SAF News

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.

Valleys enjoys Junoon

Popular Pakistani sufi rock band Junoon on Sunday mesmerised the audience at a concert here with 4,000 people, mainly school and college students, turning out at the concert and singing along with its superhit Sayouni, despite the opposition to the event from terror groups.

Next to Dal Lake, a musical jihad - Pakistani Band, Junoon, Performs In Srinagar

The hills that have for years reverberated with gunfire, came alive with the sound of music on Sunday afternoon as Kashmiris, particularly the youth, turned up in large numbers and swayed to the rhythmic beats of Pakistani Sufi ban, Junoon.

Junoon frenzy grips the Valley

Kashmir RockedPak Band performs for peace, calls it "Musical Jehad"

People-to-people contact must be strengthened, say SAARC leaders

Leaders from various South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries on Sunday called for strengthening people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan, which they said would help resolve the Kashmir issue.

Srinagar rocks to Pakistani band Junoon's music

Thousans turn up for the mega concert

Inauguration of the Institute for Kashmir Studies

3.00 pm: The peace concert by the Singhs and Junoon bands.

Inauguration of the Institute for Kashmir Studies

9.00 am: Meeting of SAF Governing Council in the “Durbar Hall” at the Intercontinental Grand Palace Hotel Srinagar.

The 7th annual SAF Governing Council Meeting, Srinagar, India

On the morning of Sunday, 25 May, SAF-India chairman Hon. Mani Shankar Aiyar opened the 7th annual SAF Governing Council meeting in Durbar Hall at the Intercontinental Grand Palace Hotel Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir, India). The meeting was attended the SAF Advisors: N .Ram, Lady Mohini Noon, France Marquet and chairpersons of SAF chapters except for Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, (Chairman, SAF-Maldives) and Dr. Kamal Hossain (Chairman, SAF-Bangladesh). Dr. Hossain was represented by Prof. Jamilur Reza Choudhury, (Vice-Chancellor, BRAC University) and Mr Farooq Sobhan (Former Foreing Secretary).

Govt urged to stop Junoon's Srinagar performance

The United Jihad Council (UJC) has asked the federal government to stop the rock music band Junoon from performing in Srinagar, saying it may send a 'wrong message' to Kashmiris.

Scouts and Guides welcome SAF founder at Srinagar airport

On 20 October 2007, while attending the 22nd Asia-Pacific Region (APR) Scout Conference, held from 18-23 October 2007, in Tokyo, Japan, I met with Dr. N.A. Khan, Vice-Chairman Scouts Profile Committee, Asia Pacific Region World Scout Bureau and State Chief Commissioner J & K Scouts & Guides.

Inauguration of Afghan Women's Painter at the Madanjeet Singh Institute for Afghanistan's Cultural Heritage

SAF is one of the most responsible Foundations of the South Asia region focused on cultural development and art efflorescence. One of SAF's main goals is presenting the culture and civilization of this region to the otherworld regions. Mr. Madanjeet Singh is the Founder of SAF.

The 6th SAF-Scout Friendship Camp - Bangladesh

On behalf of the host Organization Bangladesh Scouts,we are please to inform you that the 6th SAF Scout Friendship Camp will be held on 12-18 October 2008 in Mouchak, Gazipur, Bangladesh.

An orientation cum training was initiated here in Kathmandu on maternal and newborn health

An orientation cum training was initiated here in Kathmandu on maternal and newborn health to update knowledge of ANM trainers from the Jiri Technical Institute on essential maternal and neo-natal health care and complications management.

Full placement for ACJ's Class 2008

I am happy to inform you that we have already achieved FULL JOB PLACEMENT for the Class of 2008 of the Asian College of Journalism as on April 10, 2008.

Music has no religion

Fundamentalists and fanatics are barking up the wrong tree. Never ever has any obstruction or suppression of culture stopped the arts and music from transcending national boundaries.

Vidya Shah, the young musician member of the Culture Sub-Committee

A speech recently delivered by Vidya Shah, the young musician member of the Culture Sub-Committee of the SAF-India Advisory Board.Presented at a Seminar organized by INTACH and Nakshband Educational Trust, IIC, March 15th New Delhi

Present status of the Project PPERA, University of Kashmir, Srinagar (J&K)

PPERA a novel project funded by Goodwill Ambassador to UNESCO and Founder South Asia Foundation His Excellency Mr. Madanjeet Singh envisages checking school dropout rate in rural and urban areas of Kashmir and Ladakh.

SOS Emergency Relief Programme-EQ - 1st October 2007 - 31st December 2007

On the 31st of December 2007 there were 212 children and 11 widows in the care of SOS Children’s Villages.

