South Asia Foundation (SAF) Report on Activities for the Year 2011

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for Preservation of Afghanistan's Cultural Heritage (UMCPACH)

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh, The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and The Ministry of Information and Culture of Afghanistan concerning the Madanjeet Singh Institute for Afghanistan's Cultural Heritage with the objectives of capacity building in the filed of cultural heritage preservation in Afghanistan through training activities for Afghan specialists. Among the 12 Institutions of Excellence, UMCPACH is the first one to be set up in 2004.  

In February 2011 a workshop, Awareness with fundamentals of cultural heritages, was held in UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for Preservation of Afghanistan's Cultural Heritage (UMCPACH) which 23 persons from different departments of Information and Culture Ministry attended. Given  below are some details about the workshop:

• First day: Fundamentals of cultural heritages (presentation and working group)
• Second day: Conservation of cultural heritages (presentation and working group)

Presented by: Sayed Mossadeq Khalil
Date: From 08/02/2011 to 09/02/2011
Place: UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for Preservation of Afghanistan's Cultural Heritage (UMCPACH)
Representatives from the following departments participated:

• Department of archaeology: 4 Persons
• Department of historical monuments conservation: 6 Persons
• Department of National museum: 5 Persons
• Department of Tourism: 2 Persons
• Department of cultural heritages conservation: 6 Persons

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of Human Rights and South Asian Common Law (UMIHRSACL)

A Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding (“Supplemental MoU”) was signed between the South Asia Foundation (“SAF”), the South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (“SAILS”) (to be restructured as the SAILS Law University of South Asia (“SAILS University”)) and UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of Human Rights and South Asian Common Law (“UMIHRSACL”). Through this supplemental MoU UMIHRSACL shall be part of SAILS and the provisions of the MoU signed between SAF and SAILS will also apply to the supplemental MoU. The UMIHRSACL will be involved in post-graduate legal education and will offer, in conjunction with SAILS University and other partner institutions, degrees and certificates within its area of expertise. UMIHRSACL is a platform for legal research on contemporary issues faced by humanity, identifying them and finding possible ways in overcoming the same. With the ever increasing litigations and pendency of cases in courts.

Dr Kamal Hossain, Chairman, SAF- Bangladesh and Dr. Hameeda Hossain, after attending some meetings in Paris, visited the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and SAF Founder, Madanjeet Singh at Beaulieu-sur-Mer to update him about the activities of the Bangladesh Chapter.

The UMIHRSACL facilitated the visit of two teachers, namely, Mr. Showkat Ahmad Ganai and Ms. Asmat Chowdhary of Delhi Public School, Srinagar to visit the centre on a study visit. During their visit to Bangladesh they had an opportunity to interact with various NGOs and distinguished personalities and heads of different public departments. The main focus of the tour and the interaction was the contemporary legal studies and human rights issues of South Asia in general and Bangladesh in particular.

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Forestry Studies (UMCSAFS)

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment and the South Asia Foundation was entered into for the establishment of the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Center for South Asia Forestry Studies at the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment. The objectives of the UMCSAFS shall, among others, would be through the promotion of science and education in the field of forestry, nurture a new generation of ecological and environmental leaders, to contribute towards the building of a sustainable future for South Asia and the planet as a whole.
By bringing together the next generation of forest scientists and leaders, the UMCSAFS shall also achieve its preeminent objective of fostering and promoting regional cooperation.

Several students from Bhutan had studied in School of Visual Arts, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan; Asian College of Journalism and UMSGET and UMISARC, Pondicherry University, India

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of South Asian Journalism (UMCSAJ)

Post Graduate Diploma course in Journalism: In an innovative move designed to promote regional cooperation, the South Asia Foundation (SAF) has instituted 8 full scholarships for young people (women and men) from the eight SAARC countries to study at the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of South Asian Journalism (UMCSAJ), Chennai.

The scholarships will cover the tuition, living and travel costs of the selected students for the duration of the ACJ's ten-month post-graduate diploma course in journalism.
Students from Afghanistan started benefiting from the scholarships in 2003, Bangladesh in 2002, Bhutan in 2002, India in 2002, Maldives in 2002, Nepal in 2002, Pakistan in 2004 and Sri Lanka in 2002.

