The latest edition of Nidan: International Journal for Indian Studies, co-edited by Priyanka Ramlakhan and Prea Persaud (MA '13). This edition of the journal has the theme “Indian Diaspora: Migration, Ethnicity and Identity in North American and the Caribbean,” and examines how Hinduism in North America and the Caribbean is “embodied and performed, supports and challenges gendered norms, and is contested through oral and textual traditions, digital media, and secular spaces.” It includes articles from SU Department of Religion alumnae/i and current students Aarti Patel (Ph.D.) on "Secular conflict : challenges in the construction of the Chino Hills BAPS Swaminarayan temple;" and a book review of Angela Rudert (Ph.D. '12) Shakti's New Voice.

Aarti’s article, titled “Secular Conflict: Challenges in the Construction of the Chino Hills BAPS Swaminarayan Temple,” examines the role a mandir, as a public space for worship and community engagement, plays for Hindu immigrants in the United States. In particular, Aarti’s article critically examines the local government’s decision-making process concerning the mandir and its design, and explores how democratic processes and laws impact the lives and religious expression of a diasporic Hindu community.

For More on Angela Rudert's book Shakti's New Voice see the SUREL news article.