From our newsroom to you: All hands on deck!
Vol. 2 Issue #11. In this edition, we share stories that reveal a clear message: Real change depends on everyone working together.
The term “All hands on deck” may have its roots in maritime but it has become a familiar colloquialism, used as a rallying cry for everyone to come together and help out in time of need. Without even realizing it the stories we have shared with you this past fortnight are about just that. Social justice activists pulling together to help immigrant communities besieged by ICE. An oncologist calling for a change in how we fight one of the world’s deadliest diseases – cancer. Two art curators across the divide coming together to share the works of young Southasians
Women across Southasia are anchoring peace processes, reimagining diplomacy through empathy and equity, and offering community-rooted, care-centered responses to war, displacement, and climate disasters. Check out the special feature on Feminist diplomacy at the crossroads by Pragyan Srivastava published on Women in Diplomacy Day.
In healing, hope and the human spirit, Dr. Azra Raza, the renowned oncologist, author, and researcher, shares her struggle for early detection of cancer and humane treatment of patients.
Social justice groups have been gathering in solidarity to advocate for human rights, resist deportations and demand more just immigration policies. These gatherings also serve as a reminder of the vital economic contributions immigrants make to the United States. In No human being is illegal Padma B. writes about one such get together by the Boston South Asian Coalition.
In her latest ‘Personal Political’ column, Beena Sarwar shares how Lahore-based artist and educator Salima Hashmi and writer and curator Manmeet K. Walia from Delhi worked together to bring to life the exhibit ‘(Un) Layering the future past of South Asia: Young artists’ voices at the SOAS Gallery in London, showcasing works by 26 artists from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Afghanistan. This, together with a screening of the film ‘Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines,’ formed the basis of a special half-day event convened by the Bloomsbury Institute London titled 'South Asia: people, promise and potential - art, film and discussion.'
History in the making
New York State Assemblyman Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Virginia State Senator Ghazala Hashmi made history recently as Americans of Indian descent who won primary elections this month. Their victories are a reminder of the growing influence of diaspora Southasians in politics.
Thank you,
Regina Johnson
Coordinating Editor
Sapan News
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