During 2011 there are 7 SAF scholars representing one each from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, India and Sri Lanka.

Interaction with students: SAF India chairman Mr. Mani Shankar Ayar and Pakistan Former Minister Mr. Kurshid Mahmud Kasuri, who were in Chennai, were able to interact with UNESCO Madanjeet scholarship students from South Asian countries at the Asian College of Journalism.

Singing Faiz: Ms. Vidya Shah is a musician based in New Delhi, India and a member of SAF India Advisory Board, participated in the singing Faiz in Pakistan

Ms. Vidya says: “Singing Faiz gives me an opportunity to address a void that has come to be in the understanding of cultural protest, of raising a concern, of being angry or anxious, within the context of my own musical framework. I do enjoy composing some of his work and the fact that he loved classical music encourages me to explore various raags – including Shahana, Khamaj, Malhar, several of which lend themselves beautifully to his poetry. Singing at the Faiz Ghar at the invitation of his daughters last year and the love and appreciation from the audience that I received seemed ironical, that I should come across the border to sing remembering a man who fought these boundaries all his life.”

Reception given in honour of Dr Kamal Hossain, SAF Chairperson Bangladesh: Dr. Kamal Hossain was in Delhi, India to participate in the World Conference on South Asia: Democracy, sustainable development and peace. The theme developed by Dr Kamal Hossain during the conference was: South Asian Union: vision of a peaceful South Asia of the people, for the people and by the people. SAF organized a reception to Dr. Kamal Hossain and his wife Dr. Hameeda Hossain which was attended by distinguished personalities.

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asia Regional Cooperation (UMISARC): organized an International Conference on “India in Emerging Asia Pacific: Challenges and Opportunities in the New Decade” in March 2011. The Conference held on March 9-11, 2011 at the Pondicherry University was attended by national and international academics. The two-day conference deliberated on topics of relevance to India and the Asia pacific.

Third Annual Conference of South Asia Women’s Network (SWAN) in Dhaka, Bangladesh:

The Third Annual Conference of South Asia Women's Network (SWAN), a project supported by SAF, was held at Dhaka, Bangladesh on 2nd and 3rd July, 2011 on the theme of Women of South Asia and the Green Economy.

The SWAN Conference had excellent participation, over 70 eminent individuals, with three Members of the National Assembly of Afghanistan, Justice of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, Deputy State Attorney of the Maldives, senior media representatives from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, leading women entrepreneurs from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India, noted academicians, authors, theatre directors, cultural personalities and well-known educationists and successful NGO leaders from all the nine countries. Ms Vandana Shiva, renowned environmental activist, delivered the Key Note Address. She has a huge fan-following in Dhaka, and her address was warmly received. The Bangladesh State Minister for Women and Children's Affairs, Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, was the Chief Guest at the Inaugural Plenary, and gave a wonderful speech.

The SWAN Conference was in every sense a very successful collaboration between Jamia Millia Islamia, the South Asia Foundation, and the Manusher Jonno Foundation, Dhaka. The organizers gratefully acknowledged at every stage; in the Inaugural Plenary, in the Media Note and in all the publicity material, the invaluable support of the South Asia Foundation. Dr Kamal Hossain, Chairperson of SAF-Bangladesh, was present at the Inaugural Plenary and the Panel Discussion which followed. Professor Salima Hashmi, Chairperson of SAF-Pakistan, was a delegate. She gave a wonderful presentation on the SAF programme she is conducting for young women contemporary artists of South Asia.

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for Kashmir studies (UMSIKS) has been established under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, between SAF and the University of Kashmir. It is the latest of the institutions of excellence which SAF is in the process of establishing in SAARC countries. In addition to group scholarships, it will offer fellowships to academics and professionals to undertake research, publish books, journals, working papers and bulletins, as well as organize national and international conferences, seminars of “Kashmiriyat” in a broader historical and worldwide context.

During the year 2011 9 SAF scholars are on the roll representing India (4), Pakistan (2), Nepal (1) and Sri Lanka (2).

