Sapan News

An architectural journey taking the scenic route  - Sapan News eflections on a book launched in London earlier this year, about one of Pakistan's foremost architects based in Lahore who filtered out noise and chaos to hear voices of tradition and culture

Reflections on a book launched in London earlier this year, about one of Pakistan’s foremost architects based in Lahore who filtered out noise and chaos to hear voices of tradition and culture.

The song that defied fear: Zubeen Garg’s voice and the global search for hope - Sapan News Many didn’t see this star until his passing. But the story of Assam’s beloved singer Zubeen Garg stands as a reminder that the courage to speak, sing, and stand for justice is still the most powerful ...

Many didn’t see this star until his passing. But the story of Assam’s beloved singer Zubeen Garg stands as a reminder that the courage to speak, sing, and stand for justice is still the most powerful form of resistance. He was the real deal.

Two worlds touch at Cambridge Diwali-Eid event - Sapan News By Beena Sarwar/Sapan News CAMBRIDGE, Mass.: Some 300 festively dressed Cantabrigians and neighbors gathered at Cambridge’s Reservoir Church on Saturday for the annual Diwali-Eid Cultural program, an ...

“We are one humanity, one struggle. And I’m proud to say that everything has been put together by the young people.”

Beyond petitions and posts: Composting as everyday climate action - Sapan News The food scraps we dump into landfills that belch methane into the air can be turned into “black gold” – compost that feeds our soil, reduces chemical fertilizer use, and helps fight climate change. H...

The food scraps we dump into landfills that belch methane into the air can be turned into “black gold” – compost that feeds our soil, reduces chemical fertilizer use, and helps fight climate change. Here’s how.

English as agency: Reimagining power, policy, and mobility in Southasia - Sapan News A major new study under publication shows how access to English in Southasia influences intergenerational mobility, labour markets, and social outcomes By Manita Swati / Sapan News Sapan Bookshelf The...

A major new study under publication shows how access to English in Southasia influences intergenerational mobility, labour markets, and social outcomes.

Strategic partners or economic rivals? Tariffs test India-America’s relationship - Sapan News Protectionist tariffs, market access disputes, and revoked trade privileges are straining long-term economic and strategic ties between two major world powers

Protectionist tariffs, market access disputes, and revoked trade privileges are straining long-term economic and strategic ties between two major world powers.

No joking matter: India-Pakistan’s nuclear threats make the region unsafe - Sapan News There is virtually no location in India or Pakistan where a nuclear strike would not trigger catastrophic consequences for Southasia. Their nuclear arsenal and rivalry underscores the constant threat ...

There is virtually no location in India or Pakistan where a nuclear strike would not trigger catastrophic consequences for Southasia. Their nuclear arsenal and rivalry underscores the constant threat of escalation and reminds us why global disarmament is urgent.

Unrealized freedoms: Reflections on independence, Southasia, and the future of global peace - Sapan News When I think back to Wagah, what stays with me is not the barbed wire, but the wind – the same wind moving across the border without asking permission. I think of rivers that carry stories of children...

When I think back to Wagah, what stays with me is not the barbed wire, but the wind – the same wind moving across the border without asking permission. I think of rivers that carry stories of children whose laughter sounds the same in Lahore, Delhi, Dhaka, and Kathmandu.

Why India and Pakistan should resume cricket ties - Sapan News At a time when border tensions, cross-border terrorism, and frozen diplomatic channels define India-Pakistan relations, resuming cricket ties may seem counterintuitive. Yet it is precisely in such cli...

At a time when border tensions, cross-border terrorism, and frozen diplomatic channels define India-Pakistan relations, resuming cricket ties may seem counterintuitive. Yet it is precisely in such climates that unconventional tools for engagement become vital.

Regime change and restoring normalcy in Nepal after a week of violence, arson, and killings - Sapan News A first-hand account and explainer of what unfolded in Nepal over the past week, after mass protests by the youth demanding reform and government accountability culminated in police killings, arson – ...

A first-hand account and explainer of what unfolded in Nepal over the past week, after mass protests by the youth demanding reform and government accountability culminated in police killings, arson – and regime change. Time now to pause, reflect, and build back as the air starts to clear.

