Friends of South Asia (FOSA)

FRIENDS OF SOUTH ASIA (FOSA)

working towards a peaceful, prosperous, and hate-free South Asia

6th Annual LITERARY EVENING: The Language of Food Call for Submissions In a joint celebration of the Independence Days of Pakistan and India , Friends of South Asia (FOSA) is organizing a literary evening. The theme of this year's literary evening is THE LANGUAGE OF FOOD. The South Asian melting pot has simmered through the ages, creating exquisite flavors. Culinary influences and food accents brought in by different communities have been embraced over the centuries and the fusion of new and old has resulted in the unique South Asian cuisine--Biryani, Paratha, Idli, Puri, Seekh Kebabs, Dhansak, Kheer--now popular around the world. Join us in an exploration of the language of food, its vocabulary and evolution, its relationship with history and geography and its personal and societal associations. We invite writers, poets, and other artists to present their original works: stories, essays, poems, slide shows or skits. Artists are encouraged to submit works in any South Asian language including English. Guidelines 1. All work must be original. You may read a work on behalf of a person not able to attend the program. 2. Word limits are as follows - Stories - 1500 words or less Non-Fiction - 1500 words or less Spoken word or poetry: 10 minutes Performance arts: 10 min (15 min. for a skit involving more than two actors) 3. Authors of selected works that are not in English will be invited to submit English language synopses or translations of their material, to be compiled and distributed to the audience. 4. We will select entries from those received to fill in our scheduled time of 2 hours. Submissions due now. Email submissions and any questions to mail@friendsofsouthasia.org
FREE, FREE BINAYAK SEN! 50 international groups organize support in the USA for the Raipur Satyagraha in India Simultaneous protests held in 3 cities, including San Francisco, on March 27 It has been nearly two years since Dr. Binayak Sen, the well-known public health and human rights activist was imprisoned by the Chhattisgarh government on false charges of abetting activities of an outlawed organization. International and national groups and individuals, including Twenty Two Nobel Laureates, have consistently demanded the release of Dr. Binayak Sen. On March 16, a Satyagraha in the tradition of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was launched in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, where batches of 50-100 people are courting arrest every week, demanding that Dr. Binayak Sen be released. On Friday, March 27 groups in the United States organized solidarity actions in front of the Indian Consulates in San Francisco and New York, as well as the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C., demanding the immediate release of Dr. Binayak Sen, an end to the repressive Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act (CSPSA) and disbanding of the state-sponsored militia, Salwa Judum. See a detailed report of these solidarity actions You can express your solidarity with the ongoing actions to demand justice for Dr. Binayak Sen, by signing the following petition, which will be delivered to the Indian Government as well as the Government of Chhattisgarh: http://petitions.aidindia.org/binayaksen09/
INDIA-PAKISTAN PEACE VIGIL FOR MUMBAI Saturday, Dec 6, 3 PM. San Francisco City Hall "Indians and Pakistanis hold vigil in San Francisco to mourn Mumbai, call for countries to work together. " Post Event Press Release Dated Dec 8, 2008 San Francisco, CA. Dec 6, 2008: On a cool, windy Saturday afternoon, about 80 bay-area residents, including South Asian Americans of Indian and Pakistani descent, as well as other members of the community gathered on the steps of San Francisco's City Hall to express their grief and commemorate the victims of the terror attack in Mumbai. They also mourned the victims of recent ethnic violence, terrorism and war in the South Asian cities and regions of Peshawar, Karachi, New Delhi, Guwahati, Orissa, Islamabad and Bajaur (read more...) Endorsed by Friends of South Asia, Alliance of South Asians Taking Action, Association of South Asian Political Activists (UC Berkeley), South Asian Bar Association of Northern California, Jewish Voice for Peace (San Franciso/East Bay and South Bay chapters), Pakistan American Cultural Center, Pakistan Science and Engineering Foundation, Pakistani Tehreek-i-Insaf, Asian American Network against Abuse, Indian Muslim Relief and Charities, South Asia Disaster Relief Coordinators, ASHA for Education (San Francisco chapter), South Bay Mobilization and San Jose Peace and Justice Center. "South Asian Americans organize India-Pakistan Peace Vigil, In support of Peace, Harmony, Justice and Prosperity". Press Release Dated Dec 3, 2008. See event flyer Find the event on facebook
