USC: J585 class to IndiaThis year, J585 resolved to experience religion from the inside out before reporting from the outside in. Funded by a small grant from the Social Sciences Research Council, students spent a long weekend at an ashram where they could experience yoga and meditation. (No screens were permitted!) Half the group went to Ananda Sangha, a small retreat center in the hills outside Pune, while the rest stayed at the Osho International Meditation Resort, an urban oasis in the center of Pune. Enforced meditation at these hybrid centers, both commingled Western spirituality with Hinduism, had mixed results, and many students were relieved when Monday dawned and we moved onto Mumbai to report on the upcoming elections.

The class arrived in Mumbai on Holi, a spring festival, celebrated by decorating the body with vibrant colors. During our stay in the city we visited temples, met with journalists, interviewed politicians, dined at the Cricket Club and enjoyed an impromptu Bollywood dance party. Students worked on election projects for GlobalPost and Indian Express and also pursued articles on the city’s Zorastrian community, a cow sanctuary, local comics books, and the status of lesbians—among other topics.

Scenes from #India2014

USC: J585 class to India

As soon as the J585 class landed, they left the hussle-and-bussle of Mumbai for the serenity of Pune.
USC: J585 class to India USC: J585 class to India
USC: J585 class to India

The class was divided into two: one group headed to Osho International Meditation Resort and the other to the Ananda Pune Center and Community (pictured above). Kaysie Ellingson and Nick Street hold yoga poses. Heather McIlvaine meditates during an interview.

USC: J585 class to India

The dance floor at Osho International Meditation Resort.
USC: J585 class to India USC: J585 class to India
USC: J585 class to India

The group arrived in Mumbai during the Holi festival and quickly got into the spirit. Melissah Yang and Katherine Davis (top right) put a bit of color on their own faces. Whereas, Rosalie Murphy and Heather McIlvaine (bottom right) have some local women put color on their cheeks.

USC: J585 class to India USC: J585 class to India

The class met with political friends and foes at the Indian Express newsroom.

USC: J585 class to India

High above Mubai, the J585ers enjoyed the view, some drinks and a discussion with fellow journalists.
USC: J585 class to India

It wasn't all play and no work for Jerome Campbell as he polished up some of his notes during the trip.
USC: J585 class to India USC: J585 class to India
USC: J585 class to India

A few of the J585 students visted a Muslim school in Mumbai.
USC: J585 class to India
USC: J585 class to India USC: J585 class to India
USC: J585 class to India USC: J585 class to India

Dharavi is Mumbai's oldest slum and seems to be where everything comes to be recycled.Melissah Yang interviewed a group of men who work all day melting aluminum cans.

USC: J585 class to India
USC: J585 class to India USC: J585 class to India USC: J585 class to India

The streets of Mumbai are a cornucopia of color, people and animals.
USC: J585 class to India

The country's Hindu and Jain communities regard cows as sacred, so for thousands of years, the beloved bovines have been able to wander the streets in India undisturbed.
USC: J585 class to India USC: J585 class to India

Markets and motorcycles line many of the streets in Mumbai.
USC: J585 class to India

A women sells flower at a street shop in Mumbai.