From Flashcards to Forests by Liana Jeffries

We were in Bangalore when we met Charanya and Sravanthi. Sravanthi was Professor Reddy's graduate student. She was researching the prevalence and importance of care during social movements. Charanya was her friend, an educator focused on art and food sovereignty. Sravanthi and Charanya came to where we were staying, and we all made our way to the dining table to begin our discussion. Charanya and Sravanthi began by mentioning an ice cream place in the neighborhood we were staying in (where they both grew up) and that they both were familiar with as children. They talked about going back there for nostalgia, not the ice cream. I was happy to discover the relaxing environment they both established. Charanya led and explained how she wanted this to be a conversation. 

Charanya then passed out colorful flashcards to us: Me, Amira, Nia, Sravanthi, and Professors Guevarra and Reddy. She wanted us to write or draw about our earliest memory of food. I was excited. I'm happy whenever I can doodle or have a little more creative freedom. I drew a disgusted face towards a TV dinner tray of Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes and green beans. Then, we all went around the table describing our experiences. I explained that I have fond memories of the food my mom made me. Still, one of my earliest memories that sticks out to me is when my siblings and I had to eat the same meal for dinner for quite some time due to financial reasons. We all collectively grew to despise even the thought of that food. It was nice to share and hear others' stories about food.

Flashcards about food memories from each participant | Photo by Anna Guevarra

We then got two additional flashcards; the instructions were to write down any words that came to mind regarding the words "Environment" and "Development" and any questions we had. I could only write a few words for environment and development but ran out of time. Everyone shared until it was Charanya and Sravanthi's turn, and they pulled out a semi-bedazzled map of India. They began to talk about how they were taught in school that certain regions were just forests, as if no one lived there. However, Charanya spoke of the communities displaced there due to larger companies extracting minerals or materials. She continued to describe the obstacles the communities faced in accessing their food, land, and homes because of these projects. It was a sad pill to swallow. Before we knew it, Charanya and Sravanthi were leaving. It was a quick hour, but it felt quick in the best way. I had fun and enjoyed our dialogue. They were completely welcoming and happy to answer any questions we had. It was a lovely time.