Statement of Intent

I was finally forced to come to some kind of conclusion with what to do for my field study, so here it is!


"The main goal or purpose in going to Bylakuppe India is to study agriculture and farming of the Tibetan exiles. My questions that I would like to explore are: How have the Tibetans in Bylakuppe learned to farm on India's soil? What kind of problems have they confronted (ex. pesticides and fungus) How have/are they transition to organic farming? For my own personal benefit I would like to also look at natural medicines and remedies in the home.

In order to answer these questions I plan to volunteer on local farms particularly on the Tibetan Farm Project, 80 acre experimental farm which has practiced organic farming for the past 10 years, in Bylakuppe to understand how the farm functions. I plan on meeting with leaders that run the Tibetan Farm Project and those that help run it. I would also like to interview various individuals in the community to understand the importance of having organic farming readily available. As a result I would like to be able how agriculture and farming is of key importance to Tibetan society, and I would like to begin to understand the Tibetan beliefs, customs, and values."

Currently I am more excited about getting to know the people and the culture. A friend of mine went to Jordan last semester and always talked about the fun of immersing yourself in the culture. He was able to make many, many friends. He was able to work in a perfume shop and learn how to make his own perfumes. He was invited to friends houses which allowed him to truly learn and love the people. This is certainly the kind of experience I want to have.