Visit of His Excellency, the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir to the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of Kashmir Studies: On 28th of July His Excellency, the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir visited the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of Kashmir Studies. During the visit, scholars of the Institute made presentations of their Research findings on various themes. His Excellency discussed the research findings of the scholars with them and with other members of the audience which comprised faculty members and research scholars from various departments of the university. The presentations made, include:

A Study in Kashmiri response to Mushraf‘s Four Point Formula on Kashmir by Mr. Samir Ahmad.
Role of Education in Social Inclusion of Muslims in Nepal by Mr. Pasang Sherpa.
Indus Water Treaty: A Pakistani View Point by Mr. Nazakat Ali.
Importance of FDI with Reference to Developing Countries by Ms. Sakeena.

His Excellency appreciated the work done by the scholars of the Institute and suggested that the research findings should be relevant to the problems that our society is facing on many counts. His Excellency emphasized the fact that research should be result oriented and should be related to the practical problem of life.

His Excellency also visited and inspected the library of the Institute and appreciated the efforts of the Institute for building a well furnished library.

UNESCO Madanjeet Institute of South Asian Regional Cooperation (UMISARC) established at Pondicherry University with whom SAF has signed a MoU receives support towards the SAF Group Scholarship scheme. Several scholars from SAARC Countries has been benefiting from the scheme to pursue the Post graduate course on South Asian Regional Cooperation. During the year under review, UMISARC, also organized conferences, workshops and talks on topics of relevance. Details are given under:

Organized a talk on  “IPR and the Law: An Evolution”. Mr. Raju Narayana Swamy, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, delivered the talk;

Organized a talk on “India-China Conundrum and Post Nehruvian Democracy: An Evolution from Nehruvian Perspective”  in Puducherry on August 18, 2011. The talk was delivered by Prof. V. T. Patil, Former Jawaharlal Nehru, Professor, Karnataka University & Vice-Chancellor, Pondicherry University, Currently Adjunct Professor, Centre for Indic Studies, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, US;

Organized  a talk on “Conflict and Cooperation in South Asia: A Case of India-Pakistan-China Triangle” by Dr. W Lawrence S Prabhakar. Dr. W. Lawrence S. Prabhakar, M.A (Madras Christian College), Ph.D. (University of Madras) is an Associate Professor of Strategic Studies and International Relations in the department of Political Science at Madras Christian College, India and Adjunct Research Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (Formerly Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore;

Organized a talk on “Challenges facing SAARC and GCC” on September 15, 2011  and  “10 Years after 9/11 and the Role of US in the Gulf and South Asia” on September 15, 2011 by Prof. A. K. Pasha, Director, Gulf Studies Programme, Centre for West Asian & African Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi;

Organized a talk on “India's Energy Security and the Gulf” on September 16, 2011 and  “Pakistan between South Asia and West Asia: Spoiler or Stabilizer” by Prof. A. K. Pasha, Director, Gulf Studies Programme, Centre for West Asian & African Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi;

Organized a  talk on “South Asia's Eurasian Perspective” on September 22, 2011 by Prof. Devendra Kaushik, Former Professor & Chairman, Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and

Organized a talk on “Parliamentary Democracy in South Asia” on September 30, 2011 by Dr. S. Prabhakar, Joint Director (Reporting), Lok Sabha, Parliament House, New Delhi;

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh School of Green Energy Technology (UMSGET)

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pondicherry University and the South Asia Foundation for the establishment of UNESCO Madanjeet School of Green Energy Technologies (UMSGET) at Pondicherry University was signed. The SAF Group Scholarship scheme at UMSGET is supported by SAF. The institute offers M.Tech in Green Energy Technology.

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Climate Research Centre (UMCRC)

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the South Asia Foundation (“SAF”) and the Government of Republic of Maldives was signed on the establishment and management of the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Climate Research Centre (UMCRC).

Objectives of the Center, among others, will be to:

• Offer at least 8 (eight) fully paid Madanjeet Singh group scholarships to students from the SAARC countries for post-graduate research in climate and the environment change and establish an avenue for researchers and institutions to come together and share knowledge and experiences;
• facilitate research by researchers and scientists in South Asia and from international institutions and organizations in order to understand the implications of environmental changes on sustainable livelihoods in small islands and low lying coastal regions;
• conduct studies to resolve the magnitude, rate and geographic variability in environmental change in the Maldives and other South Asian countries and allow local scale variations in vulnerability and identify and evaluate appropriate strategies for communities to adapt to environmental change;
• promote opportunities for new findings in the field of climate-related sciences and to undertake research in developing climate resilient islands against climate change and sea-level rise;

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of Public Health and Regional Cooperation (UMCPHRC)

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the South Asia Foundation and the South Asia Madanjeet Institute of Assistant Nurse Midwife, Jiri Technical School, Council of Technical Education and Vocational Training, Nepal, Poverty Alleviation Fund and Dhulikhel Hospital.

