South Asia Foundation Annual Report on Activities for the year 2010 - Part 1

Introduction

Founded by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh in 2000, the South Asia Foundation (SAF) is a secular, non-profit and non-political organization, comprising eight autonomous chapters in: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. SAF’s core objective is to promote regional cooperation through a number of UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institutions of Excellence in the eight SAARC countries, with courses in Preservation of Cultural Heritage (Kabul), Human Rights and Common Law( Dhaka), Forestry Studies (Bumthang, Bhutan), Journalism (Chennai), Kashmir Studies (Srinagar), Regional Cooperation (Pondicherry), Green Energy Technology (Pondicherry), Climate Research (Malé, Maldives), Public Health (Kathmandu), Visual Arts (Lahore), South Asian Studies (Lahore), Water Management (Moratuwa, Sri Lanka).

The Governing Council comprises of eight Chairpersons & Vice-Chairpersons of SAF chapters.

Each of the eight chapters may, at an annual meeting of the Governing Council or at any other special meeting, present a proposal that promote regional cooperation. A decision to accept or reject a proposal will be taken by unanimity. The responsibility for implementing the approved projects is entirely that of the Chairpersons and their Advisory Board members. In conformity with the general principle that institutional projects funded by SAF would bear at least half the costs, either in funds or in kind.
Since 14^th August 2006, SAF has been recognized as an Apex Body of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Kathmandu, Nepal, and its aims and objectives are in conformity with the spirit and purpose and principles of the SAARC Charter.
SAF has been admitted into an official relationship with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Paris, France since 17^th October 2006.
 

Madanjeet Singh Institutions of Excellence gets to use UNESCO Logo.

UNESCO Director-General Madame Irina Bokova announced on 26 October 2010, that the 12 SAF institutions can use the UNESCO logo as long as it is always associated with Madanjeet Singh's name and his official title of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.


Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)

The following MoUs were signed in 2010: (for more details see activities in each SAF Chapter)

1. MoU was signed between SAF Founder Ambassador Madanjeet Singh and the Govt of Bhutan for the establishment of UNESCO Madanjeet Singh School of Forestry Studies in Bhutan.
2. MoU signed between SAF Founder Ambassador Madanjeet Singh and Chairperson, SAF-Nepal Dr. Rita Thapa to establish UNESCO Madanjeet Centre for Public Health and Regional Cooperation.
3. MoU was signed sets forth the agreement reached between the parties relating to the holding annually of one SAARC FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE in India and in each of the eight SAARC countries in rotation as a collaborative venture between SAF and Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL).
4. MoU signed with SAF and Jamia Milia Islamia University (JMI) for holding annually a Conference on WOMEN OF SOUTH ASIA: PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT in each of the eight SAARC countries and Myanmar in rotation as a collaborative venture between SAF and JMI.
5. MoU was signed with SAF and Higher Education, Maldives for the establishment of UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Center for Climate Studies.
6. MoU,was signed between SAF and the University of Moratuwa,for the establishment of the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM) Moratuwa, SriLanka.

The year 2010 started with an “Indo-Pakistan Peace Conference - A Road Map Towards Peace” was organized under the stewardship of the eminent Journalist Kuldip Nayar, during 10-12^th January, 2010 in Delhi. SAF also was a contributing partner of this three day event with active participation by eminent personalities from both India and Pakistan. All the major issues concerning socio-politico-geographic-cultural issues were discussed where views from all interested parties were voiced. SAF-India Chairman-Mani Shankar Aiyar Admiral L Ramdas, Mehbooba Mufti, Aitaz Ahsar, Kamal Mitra Chinoy, Iqbal Haider, Salman Haider, A.H.Nayar, Neena Chandhoke, Bizenjo Hasil Khan, Malik Siraj Akbar, Rajendra Sachhar, Yasin Malik, Sajjad Lone, Lalita Ramdas, Vandana Shiva, Farooq Tareeq, Abid Sulfri, Amb. Chandrasekhar Dasgupta, Muchkund Dubey, Ravi Wig, S.Akbar Zaidi, Amitabh Mattoo, Ayesha Siddiqua, Rajiv Sikri, Asma Jahangir, Ved Bhasin,Muralidhar Reddy, Liaqat Ali Toor, Mahesh Bhatt and Madiha Gauhar were among the panelists. Books of Ambassador Madanjeet Singh like Kashmiriyat, SASIA Story, UNESCO Brochure were distributed at the conference.