	RECENT EVENTS Imagining the City: Two Films on Bombay by Anjali Monteiro and K.P. Jayashankar Apr 26, Stanford (more info) Still Playing With Fire? Reflections on NGOs, Empowerment, and Activism through a journey of Sangatins Apr 19, Berkeley Apr 20, Stanford (more info) India's Nuclear Ambitions: Who Pays the Price? Conversation with JOAR (Jharkhandi Organization Against Radiation) Activists Dec 7, Stanford Dec 8, Berkeley Dec 10, Santa Cruz (more info) Our Histories Bind Us: A Panel Discussion South Asian-Arab Solidarity Against Israeli Aparthied Nov 16, Stanford (more info) Arvind Kejriwal Right to Information Mon, Oct 16 Milpitas Library (more info) Ali Abunimah One Country Sat, Oct 14, San Jose (more info) Neoliberal Destructions P. Sainath and Alexander Cockburn Mon, Oct 2, Berkeley (more info) Songs of Struggle with Subhendu Ghosh Sat, Sep 23, Milpitas Library (more info) Eyewitness from Lebanon The Recent US-Israeli War - A talk by Zeina Zaatari Fri, Sep 22, San Jose (more info) Third Annual Literary Evening Asymmetric Wars - Asymmetic Worlds Sat, Aug 19 Milpitas Library (more info) The People's Science Revolution: A Talk by Prof A.P. Shukla Thu, Jul 6, 7pm Milpitas Library (more info) A Conversation with BIJU MATHEW (Labor organizer, Anti-war activist) Sat, May 13 - Stanford (more info) Kala Pul- The Black Bridge (a dramatic reading) Fri, May 5 - Newark Sat, May 6 - SF (more info) BEYOND BORDERS A Benefit for Survivors of the South Asian Earthquake Berkeley, Nov 19 (more info) FILMS BY STALIN K. a community media activist with Drishti Media Collective Stanford, Nov 17 Berkeley, Nov 18 (more info) ANSWER Coalition: National March in San Francisco STOP THE WAR IN IRAQ! San Francisco, Sept 24 (more info) SELF DETERMINATION IN SOUTH ASIA: South Asia's Struggle Against US-led Imperialism A panel discussion Sat Sept 10, 5.30pm San Francisco (more info) A Concert by ANTARIKSH India-Pakistan Joint Independence Day Celebration Sun, Aug 28, 5pm Berkeley (more info) INDO-PAK PEACE SOLIDARITY MARCH Showing solidarity with the peace movement in India and Pakistan Sun, May 15, 1pm San Francisco (more details) SECOND ANNUAL LITERARY EVENING South Asian writings on War and Terrorism Sat, Apr 16, Stanford (more details) SUPPRESSED VOICES An evening of live theater, music, song and dance Sat, Dec 18, Newark, CA (more details) BHOPAL: The Search For Justice Film screening + discussion Sat, Dec 4, San Francisco Sun Dec 5, Stanford (more details) Crossing the Lines: Kashmir, Pakistan, India A documentary by Pervez Hoodbhoy and Zia Mian Saturday, Aug 7, Stanford Sunday Aug 8, Berkeley (more details)
SOUTH ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL to observe the 61st Anniversary of India and Pakistan's Independence WHERE: San Jose Peace and Justice Center, 48 S 7th St., SAN JOSE UPDATE: Harsh Mander to speak at Film Fest on Sat, Aug 23 (details) FESTIVAL WEEKEND: Sat Aug 23 and Sun Aug 24, 3pm - 7pm presented by Association for India's Development and Friends of South Asia featuring films that depict people's struggles against forces of economic imperialism, corporate globalization, and state's imposition of neo-liberal models of economic development. Saturday Lineup: 3 PM: Development Flows from the Barrel of the Gun [55 min, 2003] 4 PM: The Bitter Drink [26 min, 2003] 4.30 PM: Harsh Mander on Human Rights in India Sunday Lineup: 3 PM: The Other Side of the Boom [22 min, 2008] 3.30PM: New State, Old Problems [10 min, 2008] 3.45 PM: Anjam (The Consequence) [20 min, 2008] 5.00 PM: Tales from the Margins [23 min, 2006] For details of films at the festival, including showtimes, click here See e-flyer FESTIVAL PREMIERE: Friday Aug 15, 7pm presented by Friends of South Asia featuring screening of documentary - MISSING IN PAKISTAN followed by conversation with Dr. SAFDAR SARKI See event flyer for more details!