The institute will feed into the cardinal SAF objective of promoting regional cooperation and peace through education and mutual understanding among the young people of South Asia. As the leading regional institution of its kind, it will undertake teaching and imparting skills on the subject and also invite students from other South Asian countries in coordination with the various chapters of the SAF.

Several Students from Nepal took advantage of the Academic programmes offered in other Institution of Excellence like Asian College of Journalism, School of Visual Arts, Lahore, Pakistan and Pondicherry University under the SAF Group Scholarship Scheme.

Nepali Prime Minister, Hon’ble Jhal Nath Khanal was presented UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet’s book ‘Himalayan Art’ by SAF-Nepal Vice-Chairperson, Mr. Nishchal Pandey on February 10, 2011.

Mr Nishchal N. Pandey Vice Chairman, SAF Nepal paid a courtesy call on the first lady Secretary General of SAARC H.E. Fathimath Dhiyana Saeed. She has just assumed office and is from Maldives. On the occasion, Mr Pandey, presented her the classic book “Himalayan Art” by Ambassador Madanjeet Singh.

Recently, Mr. Nishchal Nath Pandey took over as the SAF-Nepal Chairperson in place of Dr. Rita Thapa who had relinquished her post as Chairperson after a distinguished pioneering service to SAF-Nepal Chapter. On 28th September, 2011, Dr. Jan Sharma, a senior journalist of Nepal has joined as SAF-Nepal Vice-Chairman. 

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asian Arts (UMISAA)

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed  between the South Asia Foundation ("SAF") and the School of Visual Arts, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan. Several scholars from the SAARC countries received degree, diploma from UMISAA during the past few years under the SAF Group Scholarship Scheme.

SAF-Pakistan chairperson, Prof. Salima Hashmi, visited Delhi on the occasion of late Mr. Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s birth centenary organized by “All-India Progressive Writer’s Association”, “India Council for Cultural Relation” and Roots 2 Roots “ 1911-2011- Faiz lives on : Centenary of a legend” at Delhi, Siri Fort auditorium on February 25, 2011.

Prof. Salima Hashmi is the daughter of the legendary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asian Arts (UMISAA)

Some works by Afghan students, beneficiaries of the Madanjeet Singh group scholarships at the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asian Arts (UMISAA) held an art exhibition in Kabul, Afghanistan in May 2011.

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asian Arts (UMISAA) students setup an exhibition in Kabul, Afghanistan

Kubra Kademi, Masooma Rezaie and Zainab Haidari, students of UMISAA Lahore, Pakistan organized an exhibition on the 5th August 2011 at Afghan Cultural House, Kabul, Afghanistan, that included painting, installation, performance, video and photography by Zainab Haidari from 2nd year Fine Arts, Kabul University; Kubra Kademi and Masooma Rezaie, former Fine Arts students of Kabul university currently studying in Beaconhouse National University, Lahore under UMISAA .

The basic idea of the exhibition started after working together on some new project related to the class projects that Kubra and Masooma has learnt at Beacounhouse National University, Lahore. Also to exchange their ideas and new knowledge of Art with the Art students back home.

The exhibition was well received by the viewers especially by well known teachers, filmmakers, actors, parliament members of the country. Sharing the experience of this exhibition, most of the people said that they were shocked also the fact that these three Art students have shown the potential in experimenting in new mediums of contemporary Arts. Performance Art was a very new experience to the Art viewers in Kabul.

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asian water Management (UMSCAWM)

Madame Chandrika Kumaratunga, SAF Sri Lanka Chairperson, handed over a cheque, personal donation from UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh, to Prof Ranasinghe, Vice Chancellor of Moratuwa University for the construction of the new UMCSAWM (UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asian water Management). The center will be able to bring students from SAARC countries to get a degree in South Asian water Management.