Pondicherry University UNESCO Madanjeet Singh School of Green Energy Technology, Pondicherry

An International Conference on Green Energy Technology was held in our University during March 23-25, 2010. Apart from several academic and industry experts in the area of Green Technology, Honorable Minister for New and Renewable Energy Resources Dr. Farook AbdulIah and UNSCO Goodwill Ambassador Shri Madanjeet Singh graced the occasion. Admission to M.Tech programme is done. 4 students were awarded Madanjeet Singh Group Scholarships during the current academic session.


Inauguration of the International conference on Green Technology: Challenges in Research and Human Resource Development
23^rd March, 2010

At the opening of the International conference on Green Technology, a momento was presented to Madanjeet Singh, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and SAF Founder.


UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asia Regional Cooperation (UMISARC)

On the initiative of the present Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry University, Prof J A K Tareen, the Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asia Regional Cooperation (MISARC) was established at Pondicherry University in accordance with the MoU concluded between Pondicherry University and the South Asia Foundation (SAF) on June 20, 2009. The Institute has two fold objectives, mainly, promotion of teaching and research in South Asian Studies as well as promotion of peace and cooperation in South Asia through cultural and educational exchanges. The Institute is guided by an Advisory Council & Governing Council consisting of very eminent personalities from India and other SAARC countries. With the UNESCO agreeing to use UNESCO Logo all 12 Madanjeet Singh Institutes of Excellence in various South Asian countries (two in Pondicherry) in the year 2010, now the MISARC has been renamed as UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asia Regional Cooperation (UMISARC).


Teaching and Research Programmes

The Institute is currently offering Post-graduate programme in South Asian Studies, which is uniquely designed to provide cutting edge knowledge of South Asian history, society, culture, economy, governance and politics, etc., from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students are expected not only to develop broad knowledge base to critically understand contemporary issues concerning South Asia, but also offer a holistic perspective to address them and contribute towards promoting peace and cooperation in the region. The Institute introduced Ph. D programme since the current academic year 2010-11. Currently 17 students are studying in first year and 16 in the second year M.A. programme. Besides, 3 Ph. D students have been registered during this academic year.


Facilities Available at the Institute

The Institute has good infra-structure facilities including adequate number of computers with internet connection, over head projector and LCD projector, audio- visual equipments, etc., to support teachers and students in their pursuit of academic excellence and relevance. The grand UMISARC building with fully furnished and well equipped auditorium, class rooms, faculty rooms, etc is ready for occupation.
The Institute is imparting education through new and innovative methods and techniques. Frequent guest lectures by eminent scholars, diplomats and members of think tanks from different parts of India and abroad are frequently arranged to enable students to have a wider perspective on their area of study. The Institute is organising conferences, seminars and panel discussions on issues of contemporary relevance at frequent intervals.


Library

The students are using the excellent library facilities in the Central Library of the University. Besides, the Institute is developing a separate library for teachers, researchers and students of South Asian Studies.


International Journal for South Asian Studies (IJAS)

In order to promote research in South Asian Studies, the Institute is bringing out an International Journal for South Asian Studies. It aims to provide a forum for academic research in areas relating to political, social, economic, cultural cooperation and development in South Asia. The first issue of the IJSAS was released by the then Hon’ble Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar. (Visit the Journal’s website)


