SAF News

Graduating Class 2008, Lahore

UMISARC 1st Batch Scholars with Prof J A K Tareen

The M.A. (South Asian Studies) program has started with 20 students, following the names of 12 SAARC Students who joined the Madanjeet Singh Centre (MISARC) along with their group picture, surrounding Prof. Tareen, Vice Chancellor and the Academia M.A. South Asian Studies.

Presentation of the Nepali version of the 'SASIA Story' by SAF-Nepal Chairperson Dr. Rita Thapa

Chairman of Nepal's Constituent Assembly (CA) and Speaker of the Interim Parliament Subash C. Nemwang received on April 29th from Chairperson of SAF-Nepal Dr. Rita Thapa the Nepali version of the 'SASIA Story' (SASIA Ko Katha)

Launch of a 15 month music training for children of victims of conflict in Kathmandu

On the happy occasion of the birthday of SAF Founder Ambassador Madanjeet Singh, SAF-Nepal Chairperson Dr. Rita Thapa launched a 15 month music training for children of victims of conflict in Kathmandu on April 16, 2009.

SAF India chapter's new Director of Operations

Letter of appreciation from a Madanjeet Singh group scholarship student from Pakistan

As you must know, I am one of the Pakistani candidates to have received the Madanjeet Singh scholarship at Beaconhouse National University in 2003, till my graduation in 2007.

Jaipur Literature Festival, 21-25 January 2009

The DSC Jaipur Literature Festival, now in its third year, has grown to be one of the largest writer’s festivals in Asia. Over one hundred and sixty seven authors and various other artists attended the Festival held at the Diggi Palace, Jaipur from the 21st till the 25th of January 2009.

Festival of Kabir, Feb 27 - March 1st, 2009, Bengaluru, India

Greetings from the Kabir Project team in Bangalore. I am writing to report to you the successful completion of the Festival of Kabir in Bengaluru between Feb 23 - Mar 1, in which 10 Kabir artists of folk, classical and Sufi traditions from India and Pakistan performed to packed audiences at the 1300-seater Sophia High School auditorium and a range of satellite locations around the city of Bengaluru.

Launching of the book 'Kashmiriyat' narrated by Madanjeet Singh
under the patronage of UNESCO Cultural Sector, Paris.

SAF-India Cultural Committee meeting to prepare a South Asian Theatre Festival, New Delhi

In the wake of terrorist attack in Mumbai, it was proposed by a number of theatrical groups, both in India and Pakistan, to jointly hold a number of theatre festivals in East Punjab.

Launching of the book 'Kashmiriyat', narrated By Madanjeet Singh UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
and founder of SAF

Award of Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa)
to Shri Madanjeet Singh, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador & Founder SAF

Pondicherry University visit to the Madanjeet Singh scholarships students of South Asian studies

Award of Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa)
to Shri Madanjeet Singh, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador & Founder SAF

The Governing Board of South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (SAILS)
Dakha, Bangladesh

The dialogue on "National and Regional Institutions for the Protection of Human Rights: Challenges for Bangladesh" organized in collaboration with the French Embassy about which I have written to you earlier was quite successful.

The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Institute for Afghanistan's Cultural Heritage

The Madanjeet Singh Institute for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Kabul held its 1st four month training course in 2008 that started on Sep 23, 2008 and finished on Jan 12, 2009.

SAF-Nepal Chairperson at the silver jubilee function of the Jiri Technical School

SAF-Nepal has received a letter of appreciation from the Jiri Technical School (JTS) at a function held on March 4, 2009 to mark the JTS's silver jubilee anniversary in Jiri of Dolakha district of Nepal.

3rd batch of Madanjeet Singh ANM scholarship fund handed over to CTEVT

SAF-Nepal Chairperson Dr. Rita Thapa on Feb. 22, 2009 handed over the budget to Dr. Devi Prasad Ghimire, Vice-Chairman of the CTEVT for the implementation of 40 SAF-Madanjeet Singh scholarships to Jiri Technical School at a function held in Kathmandu.

A student in the Art Education departement in BNU Lahore

SAF-Nepal Chairperson Dr. Rita Thapa on Jan. 21, 2009 handed over a cheque

SAF-Nepal Chairperson Dr. Rita Thapa on Jan. 21, 2009 handed over a cheque to the Chairperson of Himalayan Health and Education (HHE) Mr. Ngima Tendup Sherpa.

Equip commission with power to deal with HR violations
Speakers tell dialogue

The newly formed National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) would be a 'toothless body' unless it is equipped with 'enforcement mechanism' said the speakers at a dialogue yesterday.

