A Walk in the Park with Ranjan Adiga

As we head into Winter Break here in Salt Lake City, I invited Ranjan Adiga, a professor of English to share a story that he's written about the mountains. Today, Ranjan shares a reflection about growing up in Nepal, his move to Utah, and how that move has reframed his relationship to the mountains nearby.

Jeff Nichols and Brent Olson co-direct the Institute for Mountain Research and our 2018-2019 Mountain Fellows are Katie Saad and Naomi Shapiro. Our theme song is “Home” by Pixie and the Partygrass Boys.. As Naomi likes to say, “They are awesome and you should check them out.”

• Ranjan Adiga — Ranjan writes about himself, "I was born and raised in Nepal. I speak English as a second language. Although we didn't really speak English at home, I've always been drawn to the English language when it comes to writing stories. Maybe that's because the language allows me a sense of escape and imagination. As writers, we are simultaneously participating in and observing our surroundings. In my classes, we talk about embracing that in-between space, a fertile ground for imagination and empathy."
• Pixie & The Partygrass Boys — Hailed as “the hottest band in the Wasatch” by the Intermountain Acoustic Music Association, Pixie and The Partygrass Boys is composed of lifelong professional musicians drawn together by a common love of bluegrass and skiing in the Wasatch. Featuring soulful, often harmonic vocals and solid strings and rhythm, this tight-knit crew was born out of the belly of a warm cabin after a long day on the slopes- drinking whiskey and singing into the night. With a high energy sound and a love for silly outfits, they travel the land spreading the gospel of whiskey, chickens, and fun for everyone. 
• Purple Planet Music - Fearless