Networking and Collaboration with Other Relevant Institutions

The UMISARC of Pondicherry University has been networking / collaborating in diverse ways with several leading institutions dealing with South Asian Studies in India and abroad. These institutions include: Center for South Asia Studies, University of California, Berkeley; School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC;, Stimson Center, Washington, DC; Department of International Relations, University of Karachi; Center for Contemporary Studies, Kathmandu; Department of Political Science, University of Peradenya, Sri Lanka; Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies, Dhaka; all chapters of South Asia Foundation located in SAARC capitals, Center for South Asian Studies, JNU, New Delhi; Delhi Policy Group, New Delhi; Center for Policy Research, New Delhi; Pennsylvania Institute of Advanced Studies of India, New Delhi; Rajendra Prasad Academy, New Delhi; Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi; Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi; Department of Political Science, University of Delhi; Academic Staff College, Jamia Milia Islamia University, New Delhi; Center for South Asian Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur: Center of International Studies, VPM, Mumbai; Kanpur University, Kanpur; Center for Globalization and Development Studies, University of Allahabad; Malviya Center for Peace Research, Center for Nepalese Studies and Department of Political Science, BHU, Varanasi; Department of Political Science, BRA Bihar University, Muzaffarpur; Central University of Bihar, Patna; Department of International Relations, Jadavpur University, Kolkata; Maulana Azad Institute of Asian Studies, Kolkata; Center for South Asian Studies, Madras University; Center for Security Analysis, Chennai; Department of Political Science, University of Mysore, Department of Political Science, Bangalore University; Department of Geopolitics, Manipal University, Manipal (Karnatak); School of International Relations, M G University, Kottayam (Kerala); Center for Nehru Studies, University of Kerala and so on.


Seminars / Conferences

The Institute and its related Centre organized several national and international seminars and conferences on topic of great contemporary relevance for the world in general and South Asia in particular during the year 2010.

1. One day National Panel Discussion on "India and Global Nuclear Disarmament" was organized on February 15, 2010. The workshop was sponsored by Delhi Policy Group, New Delhi. India’s former Deputy National Security Advisor, Ambassador Satish Chandra, IFS (Retd), inaugurated the meet. Other leading participants included: Lt General (Retd) V R Raghvan, Director of Delhi Policy Group; Brigadier (Retd) Sreenivasan of Centre for Security Analysis, Chennai; Dr Manpreet Sethi of Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi; and so on.
2. International Seminar on "Rajiv Gandhi’s Peace and Disarmament Initiatives: Global and South Asian Contexts" was organized during March 9-11, 2010. The Seminar was sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. India’s former Foreign Secretary, Ambassador A P Venketeshwaran, IFS (Retd.) inaugurated the Seminar and the Pondicherry University Vice-Chancellor, Prof J A K Tareen, presided over the inaugural function. Dr S K Behera, IFS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India delivered the valedictory address. Top most scholars from the US and different parts of South Asia and all corners of India participated in the meet.
3. National Seminar on "India in South Asia: Strategic Challenges and Opportunities in the 21^st Century", was organized by Pondicherry University and Southern Asia Studies Programme of the UGC. The Seminar was inaugurated by the Chief of the Army Staff, General V K Singh. Leading experts from institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University and Indira Gandhi National Open University participated in the meet.
4. UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asia Regional Cooperation (UMISARC), Pondicherry University organized a three-day International Conference on "South Asia in 2020: Towards a Greater Unity and Interdependence" during 22-24, November, 2010. Former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India & United Nations’ Envoy in Cambodia and Indonesia, Ambassador Lakhan Lal Mehrotra, IFS (Retd.), inaugurated the Conference and The Vice Chancellor, Prof J A K Tareen, presided over the inaugural function. The present Foreign Secretary of Nepal, Ambassador Madan K. Bhattarai, delivered the valedictory address. Mr Ibrahim Zuhuree, who heads the SAARC division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, made his observation remarks. Top most scholars from some of the SAARC countries as well as from Sweden and all corners of India participated in the meet.

