Sai Cheruvu
What is your preferred first name (full name or nickname)?
Saisinzita (Sai) Cheruvu
Where did you grow up?
Houston, Texas
Where did you attend undergrad and what was your major?
University of Texas at Austin as a public health major
How did you become interested in food systems?
My undergraduate thesis focused on understanding the impact of natural farming on agrarian distress in Andhra Pradesh (AP), India. I wanted to highlight the voice of farmers in my work, so I conducted fieldwork with small farmers in the Kadapa district of AP to understand their experience working with the Andhra Pradesh Community Farming (APCNF) initiative. I truly appreciated getting a deeper understanding of climate change adaptations based on indigenous farming practices. This experience with the farmers ignited my curiosity about the broader implications of agrarian distress on the entire food system.
What does transforming the food system mean to you?
Transforming food systems means taking a holistic approach to sustainability, considering environmental, social, economic, and cultural factors. It involves fostering collective actions that empower small farmers and promote community development. By doing so, we create a more inclusive and sustainable food system that benefits both individuals and the planet.
What do you do in your free time?
During my free time, I enjoy reading self-reflective books, journaling to navigate inner conflicts, savoring a cup of tea, and indulging in the timeless pleasure of antiquing for tiny treasures that spark a sense of delight.
