SAF News

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.

MoU between 'SAF' and the Media Development Foundation

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the South Asia Foundation (“SAF”) and the Media Development Foundation (“MDF”), Chennai.

SAF Regional Cooperation Seminars - Maulana Azad National Urdu University

MANUU, has by far, one of the best University grounds I have seen in the country – at par with Universities in the United States and in Europe. The officials organized a brief, yet highly informative seminar on Regional Cooperation. Furthermore, even though MANUU is well funded by the UGC, they see the affiliation with the SAF Scholarship Programme as more about Certification / Brand Affiliation than mere financial support.

SAF Regional Cooperation Seminars - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University

BRAOU is situated right in the middle of Jubilee Hills, near the outskirts of Hyderabad, making it easily accessible from both the city and rural areas. Apart from being the very first Open University, BRAOU offers interesting and important programmes, such as various Bachelors of Science and Arts degrees. The University will soon introduce a Masters of Science Distance Learning programme as well.

SAF Regional Cooperation Seminars - Jammu University

Despite the oppressively hot summer weather, Jammu University’s campus is a treat for the eyes; it has a beautiful campus. Mr. Kuljeet Singh, Coordinator of the SAF programme, organized a seminar on Regional Cooperation, the Dean Academic, Prof. P.S. Sehgal and the Director of Distance Learning, Dr. O.S. Sudan, drew heavily from the SASIA Story.

Education Summit 2007

The Tehelka Foundation organized the Education Summit 2007 on 27th April 2007 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The theme of the Summit was: Equality, Quality and Quantity: The elusive Triangle of India Education.

SAF Regional Cooperation Seminars - Kashmir University

Headed by Dr. Shafiqa Parveen, Kashmir University’s Distance Learning Department organized the SAF Madanjeet Singh Individual Scholarships cheque distribution ceremony / Regional Cooperation Seminar on April 25, 2007. An introduction was given about SAARC, its members, and of course, the South Asia Foundation.

SAF-Madanjeet Singh Scholarship Programme

Headed by Dr. Shafiqa Parveen, Kashmir University’s Distance Learning Department organized the SAF Madanjeet Singh Individual Scholarships cheque distribution ceremony / Regional Cooperation Seminar on 25th April 2007.

Responsability of Mr. Pandey relating to SAARC-SAF collaboration

SAF Regional Cooperation Seminars - Tamil Nadu Open University

I was most impressed with TNOU. With minimal, yet extremely proactive staff, the University runs a very tight shift; both the scholarship allotment process and the seminar were very well organized.

SAF Regional Cooperation Seminars - Karnataka State Open University

KSOU is one of the largest distance learning institutions that SAF – India has worked with; it also has a beautiful, sprawling campus. I was told by University officials that, as third party funding from institutions like the Distance Education Council and State Government is limited, all infrastructure and personnel related expenses are paid directly from the fees collected by the students – which is why the SAF Scholarship programme is helpful.

Is the SAARC Heading Global?

The just concluded SAARC Summit in New Delhi has turned out to be quite historic in its own way. Besides the usual rhetoric by the member-nations especially between India and Pakistan, the Summit has seen significant new developments which can change the future course of South Asia if addressed in a proper way.

SAF Regional Cooperation Seminars - Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University

Located in the heart of Allahabad, the University itself is quite rudimentary, yet the staff consists of well educated and dedicated members. Dr. Dwivedi, Coordinator of the SAF Programme at UPRTOU put together a seminar, drawing together professors of Political and International studies from local Universities across Allahabad.

Disbursement of SAF-Madanjeet Singh Scholarship

The disbursement of SAF-Madanjeet Singh Scholarship in respect of the following 16 Universities.

Declaration of the Fourteenth SAARC Summit - 3rd - 4th April 2007, New Delhi

The President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His Excellency Mr. Hamid Karzai; the Chief Adviser of the Government of the People.......

MoU between 'SAF' and the South Asia Madanjeet Institute of Assistant Nurse Midwife

Contribution of SAF to the Secretariat's Library

Ground Realities of Bigotry, severed heads and writers' rights

Taslima Nasrin is the winner of the 2004 UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the promotion of tolerance and non-violence.

250 books handed over to SAARC Secretariat library

Altogether 250 books donated by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh on behalf of the South Asia Foundation (SAF) were handed over to the SAARC Secretariat library at a function held at the Secretariat, Kathmandu.

Muslim Group sets RS 5 Lakh on Taslima

Taslima Nasrin is the winner of the 2004 UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the promotion of tolerance and non-violence.

Jambay Wangchuk - SAF Secretary, Bhutan

Greetings from Bhutan. As instructed by the chairperson of the SAF Bhutan, I would like to update your Excellency on the recent development with regard to the SAF Bhutan.

Resolution on the News Media in SAARC Countries

The Conference of Editors from SAARC Countries, organized jointly bythe Media Development Foundation and the Ministry of External Affairs,Government of lndia, and held in New Delhi on February 9 and 10, 2007.

MoU between 'SAF' and the Institute of South Asian Studies established under GCU

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the South Asia Foundation ("SAF") and the Institute of South Asian Studies ("The Institute"), established under Government College University (GCU), Lahore (in the process of formation).

Conferment of the Degree of Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) - 8th January 2007 - Mysore

Acceptance Speech of Dr. Madanjeet Singh (UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador) held on 8th January 2007, Karnataka State Open University, Kalamandira, Mysore.

SOS Emergency Relief Programme-EQ - 1st October 2006 - 30th December 2006

On the 31st of December 2006 there were 241 children and 12 widows in the care of SOS Children's Villages.

MoU between 'SAF' and the South Asian Institute of Advanced Legal and Human Rights Studies

The Special Meeting of the SAF Governing Council

The Special Meeting of the SAF Governing Council was held on Monday, 27th November 2006, at 09.00 am at the South Asia Foundation India Chapter Office, A-33 Vasant Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110 057.

Chinmoyi Patel

I would like to start by thanking you for providing me with this wonderful opportunity to come to Lahore. I was very disappointed when my visa didn't come through.

Accept the concept of Kashmiriyat: Aiyar

The Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Sports, Mani Shankar Aiyarsaid on Sunday that it was impossible to be a Kashmiri without beingIndian

J&K known for communal harmony

There is a need for dialogue among all sections of people to defuse communal tension in Jammu and Kashmir, according to the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and South Asia Foundation (SAF) founder Madanjeet Singh.

UNESCO Official Letter

In accordance with the "Directives concerning UNESCO's relations with foundations and similar institutions" adopted by the General Conference at its 26th session in November 1991 and amended at its 28th and 29th sessions, UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura, has decided to admit the South Asia Foundation into official relations with UNESCO

Madanjeet Singh congratulates Yunus

The UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and founder of the South Asia Foundation, Madanjeet Singh, has conveyed his congratulations to Muhammad Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank, on his winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Looking for the Taliban: check Quetta

Malik Siraj Akbar writes While it is difficult to say who is or is nota Talib, one thing is clear: Quetta and other areas are swarming withpeople who are rabidly anti-US.

2006 - UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-violence

Donation for the earthquake emergency relief programme September 2006

On 30th September 2006, 224 children were placed in the care of SOS Children’s Villages while the “Search and Rescue” activities resumed.