So what was your experience in Lahore?

Flash!!! Flash!!! Flash!!! So what was your experience in Lahore? How did you come up with the idea of children? What do you think of the art scene in Pakistan? Very refreshing!!! Very impressive!!! You could have done better!!! Oh no!! I wanted that drawing!

Vidha Saumya

I graduated from Sir J.J. School of Fine Art specializing in Painting in 2005. After a year’s break during which I traveled, did freelance assignments and read, I joined Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology in July 2006 to study Visual Communication Design.

SAARC to collaborate in social science research

Seven members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation will step up collaborative and individual social science research in their countries to help to devise policies on the basis of scientific evidence.

SAF Cultural Committee Meeting, 4th March 2008

Meeting at the Ministry of Women Affairs, Kabul, from March 22, to April 5, 2008.

On January 9, 2008, Hon. Dr. H.B.Ghazanfar, Afghanistan’s Minister of Women Affairs called a meeting at Ministry of Women Affairs, Kabul, to discuss the modalities of arranging an exhibition of women painters of Afghanistan at the Madanjeet Singh Institute of Afghanistan Cultural Heritage, Kabul.

Invitation: SAARC Students Exhibition sponsored by SAF (Pakistan) and Beaconhouse National University (BNU), Lahore

Students from the Madanjeet Singh Group Scholarship comprising youngsters from the eight SAARC countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, are exhibiting their work at Alhamra Art Gallery.

Minutes of the Meeting of SAF-India Advisory Board held on Saturday, January 19, 2008

Minutes of the Meeting of SAF-India Advisory Board held on Saturday, January 19, 2008, at 12.00 Hrs.

SAARC - Towards Greater Connectivity

International Conference on SAARC: Towards Greater Connectivity

The First Women Painting Exhibition in Kabul

H.E Dr.Raheen briefly talked about SAF activities in Afghanistan, especially H.E Madanjeet Singh’s donation of One Million Dollars to the Institute in Kabul and SAF scholarships to Chennai-India and Lahore –Pakistan.

Musharrat A. Chowdhury

Hope you are well. Sir, we both Bangladeshi students has graduated last summer from Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan with SAF scholarship.

Medical Equipment Handed over to CTEVT-Nepal

Medical equipment and training materials for the trainees of Assistant Mid-wifery course at the Council for Technical and Vocational Training (CTEVT) was handed over Tuesday afternoon by SAF-Nepal Chairperson Dr. Rita Thapa to the Member Secretary of the CTEVT Dr. B.B Jirel.

Affront to India's pluralist culture

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh has expressed shock at the Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen being compelled to leave West Bengal because of her secular views.

SAF Meeting on Media, Publications and SAFDIC

In his brief introductory remarks, Mr. N. Ram welcomed all attendees and discussed the Agenda in brief; he emphasized that our Documentation Centres, publicity and activities should reflect our secular, democratic attitude and should also work towards a larger goal of preserving our “civilizational heritage”.

Presentation of books to the Central Library of the Tribhuvan University

A large collection of books were handed over on Nov. 8th by Chairperson of SAF-Nepal Dr. Rita Thapa to the Tribhuvan University, Central Library at a function held in Kirtipur.

Report on Activities for the year 2007

International Forum of Civil Societies meeting at the 34th session of the UNESCO General Conference

Ambassador Madanjeet Singh and Mme. France Marquet attended the meeting of the programme commission (i-V), during the 34th session of the UNESCO General Conference on October 25, 2007.

The 22nd Asia-Pacific Region (APR) Scout Conference - 18th-23th October 2007

At the 22nd Asia-Pacific Region (APR) Scout Conference, held from 18- 23 October 2007 in Tokyo, Japan, South Asia Foundation was awarded a plaque of recognition for its support to young scouts of South Asia to promote regional cooperation. The theme of this conference “Advancing towards the new Scouting Century” and the meeting was attended by more than 500 key Scout leaders from 24 member countries of the Asia-Pacific Region.

To Whom It May Concern, Ministry of Health and Population

This is to commend the works of the South Asia Foundation (SAF-Nepal) for the successful implementation of training of the first batch of Madanjeet Singh Assistant Nurse Mid-Wife (ANM) Scholarship consisting of girls from the six poorest districts of Pyuthan, Mugu, Darchula, Kapalwastu, Siraha and Rameechap.

Pradeep Thalawatta

Sajjad Ahmed

'LANGUAGE' evolved from my interest in semiotics. The word 'language' is written in roman in traditional calligraphic style in arabic.

Presentation of books to the Dean of Tribhuvan University's

This is to express my sincere appreciation for the generous contribution of books for the Department of Conflict, Peace and Development under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Tribhuvan University.

