCASTS
    • PHOTO GALLERY
    • POLITICS OF VISUAL ARTS
  • EVENTS
  • CONTACT

Vishakha N. Desai

Vishakha N. DesaiVishakha N. DesaiVishakha N. Desai

Vishakha N. Desai

Vishakha N. DesaiVishakha N. DesaiVishakha N. Desai

SPOTLIGHT

NEW PUBLICATION ANNOUNCEMENT

Cover art for a book on politics in visual arts, featuring two figures under a traffic light.
"Politics of Visual Arts in a Changing World, 2014-2024"

Edited by Vishakha N. Desai

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.

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IN THE NEWS

A large historic square with manicured gardens and an ornate mosque in the background.
Frontline, The Hindu - Published: Mar 24, 2026

Whose heritage is it anyway?

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.

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These Beloved Faces: Daughters on Mothers, A View from India

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.

Asia Society News: "Kamala Devi Harris: A third generation feminist, Indian style" - Sep 20, 2024

Nikkei Asia: "What the Coconut Tree meme says about Kamala Harris' Indian heritage" - July 30, 2024

Logo of Asia Society with a stylized lion emblem.

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.

read the article

Nikkei Asia: "What the Coconut Tree meme says about Kamala Harris' Indian heritage" - July 30, 2024

Nikkei Asia: "What the Coconut Tree meme says about Kamala Harris' Indian heritage" - July 30, 2024

Logo of Nikkei Asia in white on a blue background.

Dr. Vishakha N. Desai, who is the President Emerita of Asia Society and a Former Senior Advisor for Global Affairs to the President of Columbia University, considers how a Southern Indian saying reflects the values and background of the VP that have shaped her in this op-ed.

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Columbia News: "So You Want to Live Globally?" - May 19, 2021

Columbia News logo representing Columbia University in New York City.

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.

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KTLA Morning News: A deeper look into the COVID crisis in India - May 13, 2021

KTLA 5 Morning News logo with blue and orange background.

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.

watch the segment

The Hill Opinion Contributor Dr. Vishakha N. Desai on "Becoming Asian American" - May 11, 2021

The Hill Opinion Contributor Dr. Vishakha N. Desai on "Becoming Asian American" - May 11, 2021

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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.

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"How To Honor Asian Heritage Month And Further Your Awareness And Advocacy" - May 10, 2021

The Hill Opinion Contributor Dr. Vishakha N. Desai on "Becoming Asian American" - May 11, 2021

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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.

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Global Affairs expert Vishakha Desai discussing Biden announcing U.S. travel ban on India

Author Vishakha Desai discusses her new book on Good Day L. A. - Monday, May 3 @ 12:30pm EDT

Author Vishakha Desai discusses her new book on Good Day L. A. - Monday, May 3 @ 12:30pm EDT

Scripps logo with a blue lighthouse icon and bold black text.

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.

watch the segment

Author Vishakha Desai discusses her new book on Good Day L. A. - Monday, May 3 @ 12:30pm EDT

Author Vishakha Desai discusses her new book on Good Day L. A. - Monday, May 3 @ 12:30pm EDT

Author Vishakha Desai discusses her new book on Good Day L. A. - Monday, May 3 @ 12:30pm EDT

Sunrise over LA skyline with Good Day LA logo.

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.'

Watch the Segment

Vishakha Desai, featured in Sunday Express (UK) on India's "Coronavirus Crisis"

Author Vishakha Desai discusses her new book on Good Day L. A. - Monday, May 3 @ 12:30pm EDT

Vishakha Desai, featured in Sunday Express (UK) on India's "Coronavirus Crisis"

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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? As noted by vishakha n desai, the implications of this crisis extend beyond its borders. - May 2, 2021

Read the article

WORLD AS FAMILY

Book cover of 'World as Family' by Vishakha N. Desai with an abstract yellow and green design.
World As Family

A Journey of Multi-Rooted Belongings

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.

Learn More

What does it mean to treat the whole human race as family?

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.

“We must see our independence in relation to our interdependence.”

RECENT WORK

WORLD AS FAMILY: A JOURNEY OF MULTI-ROOTED BELONGINGS

A Vedic phrase asks us to “treat the world as family.” In our age of global crises—pandemics, climat

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.

COMMITTEE ON GLOBAL THOUGHT AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Woman speaking to an audience in a room with natural light.

Dr. Vishakha N. Desai, who is the President Emerita of Asia Society and a Former Senior Advisor for Global Affairs to the President of Columbia University, considers how a Southern Indian saying reflects the values and background of the VP that have shaped her in this op-ed.

ONESHARED.WORLD: "RISE OR FALL TOGETHER" INTERDEPENDENCE SUMMIT

ONESHARED.WORLD: "RISE OR FALL TOGETHER" INTERDEPENDENCE SUMMIT

Sunset over ocean with OneShared.World message about unity and ecosystem.

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.

THE NEW CITY LIVE

HUDSON EYE FESTIVAL - HOT TOPICS PANEL

ONESHARED.WORLD: "RISE OR FALL TOGETHER" INTERDEPENDENCE SUMMIT

Event poster for The New City conference, December 3-5, 2020.

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.

HUDSON EYE FESTIVAL - HOT TOPICS PANEL

HUDSON EYE FESTIVAL - HOT TOPICS PANEL

HUDSON EYE FESTIVAL - HOT TOPICS PANEL

Promotional banner for The Hudson Eye 2020 festival happening August 28th to September 7th.

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.

ROMA PEOPLES PROJECT

HUDSON EYE FESTIVAL - HOT TOPICS PANEL

HUDSON EYE FESTIVAL - HOT TOPICS PANEL

Title slide for a lecture on Roma identity by Dr. Vishakha Desai at Columbia University.

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.

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Copyright © 2026 Vishakha N. Desai - All Rights Reserved.

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