SAF News

"UAP Hosts Inaugural Orientation for UMSAILS LLM Program with Distinguished Guests and Global Representation"

The University of Asia Pacific (UAP) successfully conducted the freshers’ orientation program for the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (UMSAILS) LLM program on February 10, 2024.

SAF-Nepal prepares for forthcoming grand SAF-Alumni Meet: A Sneak Peek into the Preparatory Meeting

South Asia Foundation-Nepal Chapter hosted a preparatory meeting for the upcoming 'SAF-Alumni Meet' on January 27, 2024. The meeting took place at a prominent restaurant in Kathmandu, where enthusiastic SAF Nepal Alumni representatives from all SAF Institutions gathered to lay the groundwork for this highly anticipated event.....

Mr. Navin B Chawla appointed as the new Chairperson of SAF, India Chapter

Navin B Chawla has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the South Asia Foundation (SAF), India Chapter, taking on a key leadership role in fostering regional cooperation and development. His extensive experience and dedication make him a valuable addition to SAF's leadership team.

"In Memoriam: Prof. Sohan Wijesekera, former UMCSAWM Director and Renowned Irrigation Engineer passed away

It is with deep sorrow that SAF family announces the untimely passing of Prof. Sohan Wijesekera, the inaugural Centre Chairman of UMCSAWM and an unparalleled figure in our nation's history as a preeminent Irrigation Engineer and Water Resources Expert. His sudden demise is a profound loss, leaving a void that will be felt deeply across our community.

Mme France Marquet, SAF Representative to UNESCO, attended 15th International Forum of NGOs in Official Partnership with UNESCO

15th International Forum of NGOs in official partnership with UNESCO, focusing on "Transforming Mentalities." This event, taking place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on January 24 and 25, 2024, will provide both in-person and online attendance options.

Pondicherry University Hosts Special Seminar on Green Energy Technology with Dr. Charu Deepika

The Department of Green Energy Technology at Pondicherry University is pleased to announce a special seminar talk featuring Dr. Charu Deepika, a distinguished expert in the field of green energy. The seminar is scheduled to take place on DGET Seminar Hall, and all students, faculty, and professionals with an interest in sustainable energy solutions are cordially invited to attend.

Pondicherry University Hosts Special Seminar on Green Energy Technology with Prof. Suresh Sundaramurthy

The Department of Green Energy Technology at Pondicherry University is pleased to announce a special seminar talk featuringProf. Suresh Sundaramurthy, a distinguished expert in the field of green energy. The seminar is scheduled to take place on DGET Seminar Hall, and all students, faculty, and professionals with an interest in sustainable energy solutions are cordially invited to attend.

UMCDSRC Welcomes Diverse Cohort of Merit Scholars 2024 from SAARC country

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of Development Studies and Regional Cooperation (UMCDSRC), National College, Kathmandu University, has been shared. Merit scholars selected from Sri Lanka, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan, these fresh intake students reflect the international vibrancy and inclusivity of UMCDSRC's academic community.....

UMCSAFS announces 16th fully paid scholarship for the Academic Year 2024 at Royal University of Bhutan

The UNESCO Madanjeet Center for South Asia Forestry Studies (UMCSAFS) at College of Natural Resources (CNR), Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in Lobesa, Punakha, Bhutan, is pleased to announce one candidate each for Madanjeet Singh scholarship from SAARC member countries for twoyears Masters Programme in Natural Resources Management / Conservation Biology to be undertaken from July 2024 to June 2026.

Ms. Bidhya Neupane, SAF Scholar (Batch ) Sharing her Experience at UMCDSRC, Kathmandu University

On December 13th, I proudly graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Development Studies from the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Center for South Asian Studies and Regional Cooperation at Kathmandu University, Nepal. ....

"SAF Alumni in Nepal Gather for Climate Change Workshop, Deliberate on Next Year's Reunion"

SAF alumni in Nepal recently convened for a mini-get together centered around a crucial climate change workshop.....

Applications fully paid Scholarships at UNESCO Madanjeet Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM) 2024-26 Batch

Applications are invited for the above courses offered by the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, and conducted at the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM), in collaboration with the South Asia Foundation (SAF)...

Mme France Marquet, SAF Representative to UNESCO with Mr. Stefan Winkler, Director of the Goethe Institute, Sri Lanka

In a recent meeting between Madam France Marquet, the Representative of the South Asian Foundation (SAF) to UNESCO, and Mr. Stefan Winkler, Director of the Goethe Institute, Sri Lanka, key discussions were held regarding the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM)....