Pakistan's Judicial Crisis and Remembering Karachi's May 12 Carnage: A Discussion Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tayyab Mahmud Sunday May 11, 3pm, MILPITAS The crisis in the Pakistani judiciary that began over a year ago, with Pervez Musharraf sacking the Chief Justice on March 9 2007, still continues. In its wake, it has mobilized lawyers, students and social activists in unprecedented numbers, challenged the dictatorial and military rule of General Musharraf, and continues to haunt the political leaders at the helm today. A year ago, on May 12, as the deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry tried to make his way in to Karachi, the city burnt. Supporters of the defiant Chaudhry clashed with the pro-Musharraf Army and local political parties, leaving over 40 people dead, hundreds injured and a city of over 12 million engulfed in unprecedented violence. This event is to mark one year of that carnage, and explore different contexts of the judicial crisis. The event will feature a discussion led by Dr. Tayyab Mahmud, Professor and Associate Dean at Seattle University School of Law, and local panelists Javed Ellahie, Ijaz Syed and Dabbir Tirmizi. The event will be held at 372 Turquoise Rd, Milpitas, and is co-sponsored by Friends of South Asia, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, and Pakistan American Congress. For more details visit http://www.friendsofsouthasia.org/judiciary
Protest Dr. Binayak Sen's Unjust Detention Noted Human Rights Activist Completes 1 year in Prison on May 14 On May 13^th/14^th, 2008 Dr. Binayak Sen, an activist with a lifelong commitment to the issues of community health and human rights, will complete his first year of unjust imprisonment at the Raipur Central jail in Chhattisgarh, India. Organizations across the globe will be holding rallis, candlelight vigils, lectures and similar events on the evening of May 13^th, 2008 to mark one year of his imprisonment and call for his release. For more details CLICK HERE.
Turmoil in the Tribal Belt Insurgency, Counter-Insurgency, and Women's Rights in PAKISTAN's Tribal Areas A talk and documentary screening by KHAWAR MEHDI RIZVI Sunday April 13, 4pm, MILPITAS Khawar Mehdi Rizvi is a freelance journalist and filmmaker from Pakistan. He has reported extensively on the rise of Islamic militancy in Pakistan's tribal areas as an aftermath of the Afghan Mujahdeen's armed struggle to expel Soviet Union from Afghanistan--a struggle that was funded and organized by US and its allies including Pakistan. Khawar will talk about the rise of radical Islam in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan & Pakistan, on the transformation of Pashtun society and comeback of Al Qaeda in the tribal belt. "Silent Revolt" is a 26 minute documentary produced by Khawar Mehdi which attempts to highlight the struggle of Pashtun women against the socio-economic discrimination and oppression of women in Pashtun society both in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The event will be held at Pakistani American Cultural Center, 372 Turquoise St, Milpitas. For more information, visit http://www.friendsofsouthasia.org/rizvi
SHABNAM HASHMI, Indian Human Rights Activist Wednesday Mar 12, STANFORD Thursday Mar 13, BERKELEY Friday Mar 14, SAN FRANCISCO Noted Indian Human Rights Activist, Shabnam Hashmi will be visiting the San Francisco Bay Area in March 2008. She is the Managing Trustee and Executive Secretary of Act Now for Harmony and Democracy (ANHAD), and amongst the foremost figures in the political battles around secularism and religious fundamentalis in India today. Founded in 2003 in the wake of the Gujarat carnage, ANHAD aims to intervene in the defense of democracy, secularism and justice. Hashmi first became involved in activism in 1981 while working on projects for adult literacy. For over 15 years she served as the Secretary of SAHMAT (Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust), which was formed in 1989 as a platform for creative action by artists and scholars in defence of democratic and secular traditions in India . She is currently also a member of the National Integration Council of the Ministry of Home Affairs in India and is also a Council Member of the National Literacy Mission. For more details see event homepage
AYESHA SIDDIQA AGHA in the SF Bay Area Thursday Feb 21, 7pm, STANFORD Saturday Feb 23, 3pm, UNION CITY Ayesha Siddiqa Agha, a well known Pakistani researcher and writer, will be visiting the San Francisco Bay Area in February. She is the author of "Military Inc.", a groundbreaking work on the far-reaching economic interests of the Pakistan army. She will be participating in two events in the Bay Area - a talk at Stanford University, titled "America's Pakistan vs. Pakistan's Pakistan: Searching for Options", hosted by the Center for South Asia; and at a panel titled "Pakistan: What Now?" with Dr. Ahmad Faruqui and Ijaz Syed, at Union City Library. For more details visit the event homepage
Why Did Arun Gandhi Have To Resign? Oppose Censorship and Intimidation Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and founder and President of the M.K. Gandhi Institute of Non Violence at the University of Rochester, who was forced to resign from the Institute after a write-up in a Washington Post blog (On Faith). Gandhi came under immense pressure from groups such as the American Jewish Committee, ADL, as well as right-wing Indian American groups such as Hindu American Foundation. It is disturbing to observe such blatant censorship of a well respected public figure who has over the years done commendable work in the areas of non-violence, inter-faith understanding, racism and prejudice. Please sign a statement condemning this blatant censorship and intimidation. See here for details.
