Oral History Interview with Jagadish Desai

DESCRIPTION
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Jagadish Desai was born in India and came to the United States in 1959 to study chemical engineering. He came to Minnesota in 1962. He was one of the founders of the India Association of Minnesota [IAM], formerly known as the India Club. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Coming to the United States to study chemical engineering; initial difficulty finding a job; meeting and marrying his wife; moving to Minnesota; first job with Gould-National Batteries; housing and job discrimination; meeting other Indians through the University of Minnesota's Indo-American club; involvement with the International Institute, and subsequently the Festival of Nations; involvement in the foundation of the India Club; process of inviting speakers, musicians, artists, and others from India to speak and give performances in Minnesota; involvement in Bicentennial activities; meeting people of various ethnic backgrounds in Minnesota; becoming a United States citizen and involvement in politics; obtaining his law degree; and retirement.

ADDITIONAL METADATA
Date: July 15, 2003
Subject(s): Jagadish Desai
Type: Oral History
Language: English
Creator: Polly Sonifer
Location: Minnesota

PROVENANCE
Holding Institution: Minnesota Historical Society
Collection: India Association of Minnesota Oral History Project
Additional Information: Phase 4
Item History: 2016-12-13 (created); 2016-12-13 (modified)

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