beenasarwar

[beenasarwar]

 The revival of SAARC and the larger question of regional solidarity and integration

Bangladeshi leader Dr Yunus’ call for “a summit of SAARC leaders even if it is only for a photo session because that will carry a strong message” underscores the critical need to make Southasia an effectively interconnected region. If India refuses to travel to Pakistani for a SAARC summit, other alternatives must be thought out, argues a peace studies scholar By Dr. Saeed Ahmed Rid “I am a big…

[beenasarwar]

‘Freedom is a constant struggle’ - Bangladesh and the way forward

A ‘homeland’ is not just the land of one’s birth, but also the region of one’s ethnicity, reflects an Indian-born Bengali living in Boston. The way her family follows events in their land of origin, Bangladesh, shows a sense of community – and how you never really leave home. By Ankita G. / Sapan News For Southasians like me living in America, our ‘homelands’ are never far from our hearts and…

[beenasarwar]

An awards ceremony in Delhi I will miss

It is amazing that three of the awardees are from Pakistan - but sadly unable to be there at the ceremony, thanks to the visa issues between Pakistan and India.

The event in India this afternoon represents a significant moment for Southasian solidarity. It also underscores the challenges in the region, including visa restrictions between Pakistan and India I feel deeply honoured to be among the wonderful women being conferred the Saahas-e-Azim (Most Fearless) award by WISCOMP in Delhi today – Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace, celebrating…

[beenasarwar]

Southasian feminist Kamla Bhasin: Still turning walls into bridges

After the iconic Southasian feminist passed away in 2021, several organisations teamed up to acknowledge individuals who take forward her mission of upholding human rights across Southasia, ensuring equality, safety and dignity for all. By Neha Kirpal / Sapan News Network “Being a woman referee doesn’t stop me from showing a red card in a men’s tournament,” beamed the pioneering Bangladeshi…

[beenasarwar]

A network of English language teachers connect people like the Silk Road once did

An 85-year old teacher and researcher from Pakistan reflects on her journeys to China for two conferences. The one in Macau enabled her to meet a long-lost cousin from Mumbai in Hong Kong. The one in Beijing catalysed a research project currently being replicated by researchers in six countries, presented at the SPELT 40th annual international conference in Karachi recently By Zakia Sarwar /…

[beenasarwar]

Can an iconic film festival in Kathmandu be a catalyst for regional collaboration, including issues like climate change?

In a world increasingly divided by borders and politics, Film Southasia, established in 1997, shows us a “Southasia” united not by treaties or trade agreements, but by the simple, powerful act of sharing stories. Stories that, like the environmental challenges they often document, know no boundaries. By Abishek Budhathoki / Sapan News In the heart of the Kathmandu Valley, a cultural event has…

[beenasarwar]

Global spotlight: Post-uprising Bangladesh grapples with power, inclusion, and hope

At a recent panel discussion, participants from Bangladesh analysed the country’s future with some cautious optimism and hoped for progress beyond the ongoing struggles for minorities, women, and the working class. By Abdullah Zahid and Pragyan Srivastava / Sapan News The recent upheaval in Bangladesh made headlines around the world. And while the struggles fueling the situation are not new,…

[beenasarwar]

Pakistan politics at its worst… and at its best

Beyond the headlines as ousted prime minister Imran Khan’s supporters take protest to the politicians in the federal capital – will force or reason win the day? If force wins, Pakistan loses. This is a different Pakistan than in the past. The people want more. They are demanding respect from their leaders, and for their rights and their needs to be recognized and met. By Kathy Gannon / Sapan…

[beenasarwar]

Sapan News qualifies for NewsMatch! Help us reach our goal by year-end

Help amplify voices from the community and keep people informed through Sapan News syndicated features published by more than 30 reputed media outlets in Southasia and around the globe.  

Hello everyone! We are excited that Sapan News qualified for  NewsMatch for the second year running. This is a collaborative fundraiser run by the Institute for Nonprofit News, a professional journalists’ body to which only half the media outlets that apply get accepted. The initiative supports 475 independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan newsrooms dedicated to public service like Sapan News.  Until…

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Celebrating Southasian cinema: Insights from the Tasveer Film Festival

The power of storytelling shines at an annual Southasian film festival in Seattle that celebrates cultural diversity with authentic stories, inspiring conversations that resonate across borders and generations.

