The scholars at the Junior Fellows' Conference, January 4-5, 2002, suggested that junior fellows might want to think about the following items that they will need almost immediately upon arrival in India:

1. laptop compouter with:
    --multiple plug strip (available in India)
    --power converter or adapter for 220 volt current
    --A good backpack for the computer, also available in India.  It's probably   best to have one that doesn't make it look as if you're carrying a computer
    --Zip drive and extra diskettes.  Be sure to back up everything!
    --Back-up batteries

2. Tape recorder with extra tapes (available in all Indian cities) and extra batteries
3. Flash light
4. Excellent mosquito repellent
5. Suntan lotion
6. Copies of your proposal
7. Business cards (you can have them printed on arrival)
8. University letterhead and letters of introduction from your adviser or department chair.  AIIS can provide letters of introduction as well.
9. Flip flops, also available in India
10. Ziplock bags (of various sizes -- to waterproof papers and for storage purposes)
11. Duct tape
12. Flat drain screen
13. For women: loose pants.  On arrival get salwar kameez and scarves or dupattas.