Mme France Marquet, SAF Representative to UNESCO, attended Amb. Madanjeet Singh Inaugural Memorial Lecture at BHU

Madam France Marquet, Principal Trustee, MSF representative of South Asia Foundation to UNESCO attended the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh Inaugural Memorial Lecture on 'United Nations and the Intellectual History of Human Rights' .......

20th Annual Governing Council Meeting of South Asia Foundation held in Galle, Sri Lanka on 25 Nov, 2023

The Annual Governing Council Meeting of the South Asia Foundation (SAF) and Madanjeet Singh Foundation convened on November 25, 2023, in Galle, Sri Lanka. The meeting saw active Chairpersons from the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka of South Asia Foundation chapters and Mr. Timothy Curtis, Director of UNESCO.

Representatives from MSF and SAF with VC, registrar, Director & faculty members from UMCSAWM and SAF- Sri Lanka Alumni

Representatives from MSF and SAF with VC, registrar, Director & faculty members from UMCSAWM and SAF- Sri Lanka Alumni

Inaguaration of UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Resources Management in South Asia at the University of Moratuwa (UMCSAWM)

The South Asia Foundation (SAF) is delighted to announce the establishment of the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Resources Management in South Asia at the University of Moratuwa (UMCSAWM). This significant milestone marks a decade of dedicated efforts to foster regional cooperation through South Asian water education, gaining international recognition from UNESCO.

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh Inaugral Memorial Lecture organized by Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India

Malaviya Centre for Peace Research, UNESCO Chair for Peace, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi is organizing the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh Memorial Lecture on 'United Nations and the Intellectual History of Human Rights,' . The memorial lecture will take place on November 20, 2023, at 11:30 AM in the Gandhi Lecture Theater, Faculty of Social Science, BHU.We are honored to have Dr. Christian O Christiansen from the School of Culture & Society at Aarhus University, Denmark, as the distinguished speaker for this event and Madam France Marquet, South Asia Foundation representative to UNESCO as a Chief Guest...

Mme France Marquet, SAF Representative to UNESCO, attended 42nd UNESCO General Conference

Mr. Zakaria SAF-Bangladesh new Secretary visited UMCSAJ and met SAF scholars

Mr. Zakaria SAF-Bangladesh new Secretary visited UMSGET and met current SAF scholars

Mme. France Marquet Principal Trustee, MSF with Ms. Kubra Khademi, UMISAA, Alumna

Mme. France Marquet Principal Trustee, MSF with Ms. Kubra Khademi, Alumna, UMISAA at the Asia now exhibition in Paris...

Collection Presentation: Pablo Picasso Suite 156 with Ms. Kubra Khademi, UMISAA, Alumna

The pe­ri­od in which the cy­cle was cre­at­ed co­in­cid­ed with the so­cio­cul­tu­r­al pheno­menon of hu­man rights move­ments world­wide, which in Pi­cas­so’s adopt­ed coun­try, France, cul­mi­nat­ed in the events of May 1968 in Paris. In his last cy­cle of prints, Pi­cas­so ex­plores per­so­n­al me­m­ories, love, life, and mor­tal­i­ty, the his­to­ry of West­ern art and cul­ture, and the re­la­tion­ship be­tween artists, mod­els, and view­ers. Their uni­fy­ing el­e­ment is Eros, the Greek god of erot­ic de­sire who re­veals the li­bi­do and pas­sion of all sub­jects. When the se­ries was pre­sent­ed in Paris for the first time in ear­ly 1973, the re­ac­tions were mixed.

"Tie the Clouds" with Central Asia

MSF Trustees convened in London to discuss GC Meetings & forthcoming Birth Centenary of Amb Madanjeet Singh

Madam France Marquet, the Principal Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation (MSF), Prof. Salima Hashmi, Trustee-MSF and Chairperson of SAF-Pakistan , Mr. N. Ram, the President-MSF and Dr. Armin Dobler, Trustee-MSF, met in London to discuss the upcoming South Asia Foundation and Madanjeet Singh Foundation governing council meeting scheduled for November 24-25, 2023. Additionally, they discussed an alumni meeting in celebration of Amb Singh's birth centenary in 2024.

Madam France Marquet's Participation in the Committee on Non-Governmental Partners at the 217th Session of the UNESCO Executive

Mrs. France Marquet, Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation and representative of the South Asia Foundation to UNESCO, attended the Committee on Non-Governmental Partners during the 217th session of the UNESCO Executive Board.