The power of storytelling shines at an annual Southasian film festival in Seattle that celebrates cultural diversity with authentic stories, inspiring conversations that resonate across borders and generations. By Maheen Mustafa / Sapan News “When you think of a Hollywood action movie, you think of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Selvester Stallone. I want this movie to change that,” says Vish Iyer, a…

[beenasarwar]

The climate crisis and the urgent need for a regional response

The deadly smog stretching from Delhi to Lahore, and recent devastating floods in Nepal are reminders that climate-related transborder issues require cooperation and joint action across regions, as journalists and activists point out. Are the leaders listening? By Pragyan Srivastava/ Sapan News “Climate change knows no borders. Our shared geography demands shared solutions, from coordinated…

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Boston area screening of 'Democracy in Debt' documentary, Sunday 24 November

You are invited to a screening of my documentary film ‘Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines’ (25 min), followed by a discussion, at the Cambridge Public Library on Sunday 24 November, 2-4 pm

COMMUNITY INVITE: If you are in the Boston area, you are invited to a screening of my documentary film ‘Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines’ (25 min), followed by a discussion, at the Cambridge Public Library on Sunday 24 November, 2-4 pm. If you are not here or unable to join, please tell people you know who might like to: ‘Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines’ A film…

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How can India and Pakistan 'win without fighting'?

Why can't Pakistan-India ties be modelled on Aiyar's relationship with his old friend Javed Jabbar, a self-proclaimed "chauvinist and narrow-minded Pakistani" -- they disagree on almost everything "yet we are the closest of friends" as Aiyar said.

When an Indian is in the room, and it isn’t ‘bad news’ – and why can’t the relationship between India and Pakistan be modelled on the relationship between Mani Shankar Aiyar and Javed Jabbar? Thoughts on The Citizens Foundation annual gala in Boston, a discussion on ‘Improving Indo-Pak Relations’ hosted from Kolkata, cricket, qawwali, education and collaboration PERSONAL POLITICALBy Beena…

[beenasarwar]

How can India and Pakistan 'win without fighting'?

An India-Pakistan discussion with Khurshid Kasuri, Mani Shankar Aiyar and others, and a TCF Pakistan Boston fundraiser later where the keynote speaker was Indian - and full of praise for the Pakistani education NGO... Can our leaders please learn?

The keynote speaker at TCF Boston fundraiser this year was Indian – and it wasn’t ‘bad news’. On the contrary. Check out Shashi Buluswar‘s cricket documentary that I’ve included in the article. Plus a discussion with ‘peacemongers’ hosted by a center in Kolkata the same day. Why can’t our political leaders take a leaf from Mani Shankar Aiyar’s relationship with his old friend Javed Jabbar, a…

[beenasarwar]

A region rooted in resistance

A recent panel discussion highlights the key challenges facing Southasia’s social movements from modern day genocide to environmental justice. There was no shortage of ideas as activists and experts unpacked these urgent issues By Pragyan Srivastava, Sapan News Network “Bangladesh’s biggest political changes have emerged through mass movements, not traditional political channels,” said Khushi…

[beenasarwar]

Sri Lanka's election poised to herald a new youthful surge in nation's politics

Sri Lanka’s youth are increasingly driving political change, demanding reform and accountability in response to economic crises, corruption, and a lack of opportunities, reshaping the country’s future through activism and civic engagement. By Sugeeswara Senadhira Sri Lanka’s parliamentary election taking place on November 14 will be notable for the unprecedented number of young candidates and…

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So, President Trump will you be calling Afghanistan's Abdul?

During his only presidential debate Trump recalled his conversations with the Taliban’s Abdul Ghani Baradar, current vice-president in Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban government. Afghanistan, like most countries, looks different from a distance. Things are more complex than than they seem. And in the current scenario, there might be an opening. By Kathy Gannon/ Sapan News During the only…