Salvage and Salvation: Religion, Disaster Relief, and Reconstruction in Asia
22-23 November 2012
Organised by the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore
What does it mean to offer salvation in the midst of catastrophe? What dynamics are in play at the intersection of religion and disaster relief in Asia? Over the past few years, Asia has witnessed frequent massive and high profile disasters, notably the Indian Ocean tsunami (2004), the Kashmir earthquake (2005), Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar (2008), the Pakistan floods of 2010, and most recently the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters in northeast Japan. In the wake of these tragedies – and the numerous smaller-scale disasters that also afflict the region – religious organizations have played pivotal roles in disaster response initiatives. Millions of relief workers and billions of dollars in aid have been mobilized through their networks. However, despite having a profound impact on the lives of disaster victims, these initiatives have gone largely under-reported, and there has been no comprehensive attempt to present research on religion and relief in contemporary Asia. ‘Salvage and Salvation’ will be the first interdisciplinary conference to bring together researchers, humanitarian workers, and policy makers to address this theme.
The organizers are seeking paper presentation proposals that will address the following topics (and related themes) as they relate to the Asian region:
• Analysis of the types of humanitarian work undertaken by Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, and other religious groups in response to disasters, including rescue operations, medical and post-traumatic care, fundraising, reconstruction, mitigation, proselytizing, spiritual counseling, and other interventions
• Doctrinal, ritual, clerical, and/or institutional innovations occasioned by religious disaster responses
• How do states and mainstream humanitarian organizations perceive religion and what logics adjudicate their assessments?
• Collaborations between religious organizations, state actors, humanitarian organizations, and community groups in disaster response initiatives
• Emerging transnational networks forged between religious groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), donor organizations, and other actors engaged in disaster responses
• Reconfigurations of local communities following religious and/or secular disaster relief initiatives
• Contrasting visions of ‘salvation’ offered in response to disasters and the ramifications of these visions
SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS
Paper proposals must be for original, previously unpublished work. Selected papers from the conference proceedings will be compiled for an edited volume. Proposals should include a title, abstract (250-300 words), and a brief personal biography (150 words). For more detailed guidelines or questions regarding specific paper proposals, and for obtaining a Paper Proposal Form from the website, please contact the conference organizers.
Please submit all applications to Dr Philip Fountain (aripmf(at)nus.edu.sg) by 15 May 2012. Successful applicants will be notified by 15 June 2012 and will be required to send a draft paper (5,000-8,000 words) by 15 October 2012. Travel and accommodation support is available from the Asia Research Institute, depending on need and availability of funds.
More details are available at the website of the conference.
CONTACT DETAILS
Conference Convenors
Dr Philip FOUNTAIN aripmf(at)nus.edu.sg
Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore
Dr Levi MCLAUGHLIN lmclaug2(at)ncsu.edu
North Carolina State University
Secretariat
Valerie Yeo
Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore
469A, Tower Block, Level 10, Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 259770
Email: valerie.yeo(at)nus.edu.sg
Visit the website at http://www.ari.nus.edu.sg/events_categorydetails.asp?categoryid=6&eventid=1290