Some of the Lectures Delivered by Invited Speakers

1. Dr. Bernand D’Samy, Head, Department of History, Loyola College, Chennai, delivered a lecture on “Migration in South Asia” on 27.01.10.
2. Dr. Uttham Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Defence & Strategic Studies, University of Madras, Chennai, delivered a lecture on “Alternative Maritime Security Perspectives for the Indian Ocean Region” on 27.01.10.
3. Prof. Gopalji Malviya, Professor & Head, Department of Defence & Strategic Studies, University of Madras, Chennai, delivered a lecture on “Challenges to Peace & Security in South Asia” on 11.02.10.
4. Prof. M. J Vinod, Professor, Department of Political Science, Bangalore University, talked on “Contemporary Challenges in International Terrorism & Counter Terrorism” on 26.02.10.
5. Prof. Anjoo Sharan Upadhyaya, Director, Centre of Nepalese Studies, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, spoke on “Re-visiting Rajiv Gandhi’s Disarmament Action Plan” on March 9, 2010.
6. Prof. Anisur Rahman, Professor of Political Science, Jamia Milia Islamia University, New Delhi, initiated discussion on “India’s Approach to West Asia” on March 10, 2010.
7. Prof. Swaran Singh, Professor at the Center for Diplomacy and Disarmament, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, talked on “Chinese Approach to Disarmament: An Evaluation” on March 11, 2010.
8. Dr. Shibashis Chatterjee, Reader, School of International and Strategic Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata (West Bengal), discussed “Understanding Arms Control and Disarmament” on March 11, 2010.
9. Dr E. Sridharan, Academic Director, University of Pennsylvania Institute for Advanced Study of India, New Delhi, initiated discussion on “Emerging World Order: Implication for South Asia” on 20.03.10.
10. Dr. P. S. Jayaramau, Dean, School of Social Sciences, Bangalore University, Bangalore, spoke on “India’s National Security Strategy” on 19.03.10
11. Mr. Abu Salah Md. Yousuf, Research Fellow at Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies, Dhaka, Bangladesh, currently at UMISARC, talked on “Bangladesh – India Relations: Roots, Realities and Prospects” on August 26, 2010.
12. Mr. Rahmatullah, from Afghanistan, currently at UISARC, delivered a lecture on “Recognition of Taliban, and Afghan Society” August 19, 2010.
13. Prof. A. K. Pasha, Director, Gulf Studies Programme, Centre for West Asian & African Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, spoke on “GCC States and Peace in South Asia” on September 09, 2010.
14. Prof. Edwin Zappe, Salzburg, Austria, talked on “The Fascination of Man/Woman (Humankind) and the Great World Cultures” on October 14, 2010.
15. Dr. Anil Kumar Verma, Chairman of Political Science Department at Christ Church College, Kanpur, delivered two lectures on “Dynamics of Indian Politics: The Compulsions of Inclusion in a Multicultural Society” and “Indian Model of Inclusive Politics: Lessons for South Asia” on October 25, 2010.
16. Dr. S. Prabhakar, Joint Director (Reporting), Lok Sabha, Indian Parliament, New Delhi, discussed “Parliamentary Procedures and Committee System” on November 01, 2010.

Some of the distinguished visitors to the Institute

1. Prof. Aaron Karp, Department of Arms Control and Peace, Old Dominion University, Batten Arts and Letters (BAL) 700, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
2. Ambassador Madan K. Bhattarai, Foreign Secretary of Nepal, Kathmandu.
3. Dr Ravindra Kanhal, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Social Sciences, Kathmandu (Nepal)
4. Prof Tudor K Silva, Dean, School of Arts, Peradenya University, Sri Lanka.
5. Mr Ibrahim Zuhuree, who heads the SAARC division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives.
6. Prof. Neelambar Hatti, Head, Nordic Centre for Peace Studies, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
7. Dr Claude Arpi, a noted French expert on South Asia, currently at Auroville.
8. Ambassador Lakhan Lal Mehrotra, IFS (Retd.), former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India & United Nations’ Envoy in Cambodia and Indonesia.
9. Ambassador A P Venketshwaran, IFS (Retd.), former Foreign Secretary, Government of India.
10. Dr. Subhakanta Behera, IFS, Joint Secretary (Policy Planning & Research), Ministry of External Affairs, V K Krishna Menon Bhavan (ISIL Bldg) New Delhi.
11. Lt. Genaral (Retd) V.R.Raghavan, Advisor, Delhi Policy Group, New Delhi.
12. Mr. Satish Chandra, IFS (Retd), Former Deputy National Security Adviser Government of India.
13. General V K Singh, Chief of the Army Staff, India (New Delhi).
14. Mr Vijay Kapoor, IAS (Retd), Advisor to the Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National University, New Delhi.
15. Prof. Salim Kidwai, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
16. Dr Rajan Kumar, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
17. Dr. Manpreet Sethi, Senior Fellow, Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi.
18. Dr Rahul Mishra, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi.
19. Dr Sudhir Singh, Department of Political Science, University of Delhi.
20. Dr Vijay Govind, former Coordinator, curriculum development in Political Science, UGC, New Delih.
21. Prof Dilip Mohite, Former Professor and Head, Coordinator for Ford-Foundation Programme in International Relations and DSA Programme, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts, M S University of Baroda, Baroda-390002.
22. Prof. B.C. Upreti, Professor & Director, Center for South Asian Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, (Rajasthan)
23. Professor Bhavani Singh, former Head of the Department of Political Science, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
24. Prof Karori Singh, former Director, Centre for South Asian Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
25. Prof. P M Kamath, Former Professor of Civics and Politics (Retd), University of Bombay, Mumbai-400098.
26. Dr Rahul Tripathi, Department of Political Science, University of Goa.
27. Dr Subhash Shukla, Centre for Globalization and Development Studies, University of Allahabad (UP).
28. Dr Rishi Kant Pandey, Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad (UP).
29. Dr C D Amar, Department of Political Science, BRA Bihar University, Muzaffarpur.
30. Dr Manish Jha, Department of Political Science, S K University, Dumka (Jharkhand).
31. Prof. Tridib Chakraborti, Department of International Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata.
32. Professor Purushottaman Bhattacharya, Former Director, School of International and Strategic Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkta.
33. Air Marshal (Retd) A V Rajkumar, Bangalore.
34. Prof V T Patil, former Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry University, currently at Dharwad (Karnatak).
35. Prof Rafeek Ahmed, former Head, Department of Political Science, Mysore University (Karnatak).
36. Prof Muzaffar Assadi, Head, Department of Political Science, Mysore University (Karnatak).
37. Prof A G Naidu, former Head, Department of Political Science, Ananthraya University, Annanthpur (AP).
38. Prof. V Suryanarayan, Former Professor & Director, Centre for South and South East Asian Studies, Madras University, Chennai (Tamil Nadu).
39. Dr Uttham Kumar, Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, Madras University, Chennai.