Md. Zakaria, SAF-Alumni from the Batch of 2014-2016 at UMIKS, has been appointed as the Secretary of the SAF-Bangladesh

Md. Zakaria, a distinguished SAF-Alumni from the Batch of 2014-2016 at UMIKS, has been appointed as the Secretary of the SAF-Bangladesh Chapter. Md. Zakaria's new role will involve key responsibilities in chapter administration and alumni engagement. Congratulations to Md. Zakaria, and best wishes for his tenure as Secretary of SAF-Bangladesh Chapter.

UMSAILS Announces Eight fully paid SAF UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Scholarship For Academic Year 2023-24

The UNESCO Madanjeet Singh South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (UMSAILS) at South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (SAILS), Dhaka, Bangladesh is pleased to announce the Madanjeet Singh scholarship for one year Master of Laws (LLM) program to be undertaken at Department of Law and Human Rights, University of Asia Pacific (UAP) in Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2024 to December 2024. The citizens of all SAARC countries are eligible to apply for the scholarship....

Chairperson of SAF-Pakistan, Prof. Salima Hashmi, Explores Collaborative Avenues on Bangladesh Visit

Prof. Salima Hashmi, a distinguished educator and influencer, embarked on a significant visit to Bangladesh to foster educational partnerships and cross-border alliances. During her visit, Dr. Hashmi engaged in insightful discussions with key figures, including Vice Chairperson, SAF-Bangaldesh as well as accomplished individuals - Mr. Shimul Saha, Md. Mainul Islam, Mahmud-Ul-Hasan, and Md. Shariful Islam. The meetings centered on mutual professional achievements and strategies for enhancing collaborative initiatives.

Art Professor & Chairperson,SAF-Pakistan, Salima Hashmi Sparks Collaborative Cultural Dialogue During Visit to SAF- Bangladesh

Prof. Hashmi engaged in a fruitful discussion with Amb. Farooq Sobhan, Chairperson, South Asia Foundation-Bangladesh and Ms. Khushi Kabir, Vice Chairperson, SAF-Bangladesh. The discussions revolved around the promotion and advancement of fine arts in the region and the ongoing initiatives of the South Asia Foundation to support scholars and artists across different SAARC chapters.

Prof. Salima Hashmi Chairperson, SAF-Pakistan meets with UMISAA's Alumni Mr. Shimul Saha and Mr. Mainul Islam from Bangladesh

Renowned Academic and SAF-Pakistan Chairperson, Professor Slima Hashmi, embarked on a significant visit to Bangaldesh During her stay, Prof. Hashmi engaged in productive discussions with UMISAA Alumni, Mr. Shimul Saha and Mr. Mainul Islam. The meetings revolved around their professional accomplishments and strategies to fortify the SAF network.

Distinguished Meeting in Sri Lanka: Strengthening SAF Scholarships and Scholar Experiences

During the recent visit of Prof. Salima Hashmi, the esteemed Chairperson of SAF Pakistan to Sri Lanka. brought together a trio of visionary minds: Prof. Hashmi, Ms. Christina Hettiarachchi, a respected Member of the SAF Sri Lanka Advisory Board, and Ms. Swinitha Perera, Secretary of SAF-Sri Lanka. The focal point of their meeting was to discuss the enhancement of SAF scholarships and to address the ongoing journey of current scholars at the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre for South Asia Water Management (UMCSAWM) and the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asian Arts (UMISAA).

Pondicherry University’s Green Energy Department Conducts One-Day Industrial Visit

The Department of Green Energy Technology (DGET) at the Madanjeet Singh School of Green Energy Technologies (MSGET), Pondicherry University, successfully organized a one-day industrial visit. This educational trip, supported by the South Asia Foundation (SAF)....

Pondicherry University Hosts 2nd International Conference on the Future of Energy with Science and Technology

Pondicherry University proudly organized the 2nd International Conference on "Future of Energy with Science and Technology." This significant event brought together leading experts, researchers, and academics from around the world to discuss the latest innovations and trends in the energy sector....

Artist Ms. Thabendran Krishnnapriya's solo exhibition 'Fragmented' will remain open on 29 June 2023 at 7 pm in Colombo

Pondicherry University’s Green Energy Department Conducts One-Day Industrial Visit

The Department of Green Energy Technology (DGET) at the Madanjeet Singh School of Green Energy Technologies (MSGET), Pondicherry University, successfully organized a one-day industrial visit. This educational trip, supported by the South Asia Foundation (SAF), provided students with practical exposure to the latest green energy technologies in an industrial setting. The visit was an integral part of the department's ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications, offering students valuable insights into sustainable energy practices.

