Jyotsna Badrinarayanan
I am a diplomatic history researcher currently based in Mumbai who has worked and taught in the fields of security studies and foreign policy research. I graduated from SOAS with a Master’s in International Studies and Diplomacy which broadened my horizons to the kind of work undertaken by people in negotiation and conflict resolution. I have since worked in research on intractable wars, including the Indo-Pak conflict and its relationship to Kashmir, as well as the recently escalating tensions between North and South Korea. To support my interests, I also picked up archival research skills and have since researched and taught qualitative research methodologies to support historical research.
I am passionate about engaging with young minds about politics and making education in history and international relations accessible and interesting to the youth. I grew up in a society where I was told that talking about politics was taboo as my opinions would invite criticism and even violence in retaliation. As a young woman who has been fortunate enough to have my pick of warm and encouraging mentors everywhere I go despite these circumstances, I wish to do the same for students and I hope that my commitment to teaching and interacting with students is only the beginning of my journey.
I began my foray into history and politics after Juliano Mer-Khamis’ Freedom Theater from Jenin visited my school to expose us to the realities of the protracted Israel-Palestine conflict. Despite being barely 11, his documentary “Arna’s Children” was a visual experience in understanding the loss of home, family and history to the hands of war. Years down the line, learning that history textbooks do not complicate the history of conflicts enough made me realise that I would like to learn more about it and write a little nuance into those pages. Nearly fifteen years later, I still hold no sure answers and neither do the people around me but I can see clearer than ever the steps taken by civil society to ensure the presence of community at times of crisis.
The work done by Sherm and his Convisero community to address not only this conflict but also several conundrums of the 20th and 21st century is what drew me to him in 2022 and I continue to learn about politics, human rights advocacy and conflict with him. Sherm has been a significant mentor to me, patient with his guidance, direct with any requests or criticism and a North Star of sorts in making me stay the course away from partisan thinking. I hope, through this, to keep the dialogue going among youth around me.
“Man’s capacity to rise above his social and historical situation seems to be conditioned by the sensitivity with which he recognizes the extent of his involvement in it.” - E.H. Carr
In all of my SaiU effort’s Jyotsna, as my TA, and far more, as my intellectual and pedagogical colleague and real instructor professional in residence has exhibited and demonstrated acumen and passion for our students and the intent of SaiU to provide moral clarity and ethical purpose in our efforts.
I have had the pleasure and privilege of having her at my side in instruction and edifying conversation and the benefit of her insight and thoughtfulness on the of both the complexities of India and global issues.
We are finishing and ending several years of formal of intersection, but I am honored she has agreed to enter Convisero as a long term mentor to me and our community.