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of South Asian Journalism

This year ACJ was also able to provide supplementary English coaching to five of the SAF candidates through the British Council, Chennai.
Their names are as follows:

1. Nima Wangdi
2. Tshering Namgyel
3. Mohammad Naim Poia
4. Mohammad Ali
5. Phul Kumari Rai

All the SAF scholars this year were conscientious and hard working. They were also cooperative and integrated with the other students very quickly. The feedback from the students is that they have also benefited from their interaction with the SAF scholars.
The SAF scholars also went on field trips for upto 10 days at a stretch to different locations like Wayanad, Barmer, Madurai, Villupuram and Kanchipuram. This could have given them a fully in depth and comprehensive idea about the life of the poor and the destitute.

The general observation of the faculty about the SAF scholars is, that while they come from varying educational backgrounds and work situations, they benefit during their time with ACJ in terms of a definite learning curve. ACJ is are also happy to note that many of the SAF scholars acknowledge the skills and perspectives they have acquired at ACJ and bring these to bear on their professional work as journalists.
The ACJ has entered into an agreement with the prestigious Cardiff University in Wales whereby an ACJ diplomate will be eligible for an M.A. Cardiff degree on completion of an additional dissertation under the combined supervision of faculty from ACJ and Cardiff. The scheme comes into effect from 2011.
 

SAF SCHOLARS - 2010-11

Academic Activities of UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of Kashmir Studies during 2010

Madanjeet Singh Institute of Kashmir Studies was established in 2006 to create and enhance intellectual space for inter-disciplinary research and inter- faith dialogue, in order to promote better understanding of the pluralistic culture of Kashmir vis-à-vis issues of contemporary relevance and to restore Kashmir to its earlier position of being in the vanguard of the advancement of human civilization.
In order to achieve its goals and objectives the Institute launched a multi dimensional programme with its main components of publication of Monographs, Research Works, Translation of original Sanskrit and Persian texts, publication of Occasional Papers, holding of Seminars, Extension Lecturers and Workshops. Accordingly, the academic report of 2010, submitted below, reflects the goals and objectives of the Institute.


Publications 2010 (a)

Proceedings of the international seminar on Contribution of Kashmir to Buddhist Thought and Religion

The seminar was held at Leh from 14^th -16^th September 2009 in collaboration with the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies Choglamsar (Leh).
Scholars from various major universities of India contributed their papers on the sub themes:

• Role of Kashmiri scholars in the spread of Buddhism.
• Influences of Buddhism on the other schools of Indian Philosophy particularly Kashmir Saivism.
• Contribution of Kashmiri scholars to Buddhist logic.
• Kashmir Tantricism, similarities and differences between Buddhist and Saivistic approach to Tantricism.
• Kumarajiva and his contribution to the spread of Buddhism in Central Asia and China.
• Four schools of Buddhist thought (Sarvastivada, Vijnanavada, Sautrantica and Madhyamika) and the role of Kashmir scholars in the evolution and growth of these Schools.