Thesis display of Mr Abdul Musavir Mir, Scholar, UNESCO Madanjeet Institute of South Asia Art (UMISAA)

Mr. Abdul Musavir Mir, SAF Scholar with a passion for art, has recently achieved a remarkable milestone in his academic journey. Graduating with distinction from the renowned UNESCO Madanjeet Institute of South Asia Art (UMISAA), Beaconhouse National University. Mr. Mir's dedication and talent have earned him well-deserved recognition duing his graduation at UMISAA.

Visual Art of Sivasubramaniam Kajendran, SAF-Alumnus, UMISAA 2014 from Sri Lanka "NAVIGATING IN THE DEPTHS OF DARKNESS"

Sivasubramaniam Kajendran is a multidisciplinary artist from Sri Lanka. He has been awarded the esteemed UNIESCO scholarship of the Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asian Art (UMISSA) and has a Master’s degree in Art and Design from the Beaconhouse National University.....

Mme France Marquet, Principal Trustee, MSF attended the ceremony of UNESCO-Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Prize

2023 Award ceremony of the UNESCO-Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman International Prize for the Creative Economy....

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of South Asian Journalism Successfully Completes Admission Process for Academic Year 2023-24

The UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of South Asian Journalism (UMCSAJ) has successfully concluded its admission process for the academic year 2023-24. The selection of Indian scholars was meticulously carried out, with a strong emphasis on gender priority. The process included a written examination, merit evaluation, and a comprehensive interview.

Pondicherry University Unveils Environmental Sustainability Sticker

On World Environment Day, June 2, 2023, the Department of Green Energy Technology at the Madanjeet Singh School of Green Energy Technologies, Pondicherry University....

Interaction with SAF Scholars (2021-23 Batch), UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Green Energy Technology (UMSGET), Pondicherry University

An informal interaction between SAF Scholars of Green Energy Technology 2021-23 batch, Director of UMSGET, Pondicherry University and the Director of Administration of SAF-India, was held on 22nd May 2023 through virtual mode.

South Asia Foundation calls for fully paid scholarships for M.Tech in Green Energy Technology UMSGET, Pondicherry University

Nominations are invited from respective SAF Chapters of SAARC countries for admission to two-year regular full-time M.Tech. Green Energy Technology program at the Department of Green Energy Technology, Madanjeet School of Green Energy Technologies, Pondicherry University, for the Academic Year 2023-24.

UMCDSRC, National College recently observed the birth anniversary of the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh

The National College recently observed the birth anniversary of the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh with a commemorative function at the Madanjeet Hall.

2023 UNESCO Prize for Girl's & Women's Education

The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education honours outstanding and innovative contributions made by individuals, institutions, and organizations to advance girls’ and women’s education.

Re-announcement: Madanjeet Singh Scholarships for the Academic Year 2023 at the College of Natural Resources, Royal University

The UNESCO Madanjeet Center for South Asia Forestry Studies (UMCSAFS) at College of Natural Resources (CNR), Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in Lobesa, Punakha, Bhutan, is pleased to announce one candidate each for Madanjeet Singh scholarship from SAARC member countries for twoyears Masters Programme in Natural Resources Management to be undertaken from July 2023 to June 2025.

The South Asia Foundation pays tribute to the memory of its Founder UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh

South Asia Foundation fondly remembers the visionary, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh, author, diplomat, painter, photographer and philanthropist who dedicated his life to the principle of regional cooperation among the countries of South Asia. He is the first Indian in the history of UNESCO to be nominated UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. The South Asia Foundation pays tribute to the memory of its Founder and dedicates itself to achieving his vision for the Region.

Sri Lanka at 75 is a failed state, says former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga

Despite possessing enviable social indicators at the time of Independence in 1948, Sri Lanka, at 75, is a “failed state”, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said on Sunday.

UMCSAJ organized a hybrid memorial lecture on 99th Birthday Anniversary of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Centre of South Asian Journalism (UMCSAJ) organized hybrid Memorial Lecture on 99th Birthday Anniversary of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh

UMISAA at BNU Lahore is pleased to announce the scholarship for 2023-24 in Art and Design

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asian Arts (UMISAA) at BNU Lahore is pleased to announce the scholarship for 2023-24 in Art and Design from member countries for BFA (four year undergraduate program) and MAADS ( MA two years program).