Choney Pelzang

Sir this is just to inform you that studying in Beaconhouse National university was just an extraordinary experience for me.

Outstanding Parliamentarian Award to Mani Shankar Aiyar for the year 2006

On behalf of the Indian parliamentary group, the president of India, Shrimati Pratibha Patil, handed over the citation for the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award for the year 2006, to Mani Shankar Aiyar, Union Minister for Panchayati Raj, Youth and Sports.

Presentation of books to the Dean of Tribhuvan University's Department of Humanities and Social Sciences

A large number of books were handed over by Mr. Nishchal N. Pandey, Secretary of South Asia Foundation (Nepal) to the Dean of Tribhuvan University's Department of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Ramesh Raj Kunwar.

MoU between 'SAF' and the Institute for Kashmir studies

Ayesha Sultana & Musharrat A. Chowdhury

This is only a small gesture of gratitude that we are unable to fully express. We have both graduated from Beaconhouse National University in May this year, and we are very pleased that some of us have been given a second opportunity to become a SAF Scholar once again, in order to pursue the Teachers's Training Program at BNU, Lahore, which allows us to study and teach at the same time.

South Asian University: A Long Felt Need

The 13th SAARC Summit held in Dhaka decided to set-up a South Asian University (SAU). Since then, academics, researchers, educationalists and bureaucrats from across the region have been deliberating on the modalities of this common regional university.

Sakunthala Galanga - Sri Lankan student

MoU between 'SAF' and the School of Visual Art, Beaconhouse National University

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the South Asia Foundation ("SAF") and the School of Visual Art, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan.

Proposal for the Admission of the Students for the year 2006-07 under Project PPERA

In Kashmir province there are 89 educational zones having 1165 schools with Pre-Primary education facilities set up by private agencies.

Project Proposal for re-grouping of SAF-Madanjeet Singh Scholarship scheme for Women Enterpreneurship Development in J&K State

As a major initiative to provide vocational training and entrepreneurship development opportunities for women of weaker sections.

The Fifth SAF-Scout Friendship Camp - 04th-10th June 2007, Pakistan

Hameda Wardak- Foundation year, SVA

When I first arrived in Lahore 8 months ago from Kabul, I was confused, lost and felt extremely out of place. Between the language barrier and a style of education that was completely alien to me, I felt overwhelmed.

Musharrat A. Chowdhury

I’m in my final year of Visual Communication Design under Madanjeet Singh Art scholarship at Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan.

Talibanisation of Sikhism

The Sikh fundoos have distorted out of all recognition the militant order of Khalsa that Guru Gobind Singh instituted in 1699. It is incomprehensible how anyone can project nine years of Khalsa as the raison d'�tre of Sikhism and give it precedence over 239 years of the history of Sikh Gurus.

SAF Regional Cooperation Seminars - Netaji Subhas Open University

Dr. Arunanshu Dasgupta, organized the event and invited noted History and International Relations professors from both Kolkotta University and Jadavpur University.

SAF Regional Cooperation Seminars - Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University

Located on the outskirts of the city of Kota, Rajhastan, VMOU has a vast 75 acre campus. With the recent increase in funding received from the Distance Education Council and the Rajhastan State Government; new buildings are being constructed all across the University Campus, including what will be a top notch satellite TV broadcasting studio for propagating Distance mode courses.

Cultures and Vultures: wake-up call from Vadodara

These ‘fundoos,’ self-appointed custodians of Indian culture, may start chipping away at temple murals, breaking down monuments, and eventually targeting the temples at Khajuraho, Konarak, and Bhubaneshwar – until they succeed in effacing the rich Indian culture of art, image, and narrative, to conform to their own one-track, fascist vision of what Indian civilisation is.

SAF Regional Cooperation Seminars - Yashwant Rao Chavan Open University

YCMOU is one of the largest Open University in the country, it spends a tremendous amount of capital on the Research and Development of its Agricultural courses and the continual improvement of its infrastructure. It has eight regional sub-centres, spread across Maharashtra and Goa; I was informed that the Regional Cooperation Seminar would be held in all 8 sub-centres, similar in presentation to the one in Nashik.

MoU between the South Asia Foundation ('SAF') and SOS-Kinderdorf International

SOS-Kinderdorf International is an International Child development organisation working in 131 countries and territories through its member associations. In South Asia it has member associations in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Nepal.

SAF Regional Cooperation Seminars - Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University

Although the staff at BAOU was tremendously hospitable, the University only held a Cheque Distribution ceremony with no Seminar component – this is strange considering the Seminar was the focal point of all correspondence with the University since the beginning of the current session’s cheque distribution process.