BNU Third Convocation, testimony

As we go to our third Convocation tomorrow, I am thinking about what the scholarships from you have meant.I am forwarding you the message I received today from Rony James Martin, who graduated this year.

A dialogue on National and Regional Institutions for the Protection of Human Rights:
Challenge for Bangladesh

On 13th October 2008, The South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (SAILS) Chaired by Dr Kamal Hossain, was launched under the auspices of South Asia Foundation (SAF).

The first training courses at The Madanjeet Singh-UNESCO Institute for Afghanistan's Cultural Heritage started

The Madanjeet Singh-UNESCO for Afghanistan Cultural Heritage Institute, started its training courses 13 September, 2008 and its duration is for four months.

A new secretary to the board of SAF Bangladesh chapter

A new Secretary to South Asia Foundation Bangladesh Chapter has been appointed starting 1st October 2008 in the person of: Mr Obaidullah Al Zakir, a Public Relations, Media and Communication Professional.

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh reiterated the SAF offer to fund group scholarships to students selected by SAU

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh reiterated the SAF offer, he had made earlier to Foreign Secretary, Mr Shivshankar Menon, to fund group scholarships to students selected by South Asia University (SAU).

Foster greater regional cooperation thru' friendship: CA, Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday called on the Rover Scouts of Saarc countries to take every opportunity of making new friends in their assembly to foster greater regional cooperation in attaining shared prosperity.

South Asia has great development potential

President Iajuddin Ahmed yesterday said South Asia has a great development potential in terms of its diverse cultural heritage and human resources as one-fourth of the world population live in this region.

South Asian Scout Forum to be formed

Chief Scout Commissioners of Saarc countries have reached an agreement to form a South Asian Scout Forum to strengthen coordination among Scouts in the region.

New regional institute for legal, human rights launched

A NEW regional legal and human rights organisation named South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (SAILS) was launched in Dhaka to promote the sharing of experiences on legal and human rights affairs.

South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies launched

The South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (SAILS) was launched yesterday with a view to promoting higher legal education and ensuring human rights and the rule of law in the region.

Launching of the South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (SAILS)

South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies (SAILS) was launched in Dhaka to promote the sharing of experiences on legal and human rights affairs.

The newly elected Prime Minister of Nepal is presented by Mr Nishchal Pandey, 'The Sasia Story'

The newly elected Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' (Left in the Photo) is presented by Mr Nishchal Pandey, Secretary of the Advisory board of SAF Nepal chapter, "The Sasia Story".

The 6th SAF-Scout Friendship Camp begins today

The sixth South Asian Foundation (SAF) Scout Friendship Camp will begin at Mouchak in Gazipur today, says a press release.

The sixth SAF-Scout Friendship Camp - 12th-18th October 2008, Bangladesh

Honourable Secretaries of the SAF Chapters, Greetings!

350 Rover scouts, leaders to join 6th SAF Scout Camp

Kashmiriyat: the latest SAF publication on the inauguration of the Institute of Kashmir Studies
Srinagar, 25-27 May 2008.

On 26 May 2008, the Institute of Kashmir Studies was inaugurated in Srinagar, Kashmir, by H.E. Shrimati Pratibha Patil, President of India, to promote the traditional Bhakti-Sufi-Rishi pluralistic culture of Kashmiriyat.

The 6th SAF Scout Friendship Camp will be held from 12th - 18th October 2008 in Bangladesh

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the 'SAF', New Delhi, and the Pondicherry University, Puducherry

This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the South Asia Foundation-India, a secular, non-profit and non-political organization located at A-33 Vasant Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, herein after referred to as “SAF”, on the one part, and the Pondicherry University, a central University created by an Act of Parliament, located at Kalapet, Puducherry, herein after referred to as “University”, on the second part (hereinafter referred to as “parties”).

Ehsan Ul Haq

In my work I am dealing with the issue of energy by this I mean energy as power, power as authority, authority as control, control as rule, and rule as command.

Moira Plair

My work orbits different aspects of the medical profession. In my work, I seek to show the vital importance of the medical and pharmaceutical industries in our lives.

Maria Khan

My thesis project is comprised of surface designs for the ceremonial qanaats, or tents.

Vidha Saumya

Lahore has been the city of my residence and study for the past 9 months. The city is special to me.

Barun Gurung

The most important thing to keep in mind is this: the design must work well.

