470 Words

Process Paper

Minaam Baseer Senior Division Individual Website

To determine the topic for my NHD project, I had two requirements; it must be a controversial topic that interested me, and I wanted a topic of which I had some knowledge on. Initially I wanted to bring the matter of rights and responsibilities of women in India to light, given that my mother could give me a great perspective on this topic, even though my family comes from Pakistan. However, while progressing through my topic search I became more interested in the lives of the Untouchables, or the Dalits as they are called in India. This topic was controversial, I was interested in it, and I also had some background knowledge on the issue of the untouchables. After finalizing my thoughts, I brought my idea over to my teacher and with her encouragement, I went forward with my research. With my topic confirmed, I started my research by searching in databases; I found some great usable primary source documents there, but only a few. After having gone through many databases, I decided to use Google, which helped me find some more documents, including many of the videos that I used for a firsthand look into the lives of the Dalits. Finding primary documents was a crucial part of the research because they provide solid proof to my argument about the rights and responsibilities of the Dalits. Throughout the journey of my research, I took notes and filled in my bibliography. During this whole process, I was still determining what type of project I will do. With researching going smoothly, I was also brainstorming the type of project that I wanted to conduct to bring forth my information in the most effective way. I decided to go with a website since I was most familiar with that type of project, and it was the best way for me to

470 Words

Process Paper

Minaam Baseer Senior Division Individual Website

utilize visuals that could show the viewers and judges the depth of the struggle that the Dalits of India go through. I started creating my website by finding a theme that represented my project the best. I chose the sky theme because the sky is untouchable, just like the Dalits, and because this illuminated the subject and represented the Dalits in a positive way. When the theme was decided, I set up my pages and started organizing my information onto the website. With all the information in place I added visuals and music to tie everything together. The topic for this years National History Day is rights and responsibilities, and I do believe that my project represents the theme well. The Dalits are an immensely oppressed people, and I believe that my project impeccably argues that they have been deprived their rights and have been subjected to excessive responsibilities, some of which are inhumane and all of which are incredibly degrading.