Next up in our Honours Student Interview Series is Azmeh Malik! Scroll down to read through the complete interview and learn all about her honours thesis research and writing process.
What is the title of your honours thesis?
“Partitioned Time : An Exploration of the Multiplicity of Temporality Produced by the Indian Partition 1947”
What interested you in this topic? Why did you choose it for your thesis?
Having grown up in Karachi, Pakistan, the topic of the 1947 Partition is ingrained in our identity. Yet, there is little exploration done on how it impacts us as individuals and a nation on an everyday level. I wanted to explore this area of study through a the personal and philosophical lens of how this mass forced migration impacts the South Asian experience of time as a whole. Inspired by the work of David Scott in “Omens of Adversity: Tragedy, Time, Memory, Justice,” I adopted his exploration of the Grenada Revolution (1979-1983) to the 1947 Partition of the subcontinent and uncovered many facets of lingering impact that catastrophe can have on generations and temporal experience. What interested me most about this is realising that our identities are often informed and influenced by historical events which we did not even experience ourselves.
What was your favourite part of the research process?
My favourite part of the research process was engaging with the stories and oral histories of thousands of Partition survivors whose voices were left unheard for so many years. The research process was tough, given the lack of proper archival initiatives done over the decades since Partition. However, this meant every bit of information accounted for was deeply valuable and exciting. I spent time in Berkeley with the 1947 Partition Archive and delved deep into literature to uncover as much knowledge as possible for my work.
Where do you hope to go next with your research or career?
I would like to continue to contribute to understanding South Asian identity in a deeper way. Whether that is in spheres of academic research or in preservation through the arts and cultural sphere. It is important to value our history, identity and to avoid viewing it through a limited nationalistic lens. Research as such can bring the subcontinent together, rather than furthering the divide which persists in modern times.
What advice would you give to someone who is excited but nervous about writing their honours thesis next year?
Writing my honours thesis was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. There is something extremely rewarding about taking the time to learn and develop ideas that may not exist as of yet. There is also something very brave about putting yourself out there to think outside the box with the possibility of dead ends looming near. My advice would be to take on your thesis with the expectation of difficulty and tough times but to know that you will be strayed onto the right path by your trusted advisors and peers.
Do you have a fun fact or anecdote that you would like to share?