South-South solidarity at the Oslo Mela - Sapan News A long running Southasian ‘mela’ or festival in Norway challenges what is considered ‘normal’ on the Scandinavian festival circuit

A long running Southasian ‘mela’ in Norway challenges what is considered ‘normal’ on the Scandinavian festival circuit.

Between borders and blessings: A Pakistani mother's love for her Indian daughter - Sapan News How a child in a multi-ethnic home in Dubai grows up in harmony, with a giggle that sounds the same in any language, bridging Pakistan and India – love transcending borders, symbolising something neit...

How a child in a multi-ethnic home in Dubai grows up in harmony, with a giggle that sounds the same in any language, bridging Pakistan and India – love transcending borders, symbolising something neither side of the border has quite mastered — peace.

From Herat to Hyderabad, Jaffna to Jhapa: Young voices reimagine Southasia - Sapan News Nearly 200 youth from Afghanistan to Sri Lanka answered a cross-border challenge, laying out bold visions for education corridors, ecological cooperation, climate action, and a revitalised SAARC, reim...

Nearly 200 youth from Afghanistan to Sri Lanka answered a cross-border challenge, laying out bold visions for education corridors, ecological cooperation, climate action, and a revitalised SAARC.

‘Kahin aap, kahin hum’: A tale of Southasians in Norway - Sapan News As Indians and Pakistanis across the world celebrate their independence from British rule this week, an Indian-origin writer in Norway explores Southasian identity in this Scandinavian country, and ho...

As Indians and Pakistanis across the world celebrate their independence from British rule, an Indian-origin writer in Norway explores Southasian identity and how new immigrants and the second-generation navigate complex intersections of belonging, solidarity, and challenges.

A vision for a future without borders, where all exiles can be home - Sapan News With the anniversary of the 1947 Partition coming up, an Indian-origin Bengali writer reflects on a public performance by California-based writer Sehba Sarwar from Karachi, who weaves together the pas...

With the anniversary of the 1947 Partition coming up, an Indian-origin Bengali writer reflects on a public performance by California-based writer Sehba Sarwar from Karachi, who weaves together the past and present, geographies, cultures, and hopes for a better future.

Climbing for connection: One mountaineer’s quest for regional harmony - Sapan News A Nepali student interviews a Sri Lankan IT professional and adventurer who has made it his mission to climb Southasian mountains. His motivation: To inspire unity and spread a message of peace and co...

A Nepali student interviews a Sri Lankan IT professional and adventurer who has made it his mission to climb Southasian mountains. His motivation: To inspire unity and spread a message of peace and collaboration throughout the region.

Remembering Guru Dutt in his birth centenary year: A resurrected genius - Sapan News Visionary filmmaker of eight Hindi movies, Guru Dutt (1925 - 1964) whose socially conscious work explored various human experiences left a cultural impact that continues to inspire generations.

Visionary filmmaker of eight Hindi movies, Guru Dutt (1925 – 1964) whose socially conscious work explored various human experiences left a cultural impact that continues to inspire generations.

Maybe, I will go back too - Sapan News An Indian origin London-based author, textile artist, and anthropologist finds food for thought in the shared histories and culture by a Pakistani-origin traveler’s memoir tracing his journey through ...

An Indian origin London-based author, textile artist, and anthropologist finds food for thought in the shared histories and culture by a Pakistani-origin traveler’s memoir tracing his journey through India.

From renter to home-owner: A Southasia arts focused success story in Seattle - Sapan News Twenty three years after being launched, a groundbreaking nonprofit organisation dedicated to uplifting Southasian stories now has a new home on the West Coast of America

Twenty three years after being launched, a groundbreaking nonprofit organisation dedicated to uplifting Southasian stories now has a new home on the West Coast of America.

‘Something that shattered me’: Sultana Siddiqui on creating a series on ‘blasphemy’ violence in Pakistan - Sapan News A television trilogy on addressing mob violence had gained huge popularity in neighbouring India. Now, worsening ties have disrupted that cross-border resonance.

