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  • ABOUT
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IN THE NEWS

Art, Power, and Possession

Irina Bokova & Vishakha Desai discuss Global Art, Ownership, and Culture


This conversation at the Asia Society is a masterclass in understanding the "many lives" of an object. From the Benin Bronzes to the destruction of sites in Palmyra and Gaza, Bokova and Desai discuss why we must move from a mindset of possession to one of partnership and "polyphonic" storytelling in our museums.

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?

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?

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

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. 

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

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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.


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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.'

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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? 

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