The rasa theory of Indian aesthetics is concerned with the nature of the genesis of emotions and their corresponding experiences, as well as the condition of being in and experiencing the aesthetic world. According to the Indian aesthetic theory, rasa ("juice" or "essence," something that is savored, that is tasted) is an embodied aesthetic experienced through an artistic performance. In this thesis, I have investigated how the aesthetics of rasa philosophy account for creative presence and its experiences in Karnatik vocal performances. Beyond the facets of grammar, Karnatik rāga performance signifies a deeper ontological meaning as a way to experience rasa, idiomatically termed as rāga-rasa by South Indian rāga practitioners. A vocal performance of a rāga ideally depends on a singer's embodied experience of rāga and rāga-bhāva (emotive expression of rāga), as much as it does on his/her theoretical knowledge and skillset of a rāga's svaras (scale degrees), gamakas (ornamentation), lakṣhaṇās (emblematic phrases), and so on. Reflecting on my own experience of being a Karnatik student and performer for the last two decades, participant observation, interviews, and analysis of Indian aesthetic theory of rasa, I propose a way of understanding that to sing rāga is to embody bhāva opening the …

Poster exploring the approach to understand information behavior of communities speaking endangered languages.

Nand and Sunder discuss the overall economic situation in India and compare the current situation with that of 5-10 years earlier (2000s). The recording was made in Vinod Kumar Negi's garden in Rakchham village.

Bijender and Tikam discuss the practice of transhumance, which is when animal flocks are moved to higher pastures at the start of a new season. They are asked whether this practice is still necessary, in light of climate change. The recording was made at Tikam's house (and shop) in Rakchham village.

Raj and Sahdev discuss whether the Chhitkul-Rakchham language should be taught at school. They are members of the current leadership of Rakchham village ('Panchayat'), elected in 2015. The recording was made after a a long meeting with members of the Panchayat at the Panchayat building ('Panchayat Bhawan') in Rakchham village.

Balbir and Hardev discuss whether pesticides should be used in agriculture. Balbir suggested the topic, since both participants are involved in agricultural work. The recording was made at Balbir's home in Rakchham village.

Neeraj and Rajdeep discuss their customs and traditions, debating whether some of them should be preserved or discarded. The recording was made at Umar Homestay in Rakchham village.

Santan and Savitri discuss what they were doing in the village and their plans for the week. The recording was made in Rakchham village, nearby the main temple.

Manish and Radju discuss their use of smartphones, The recording was made at Umar Homestay.

Nand and Sunder discuss the history of Rakchham village. The recording was made in Vinod Kumar's garden in Rakchham village.