Since gaining independence from the British Empire in 1947, India has been in a state of great transition, growing both economically and technologically at alarming rates. As Cultural Anthropology majors, we were curious to understand how these changes were affecting local customs. While volunteering at a community organization in Tamil Nadu, India for 9 weeks we conducted a case study to explore the theme of heritage preservation. Through participant observation and casual interviews we conducted research on a recent social change of senior citizens losing their value in the area. To offer possible solutions for this problem, we also implemented a heritage appreciation project. Children and senior citizens that live at the organization were encouraged to develop meaningful bonds and form lasting relationships with one another while the seniors shared their life histories. The collected data from these meetings was then publicly displayed in the communal dining hall for residents, staff members, and donors to enjoy. We hope that by placing the seniors in positions to be seen as knowledgeable and insightful individuals by the youth, the task of reinstating their value in society can begin.