Approaches to Kashmir Studies Published in an arrangement with Gulshan Publishers Srinagar

The Institute organized an International Seminar on the focal theme Approaches to Kashmir Studies in order to understand and evaluate various aspects of Kashmir Studies and devise an appropriate methodology for their study. Scholars from various Asian countries and central Asia deliberated for three days over the issues and problems and examined their relevance to the contemporary Kashmir. The printing and publication of the proceedings has been entrusted to a local publisher M/s Gulshan publishers for its wider circulation.

Seminar Proceedings of Aspects of Kashmir Folk-Lore: continuity and Change

The Seminar addressed the issues and problems concerning the dynamics of cultures, shifting paradigms and need for preservation of most important expressions of Kashmiri culture, the Language and the concerns for the humanity.
In Press:

• Saiva Sutra: Translated by Prof. Khawaja (alias) Meem Hai Zaffar
• On Sublime by Longinus: Translated by Prof. Gulshan Majeed
• Three Dialogues of Plato: Translated by Prof. Khawaja (alias)Meem Hai Zaffar

In Progress : Writing of History of Kashmir culture and Philosophy

The classical Kashmiri learning and wisdom is not a dead cultural artifact, but is relevant to the resolution of contemporary Socio-Political issues and continues to have an enduring intellectual value. In this back drop institute has launched an ambitious programme of compiling a history of Kashmiri Culture and Philosophy. Preliminary work is being done in this regard and Prof. Gulshan Majeed has been assigned the job to approach the prospective contributors and experts on the Cultural History of Ancient and Medieval Kashmir.

Other Projects

The Faculty and the Research Fellows of the Institute are presently working on the following assignments.

• Pratyabhijnahrdayam (Kashmiri Translation of the Sanskrit text),
• Kavya Prakash (Kashmiri Translation).
• A Sociological Study of Kashmiri Proverbs, Sayings and allusions.
• A case study of Socio- economic backwardness among Dal dwellers of Srinagar city.

Projects submitted and ready for the press

• The Emerging problems of Elderly in Srinagar city Dr. Humaira Showkat (R. Fellow)
• The Kashmiri Translation of the Kashmiriyat by Madanjeet Singh

Special courses on:

• South Asian History, Culture, Economics and International Relations.
• Mystic Thought of Kashmir: (A certificate course proposed to be introduced) The mystic tradition of Kashmir which came to fruition in the shape of Rishism encompassing, Mahayana, Buddhism, Saivism (both dualistic and non- dualistic) and Sufism, culminated in what is known as Kashmiryat or Kashriut. It is this syncretic tradition which has brought together Kashmiris of different faiths in a common cultural and spiritual space. The course, preliminary in nature, is aimed at creating an awareness among the prospective students about the intellectual, spiritual and cultural past of Kashmir and its relevance to a fuller comprehension of the present and for shaping the future.

Extension lectures:

The Institute invites eminent scholars and experts to deliver extension Lectures on the issues and themes, that are of interest to the students and Scholars registered with the institute.

The list of the extension Lectures organized during the academic session, 2010, is given below:

• Mr. Ghulam Nabi Gouhar (Eminent Kashmiri Writer) - Kashmir Mystic Thought - 5^th January 2010
• Dr. Mohammad Shaban (R. Fellow)
• Mr. Pundlek N. Naik (Convener Konkani Advisory Board and member executive Board Sahitya Akademy New Delhi) - Konkani Literature An Introduction - 29^th January 2010
• Mr. B. N. Koul (Ramakrishna Mission Srinagar) - My Path My Journey - 27^th March 2010
• Ms. Madiha Gouhar (the Eminent theatre personality from Pakistan)

Theatre as an Agent of Social Change in the contemporary Pakistan - 9^th June 2010


Kashmir issue: A politico – Historical perspective - 11^th September 2010

Colloquium on Kashmir issue A politico - Historical Perspective was organized in Collaboration with department of Law, University of Kashmir, 29^th October 2010