"SAF-Nepal Alumni Reunion: Uniting Minds from UMSGET, UMCSAWN, Mortuwa University, UMISARC, and UMSAILS in Kathmandu"

UNESCO CONFIRMATION: 35th anniversary of the Silk Roads Programme

Mr. Aziz Hazara, Alumnus, UMISAA-1st Solo Artwork in Kolkata, India-' No Starting Point for Revolution', Ballygunge Place

Experimenter presents No Starting Point for Revolution, Aziz Hazara’s first solo at the gallery and in the country. Hazara works across the mediums of photography, video, sound and installation...

UNESCO-Japan Prize on Education for Sustainable Development

The UNESCO-Japan Prize on Education for sustainable development, funded by the Government of Japan, consists of three annual awards of USD 50,000 for each recipient. It was awarded for the first time by the Director-General of UNESCO in November 2015.

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh Memorial Lecture on 16 April 2022 at 05:30PM

South Asia Foundation- Bangladesh 2nd Alumni Reunion held in Dhaka

The event was attended by a large number of SAF scholars who finished their higher education in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan

South Asia Foundation- Bangladesh Alumni Reunion held in Dhaka

The event was attended by a large number of SAF scholars who finished their higher education in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan

Special Lecture on IEEE Humanitarian Projects at Pondicherry University

The Department of Green Energy Technology at Pondicherry University, under the Madanjeet School of Green Energy Technologies, recently hosted a SAF-Sponsored special lecture on "IEEE Humanitarian and Sustainable Development Ideas, Projects, and Funding." The event highlighted innovative initiatives and funding opportunities within the IEEE community, focusing on projects that contribute to humanitarian efforts and sustainable development...

Fully paid Madanjeet Singh Scholarships 2023 at UMCSAFS, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan

The UNESCO Madanjeet Center for South Asia Forestry Studies (UMCSAFS) at College of Natural Resources (CNR), Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in Lobesa, Punakha, Bhutan, is pleased to announce one candidate each for Madanjeet Singh scholarship from SAARC member countries for twoyears Masters Programme in Natural Resources Management to be undertaken from July 2023 to June 2025.

UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Center for South Asian Journalisum(UMCSAJ) announces fully paid scholarship for PG Diploma in Journalisum

Pondicherry University showcases green energy solutions at G20-S20 meet

The Department of Green Energy Technology at Pondicherry University organised an exhibition with prototypes and awareness literature on sustainable energy as part of the G20-S20 Inception meeting in the city...

Global dialogue: online gendered disinformation

On 25 January 2023 on the occasion of the International Day of Women in Multilateralism, UNESCO is generating a global dialogue to advance effective responses to online gendered disinformation...

Testimony from Mr Prasad Dharmasena, UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of Kashmir Study Alumnus (2009 Batch)

It is with great honor to mention that a simple boy finally became the Director/CEO of National Institute of Plantation Management, Ministry of Plantation Industries,.....

Mme France Marquet, Principal Trustee, MSF with Mrs Zahra & Mr Mohsen Taasha, UMISAA Alumnus during Paris gallery Dominique Fiat

Madam France Marquet met Mrs. Zahra, Artist, Mr Mohsen Taasha,UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asian Arts (UMISAA) from Afghanistan during her visit to "Paris gallery Dominique Fiat" and upraised there Art works.

Professor Arun Prasath takes over as the new Director of UNESCO Madanjeet Singh School of Green Energy Technology (UMSGET)

General Convocation of the University of Moratuwa held at the BMICH

General Convocation of the University of Moratuwa held on 20th December 2022 at the BMICH. This year, 18 participants from our MSc and PG programs completed their degrees/diplomas....

UMCSAFS SAF Scholars from SAARC Countries celebrating Christmas Dinner together

Ms France Marquet with Prof Ramesh Gaur, Dean IGNCA during celebration of International Decade of Indigenous Languages at UNESCO

Mme France Marquet, Trustee MSF with Prof Dr Ramesh Gaur, Dean Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts IGNCA the celebration of International Decade of Indigenous Languages at UNESCO headquarters, Paris

UMSGET organized two days National Conference on Recent Trends in Green Energy Technologies

 A two days National Conference on Recent Trends in Green Energy Technologies, organized by Department of Green Energy Technology, Madanjeet School of Green Energy Technologies was inaugurated by Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry University on Thursday, 8th December 2022.

UN 2023 Water Conference

Side events can be organized in connection with the UN 2023 Water Conference, either in-person or virtually, by Member States, the UN system, Intergovernmental Organizations and accredited non-governmental stakeholders......