New Secretary for SAF Bhutan chapter

A generous contribution by SAF-Nepal Chairperson Dr. Rita Thapa to Nepal's flood victims

A generous contribution of Nepali Rupees One Lakh Forty Thousand was handed over today at a function in Kathmandu by SAF-Nepal Chairperson Dr. Rita Thapa to Managing Director of Kantipur Publications Mr. Kailash Sirohiya as assistance to Nepal's flood victims.

Empowering the Poorest in Nepal for Safe Birthing

SOS Earthquake Bi-annual Report - January to June, 2008

A few books were handed over to Prof. Dr. Sushil Raj Pandey at the Tribhuvan University

A few books were handed over this afternoon to Prof. Dr. Sushil Raj Pandey, Head - Political Science Department at the Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal on the occasion of the birthday of Ambassador Madanjeet Singh, Founder of SAF.

Neeraj Chandra Roy

I would like to express my gratitude for providing me the SAF scholarship to study in ACJ, Chennai. From the very first day of my class, I have felt that I will be able to gain a wide range of perspective(s) from this college.

Fathmath Fazeela - Participant of SAF-Scout Friendship Camps in Bhutan

South Asian Centre for Journalists Reporting Conflict inaugurated

The South Asian Centre for Journalists Reporting Conflict (SCJRC), a joint venture of the Press Institute of India (PII) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), was inaugurated here on Friday.

Poornima Weerasekara - Mark of gratitude from a SAF Madanjeet Singh group scholarship recipient

I am Poornima Weerasekara from Sri Lanka, a lucky recipient of the SAF-Madanjeet Singh scholarship to attend the Asian College of Journalism this year.

Srinagar Rocks not by Bombs but by the sound of Music

The South Asia Foundation (SAF) organized a rare concert of “The Singhs” and the “Junoon” groups in Srinagar in the third week of May.

SAF - Quarterly

Message from the SAF FounderNews and Views on SAF activities

Degree Show 2008, School of Visual Arts, Architecture & Design, BNU (Lahore)

This is a special time for BNU's School of Visual Arts and School of Architecture and Design students. In their 2008 Thesis Exhibition, our students are bringing four years of hard and challenging work to completion.

Acknowledgement by Rony James Martin, a Madanjeet Singh Group Scholarship (India) from the School of Visual Arts, BNU, Lahore

India's outlook on junoon in kashmir

Despite staying in the same hotel, it proved hard to pin down Salman Ahmed-the lead singer and guitarist of the Pakistani Sufi rock group Junoon-for an interview.

Building cross-cultural bridges between SAARC nations

He did not become the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador by sheer chance. It was the trauma of India’s Partition and the images of violence engraved in his mind that forced Madanjeet Singh to promote cross-cultural ties among SAARC nations.

Junoon: Breaking down barriers

MUSIC knows no boundaries, allowing its universality to transcendage-old divisions and bring strangers — even rivals — closer to one another. Which is why one should appreciate, rather than condemn, concerts such as the one staged by Pakistan's Junoon band in Srinagaron Sunday.

Visit to one of the SAF-PPERA schools in Gandharbal, Kashmir

Sound track diplomacy

Everything is not politics in Kashmir, but everything tends to be

Pratibha says Kashmir is embodiment of compassion

Invoking Kashmir's revolutionary poet Gulam Ahmed Mehjoor, President Pratibha Patil on Monday asked its "gardeners (people) to create the glory of spring and make the flowers bloom and the birds sing again". She said Kashmir was rightly called rishiwaer or the abode of rishis as it embodies love, tolerance and compassion.

Inauguration of the Exhibition of South Asian Women Painters

By H.E. Mrs H.B Ghazanfar, Women’s Affair Minister, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on the 27th of May 2008.

Hum Bhe Kuch Hein ('We are also somebody')

Experiences of the young women awarded the SAF/University of Jammu Scholarship, by Salma Ali

Inauguration of the Institute for Kashmir Studies by Her Excellency H.E. Shrimati Praibha Patil, President of India

9.00 am: Arrival of the guests

Deepamala Abeysekera - Mark of gratitude from a SAF Madanjeet Singh group scholarship recipient

I trust this mail finds you in best of health and spirits. Hope you can remember me. I am Deepamala Abeysekera from Sri Lanka. I am writing this email from United Nations Head office where I am engaged in my internship Programme.

Junoon band enthrals Srinagar

Pakistan's acclaimed pop band Junoon staged their maiden performance in Srinagar on Sunday, ignoring death threats by militants who opposed the show, and regaling thousands of cheering fans at an open air theatre by the scene Dal Lake.

With Pak's Junoon in full blast, Kashmir sings to peace, unity

The scene was like a postcard image of Kashmir - but superimposed with visuals straight from the Woodstock music festival.