Prof Jonathan Gil Harris discusses his new book ' The Girl from Fargana' with classes 11 and 12 during Literary Week

On Monday, 20 April 2026, the School annual Literary Week” commenced with an intellectually stimulating session led by Mr Jonathan Gil Harris, an eminent Professor of English, founding Dean of Academic Affairs at Ashoka University, and acclaimed author. The occasion was graced by Dr (Mrs) Nayana Goradia, Member of the School Management Committee, Ms Tania Joshi, Principal, along with Ms Vishnupriya Rao and Ms Tina Kapoor from the PTA, and an enthusiastic gathering of over 150 students from Classes XI and XII. 

Following a warm welcome by Principal Ms Tania Joshi, Mr Harris offered profound insights into the interconnections between migration, culture, and identity through his celebrated work, The Girl from Fergana: Secrets of My Mother’s Chinese Tea Set. 

He challenged the perception of migration as a purely modern phenomenon, illustrating how centuries of movement have shaped global traditions, and shared a deeply moving personal narrative regarding his mother’s life. 

The discourse explored the historical prominence of the Fergana Valley as a nexus of ancient trade and the ancestral home of Babur, tracing the cultural and architectural links between Samarkand and India. Mr Harris captivated the audience with his exploration of "culinary migration," tracing the journey of chilli from South America to India and noting the linguistic parallel between the Uzbek murch and the Indian mirch. He emphasised how the Mughal presence enriched India's culinary tapestry with aromatic spices and dried fruit seamlessly blending foreign ingredients into the local identity. 

The session concluded with a thought-provoking Q&A, during which students engaged with complex themes, including the ethics of parental silence about past trauma. Mr Harris encouraged students to view history as a living process of exchange and adaptation, leaving a lasting impression on the deep-rooted interdependence of human civilisation.

In conclusion, the session served as a profound exploration of the human story, bridging the gap between historical migration and personal memory. Mr Jonathan Gil Harris inspired the students to see themselves as part of a continuous, global exchange. The event not only celebrated the power of literature to uncover forgotten pasts but also left the audience with a deeper empathy for the complex layers of identity that shape our world.