Conferences/Seminars

1. “South Asian Peoples’ Union for Peace, Rights & Equity” held on 22-23 April 2010, was an event of Peoples’ SAARC, supported by SAF-India, held at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. The Speech by Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar, Chairperson of SAF-India was well appreciated at the Parliamentarians’ meet on 22^nd. Dr. Syeda Hameed, Vice Chairperson, SAF-India also attended the event. SAF Books were distributed at the meeting.
2. A Panel discussion was held between selected Panchayati Raj Experts and Activists and Members of the British Prime Minister’s Delegation.The Chairperson SAF-India, Mani Shankar Aiyar hosted a discussion on the 29th July, 2010 at South Asia Foundation, India Chapter on the “Radical Decentralization in India and the United Kingdom”
3. Bilal Ahmad (Research Scholar Political Science)

Shri Rajiv Gandhi, while introducing the Constitution (64^th Amendment) Bill on Panchayati Raj in the Lok Sabha, 15 May 1989, made a statement: “To the people of India, let us ensure Maximum Democracy and Maximum Devolution. Let there be an end to the power-brokers. Let us give Power to the People”.
With this Quote as the guiding principle, the Panel discussion was introduced by SAF-India Chairperson, Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar.

The following were the participants from U.K. and India

Participants UK

• Mr. Rohan Silva, Special Adviser to the PM
• Mr. Sean Brennan, Councilor, Leader of Sutton Council
• Mr. Liam Maxwell, Councilor and the Lead Member for Policy and Performance at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
• Mr. Alex Birtles, Solicitor
• Mr. Tim Green
• Mr. Harry Metcalfe
• Mr. Edmund von der Burg
• Mr. David
• Mc Candleless
• Ms. Sally Axworthy (British High Commission, New Delhi)
• Ms. Dharti Daftary (British High Commission, New Delhi)

Participants India

• Shri Mihir Shah, Member, Planning Commission
• Smt. Shruti Choudhry, Member of Parliament
• Shri B.K. Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development
• Shri Sudhir Krishna, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj
• Smt. Rashmi Shukla Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj
• Shri K. C. Shivaram Krishnan, Centre for Policy Research
• Shri Govinda Rao, NIPFP
• Smt. Aruna Roy, NAC
• Shri Nikhil Dey, NAC
• Shri George Mathew, Director, Institute of Social Science
• Shri Rajesh Tandon, Chairman, PRIA
• Smt. Rita Sarin, Director, Hunger Project
• Smt. Savita Rathi, Ex-Sarpanch, Gopalpur, Churu
• Smt. Rekha Choudhary, Vice-Chairperson, Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Sangathan, Ballabhgarh
• Smt. Indu Patial, Vice Chairperson, Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Sangathan, Himachal Pradesh
• Smt. Yamini Aiyar, Accountability Initiative
• Smt. Yamini Mishra, Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability
• Shri Amitabh Behar
• Shri Vidit Choudhary
• Dr. Nupur Tiwari, Centre for Federal Studies.

SAARC Folklore Festival, Chandigarh

SAARC Folklore - Heritage Festival was organised, coinciding with the Silver Jubilee of SAARC, at Chandigarh, India, during 03^rd to 05^th December, 2010 by Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL) in collaboration with South Asia Foundation; Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India; Chandigarh Administration and Arpana Fine Arts.

The Programme had two parts:

1. Academic Seminars on all the three days in the mornings where about 70 delegates from all the SAARC countries participated in the presentation of papers followed by lively discussions. The Academic sessions were inaugurated by Her Excellency, Mrs. Margaret Alva, Governor of Uttarakhand. A resolution was adopted in the concluding session.
2. Cultural Evening Performances were also held at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh in the evenings which attracted a wide audience, some of the visiting artists performed at some of the schools during the school hours. This was greatly appreciated by the school children.

Some of the Performance like Choreographed Dance of students from Ariyarathne Kaluarachichi of University of the Visual & Performing Arts, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Hozagiri –Riang Tribal Dance of Tripura; Gotipua Dance of Orissa performed by boys aged 5-15, Salam Logary Gp of Afghanistan, Folk Guitar by Ibrahim Waheed of Maldives, Sufiana Qawaali by Kuldip Quadir of Punjab; Dhol Wala Saeen and Malang of Pakistan, Sufi songs by Muhammad Iqbal Baho, Pakistan; etc kept the audience glued to their seats.

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