Dayamani Barla - Indigenous Journalist and Activist Fri, Nov 30 - SAN FRANCISCO Sat, Dec 1 - SAN JOSE Wed, Dec 5 - BERKELEY Award-winning indigenous journalist Dayamani Barla will visit the San Francisco Bay Area in December 2007. Dayamani Barla, a tribal woman from the Jharkhand region of India, has written about the displacement of tribal peoples from their native lands by developers. Her work is constantly guided by her concern for the plight of the weakest and the most exploited sections of the Indian society. Her Bay Area visit is co-sponsored by Friends of South Asia and the SF Bay Area Chapter of AID. For more details visit the Dayamani Barla Bay Area Visit Home page.
SAY NO TO MARTIAL LAW IN PAKISTAN Stop US Support of Military Rule Protest at San Francisco City Hall, Sat, Nov 10, 2pm (more details here) On Nov 3, 2007, the military dictator of Pakistan, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, imposed a state of emergency in Pakistan, aborting the long-awaited return to democracy. With the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO), Mr. Musharraf has authorized himself to rule by decree, suspended fundamental rights in Pakistan, and granted himself unlimited powers. Independent news media has been suspended, and human rights activists, lawyers and other civilians have been arrested. FOSA strongly condemns this declaration of emergency rule in Pakistan. FOSA joins with all citizens of Pakistan in demanding the release of all the people arrested under the emergency rules and the restoration of the constitution and the rule of law. [Read more of FOSA's statement] We urge everyone to join in condemning this atrocity; providing soldarity and support to the Pakistani Civil Society, and to pressurize the US government to end it's tacit support of Gen. Musharraf. Related Links Pakistan.wikia.com page on the Emergency, including links to news articles, actions and other resources. South Asia Citizens' Web page on the Pakistan Emergency featuring statements from various community groups. For updates, see: Friends of South Asia Wiki Page on the Emergency
Urge Indian Govt to stop supporting Burmese Military Junta Sign the Petition The past few weeks have seen the Burmese government subjugate and repress a popular and non-violent movement for democratic rights within Myanmar (Burma). In this context we have observed with growing dismay the reluctance of the Indian govt to issue any condemnation of this brutal and indiscriminate crackdown by the ruling Burmese military junta. On the contrary, the Indian govt has engaged in selling military equipment and signing natural gas contracts. Please sign this petition urging the Indian government to take action. The petition has been endorsed by ASATA (Alliance of South Asians Taking Action) and BADA-SF (Burmese American Democratic Alliance) Rally at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco Fri 10/12, 2-5pm 540 Arguello Blvd., San Francisco (map) Oct 12, 2007: Amid persistent downpour, 40 activists with the Burmese American Democratic Alliance and Friends of South Asia staged a rally in front of the Indian consulate in support of the Burmese pro-democracy movement, and to protest the Government of India’s growing ties with the military junta in Burma. South Asian activists also submitted two petitions to the Indian Consul of Community Affairs, Mr. Prabhat Kumar Singh, urging the Indian government to immediately end its ties with the military regime in Burma and to use its authority in the region to demand that the Burmese military cease its repressive crackdown on protestors and monks in Burma. [ Read more... ] Questions? Please email mail [at] friendsofsouthasia.org
PAKISTAN - A Wide-Angle View of a Troubled Ally A talk by Ayesha Siddiqa UPDATE, Sep 27: Talks cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances Friday Sep 28, 6.30pm - STANFORD (Event Change - See Below) Monday Oct 1, 5.00pm - BERKELEY (CANCELLED) We regret to inform you that Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa has fallen seriously ill in New York and will NOT be coming to the Bay Area to give talks at Stanford (Sep 28) and Berkeley (Oct 1) Whereas the Berkeley event has been completely called off, FOSA plans on meeting at the Stanford venue on Friday Sep 28, 6.30pm, and read excerpts from Military, Inc., Ayesha Siddiqa's book. We also plan to show a video interview of Ayesha Siddiqa. Visit the event homepage
Fourth Annual Literary Evening & Joint Celebration of Indian and Pakistani Independence Days Revisiting Changing Homelands Saturday, August 25, 2007, 4:30 p.m. Milpitas Library Community Hall, Milpitas Library 40 N Milpitas Blvd Milpitas, CA 95035 Join local writers and poets in exploring themes that mark the times we are living through. For details on the theme, visit the Literary Evening mainpage
People's Movements for Health and Water Rights in Western India: A Talk by Dr. Anant Phadke Tuesday, June 12, 6.30pm, San Jose [San Jose Peace Center, 48 S Seventh St.] Learn how grassroots movements in India's state of Maharashtra have defended people's rights to healthcare and the rights of farmers displaced by dams and drought. Dr. Anant Phadke is a leader in the People's Health Movement in Maharashtra and is active with Shramik Mukti Dal movement particularly with respect to water rights (with Bharat Patankar and others). He is a co-founder of a discussion group called "Samuhik Khoj" (Collective Search) The event is co-sponsored by South Asians for Collective Action, Friends of South Asia, India Relief and Education Fund, San Jose Peace Center, Our Developing World, and Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, San Jose. For more details, see event homepage