A television trilogy on addressing mob violence had gained huge popularity in neighbouring India. Now, worsening ties have disrupted that cross-border resonance.

Feminist diplomacy at the crossroads: Southasian women leading the way in peacebuilding and crisis response - Sapan News Marking Women in Diplomacy Day on 24 June, this special feature examines how women across the region are anchoring peace processes, reimagining diplomacy through empathy and equity, and offering commu...

Marking #WomeninDiplomacyDay, this special feature examines how women across the region are anchoring peace processes, reimagining diplomacy through empathy and equity, and offering community-rooted, care-centred responses to war, displacement, and climate disasters.

Healing, hope, and the human spirit: Lessons from Dr. Azra Raza, bent on curing cancer - Sapan News When oncologist Dr. Azra Raza stood before Simon Fraser University’s graduating class of 2025 a week ago, she urged the graduates to “go forth with your hearts on fire.” That phrase captures her passi...

When oncologist Dr. Azra Raza stood before Simon Fraser University’s graduating class of 2025 a week ago, she urged the graduates to “go forth with your hearts on fire.” That phrase captures her passion for her work and the assignment she was handing the students.

The unfulfilled creative promise and potential of Southasia through art and film - Sapan News Salima Hashmi and Manmeet K. Walia will participate in a panel discussion at SOAS on 18 June, 5.30-7.30 p.m. They will also co-conduct a curatorial walkthrough at the SOAS Gallery on 21 June, 11 a.m.,...

International journalism often sees countries through agenda and breaking news issues. What is groundbreaking about our project and characterizes the work of the Southasia Peace Action Network & Sapan News, is that we went in without an agenda — being exploratory, observational, and non-judgmental.

‘No human being is illegal’ - communities express solidarity with immigrants in the United States - Sapan News Resisting the Trump administration’s deportation policies, community groups across America are advocating for immigrant rights and protections -- with reminders that immigration bolsters the U.S. econ...

Resisting the Trump administration’s deportation policies, community groups across America are advocating for immigrant rights and protections — with reminders that immigration bolsters the U.S. economy.

Trade for border and broader cooperation - Sapan News A recent ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York revoked the tariffs, including reciprocal tariffs, that President Donald Trump had imposed on over 180 countries, including several...

As the tariff standoff in U.S. courts continues, like the crisis caused by the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, this might be an opportune moment to consider the importance of reviving regional trade.

‘As long as we share the same skies’: Peace movements push back against Indo-Pak tensions - Sapan News The dominant narrative may feature aggression and calls to ‘act’ but conflict benefits only certain vested interests. Here we highlight some of the many calls for peace emanating from pediatricians, a...

The dominant narrative may feature aggression and calls to ‘act’ but conflict benefits only certain vested interests. Here we highlight some of the many calls for peace emanating from paediatricians, activists, and civil society representatives from India to Pakistan, Nepal to Bangladesh, and more

Banu Mushtaq: Much more than a Booker - Sapan News A Bangladeshi writer explores what’s so special about the Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq and her book Heart Lamp, the first short story collection to win the prestigious Book prize – a reminder that shar...

A Bangladeshi writer explores what’s so special about the Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq and her book Heart Lamp, the first short story collection to win the prestigious Book prize.

When walking for peace becomes a political act  - Sapan News When a rights group advocating for women’s access to public spaces organised their first walk for peace – a stated agenda beyond simply ‘loitering’ – it caused ripples in an atmosphere vitiated by hyp...

When a rights group advocating for women’s access to public spaces organised their first walk for peace – a stated agenda beyond simply ‘loitering’ – it caused ripples in an atmosphere vitiated by hypernationalism and warmongering. An organiser shares experiences from Mumbai and Bangalore

Feminist futures: Reimagining Southasian womanhood through art and activism - Sapan News A conversation in Kathmandu with Dr. Arshiya Lokhandwala, founding director and curator of the Lakeeren Gallery in Mumbai, who has been at the forefront of conversations around Southasian feminism and...

A conversation in Kathmandu with Dr. Arshiya Lokhandwala, founding director and curator of the Lakeeren Gallery in Mumbai, who has been at the forefront of conversations around Southasian feminism and contemporary art.