Indira S. Somani

Somani studies the Indian diaspora, mainly Indians who have migrated from India to the U.S. Her latest research, her dissertation, studied the impact of satellite television on the Asian Indian community in the U.S., specifically the Washington Metro Area. This study also included a historical overview of the various kinds of media Asian Indians used over 40 years in the U.S. (1960-2000).

Dissertation:
Enculturation and Acculturation of Television Use Among Asian Indians in the U.S.
Click to see Dissertation Abstract

Documentary:
Crossing Lines - Co-produced, wrote and directed, 2007

Distributed for Public Television by NETA (National Educational Telecommunications Association), 2008-2011

Crossing Lines is a 30 minute documentary that falls in line with Indian diaspora issues. The footage includes scenes from India, Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Springfield, Illinois and archive footage. The film encompasses Indira's life having been born in the U.S. in 1970 and the efforts her parents, particularly her father, made in trying to teach her everything about being Indian, while raising her in the Midwest. It's a unique story about the relationship of an Indian father and his American born Indian daughter.

For more information, go to: www.crossinglinesthefilm.com