Voices of Iraqi Workers: 2007 Solidarity Tour Hashmeya Mohsen al Hussein, Iraqi Electrical Utility Workers Union Faleh Abood Umara, Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions Sunday, June 10, 2-4pm, San Jose Laborer's Hall, 509 Emory St. (at Coleman Ave.) Hashmeya Mohsen al Hussein is the first woman to head a national union in Iraq. She was born in Basra in 1955. Following high school, she went to work at the Southern Company for Electricity. She is now the President of the Iraqi Electrical Utility bWorkers Union. Faleh Abood Umara is a founding member of the oil workers union and has worked for the Southern Oil Company in Basra for 28 years. He is now the General Secretary of the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions. This event is a rare opportunity for people in the US to dialogue directly with Iraqi workers and labor leaders about current attempts to control Iraq’s oil, women's issues under the occupation, and the role of unions in creating a non-sectarian, progressive Iraq. These courageous leaders struggled for years against Saddam Hussein’s repression. Now they have stepped forward to organize workers seeking to improve conditions at their workplaces and in their lives under the difficult conditions of occupation, sectarian division, and violence. They are fighting not only for basic labor rights for all workers but also for women’s equality and against privatization of their national resources. The San Jose event is co-sponsored by South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council, Building & Construction Trades Council, Communications Workers of America Local 9423, Plumbers & Fitters Local 393, Laborers Local 270, California Nurses Association, South Bay Mobilization, San Jose Peace Center, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Friends of South Asia, Veterans for Peace, Labor Party, Green Party of Santa Clara County, Arab-American Cultural Center, Our Developing World, and Students for Justice-SJSU. Endorsed by Peninsula Peace and Justice Center. More information about the San Jose event can be found here For more details, including background information and a schedule of the entire nationwide solidarity tour, visit http://www.UsLaborAgainstWar.org
Narika's Fifteenth Anniversary Gala 15 Years of Sharing Aspirations, Creating New Visions Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm St Mary's Cathedral, 1111 Gough St., San Francisco With Keynote Speaker: Raka Ray, Chair, Center for South Asian Studies at U.C. Berkeley, Live Performance by Alam Khan of the Ali Akbar College of Music Narika is a SF Bay Area based domestic violence helpline for South Asian women. Narika's first *gala*event on Saturday, May 19 is a celebration of Narika's 15 years serving the South Asian community. Come for a night of great food, entertainment, a fabulous silent auction, and a night of inspiration. We at Friends of South Asia are proud to be Narika's networking partner for this celebration. Narika's mission is to promote the empowerment of women in our community to confront and overcome the cycles of domestic violence and exploitation. Narika works to build a movement to end violence against women and to actively support women's rights as human rights. For more information, visit Narika's gala event page
Report Links Campus Student Organization to the Sangh Parivar The Campaign to Stop Funding Hate has released a new report titled "Lying Religiously: The Hindu Students Council and the Politics of Deception" (April 15, 2007). This report lays out the deep connections between the Hindu Students Council (HSC) and the Nazi-inspired Sangh Parivar, the violent, extremist, Hindu chauvinist network of organizations spawned by the RSS in India . The Sangh Parivar has a long history of carrying out violent activities in India , including the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and the pogroms in Gujarat in 2002 in which more than two thousand innocent India citizens were murdered. While laying out in detail the close and multi-dimensional relationships between HSC and the Sangh Parivar, the report also points out how HSC has been deceptive in its efforts to recruit Indian-American students by hiding these relationships. "Most of the young desi Americans who join the HSC have no clue as to the connections between the HSC and the militant and violent Hindu right wing in India " says Samip Mallick, one of the campaign coordinators for CSFH. "We fully support the creation and existence of Hindu student organizations on college campuses, but we are unable to condone the Hindu Student Council's continued misleading of college students regarding its ties to the Sangh Parivar," he continued. The "Lying Religiously" report is available at http://hsctruthout.stopfundinghate.org/ A radio interview with Samip Mallick, a former HSC member and one of the authors of "Lying Religiously" is available here.
The Kashmir Issue 60 Years Later: Rethinking The Kashmir Conflict A conversation with Beena Sarwar and Huma Dar Tuesday, May 8, 7pm Room 030, Bldg 200, Stanford University Kashmir has been an ideological and physical battleground for Pakistan and India since independence in 1947. What is the place of Kashmir in South Asia, and in the world? What are the social implications of this conflict? Join us for a discussion with Pakistani journalist Beena Sarwar, currently at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard University, and Huma Dar, a South Asian Studies scholar at UC Berkeley. Event co-sponsored by Pakistanis at Stanford, Center for South Asia (Stanford), Sanskriti, and Friends of South Asia. For more information visit the event homepage
Imagining the City: Two Films on Bombay Saacha (The Loom) and Naata (The Bond) Directed by Anjali Monteiro & K.P. Jayashankar Thursday, Apr 26, 6.30pm, STANFORD Saacha weaves together poetry, paintings and memories of the city to explore the modes and politics of representation, the relevance of art in the contemporary social milieu, and the decline of the urban working class in an age of structural adjustment, the dilemmas of the left and the trade union movement and the changing face of a huge metropolis. Naata is about Bhau Korde and Waqar Khan who work with neighborhood peace committees in Dharavi, Mumbai, to promote conflict resolution through the collective production and use of visual media. When the deadly riots of 1992-93 tore the city and their community apart, Korde and Khan were moved to act, working to change both the negative perception of Dharavi and erase religious and ethnic divisions. Anjali Monteiro is Professor, and K.P. Jayasankar is Professor and Chair at the Centre for Media and Cultural Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. Jointly they have won thirteen national and international awards for their films. This event is free and open to all. For further details see event home page.
Still Playing With Fire? Reflections on NGOs, Empowerment and Activism Through a Journey of Sangtins Thursday, Apr 19, 6pm, BERKELEY Friday, Apr 20, 6.30pm, STANFORD A conversation with Richa Singh, Surbala Vaish and Richa Nagar, three of the nine authors of Playing with Fire. Playing With Fire emerged from close dialogue among eight NGO activists in Uttar Pradesh, India, and a professor and writer based primarily in the US. PWF interweaves stories about the lives of seven village-level NGO activists, beginning with their collective analysis of poverty, casteism, and communal untouchability in childhood; the abuses that frequently accompanied their marriages; to their triumphs as NGO workers; to a critique of this NGO and, more generally, of donor-driven empowerment. The book was first published as "Sangtin Yatra" in Hindi in India in 2004, and has subsequently spawned a social movement in the Sitapur District of Uttar Pradesh. This event is free and open to all. For further details see event home page.
India's Nuclear Ambitions: Who Pays the Price? Screening of film "Buddha Weeps in Jadugoda" Discussion with activists from JOAR (Jharkhandi Organization Against Radiation) Thursday, Dec 7, 7pm, STANFORD (flyer - html, pdf) Friday, Dec 8, 4pm, UC BERKELEY (flyer) Sunday Dec 10, 4pm, SANTA CRUZ (flyer) India's emergence in the nuclear energy and nuclear weapons arena comes at a colossal human cost. Jadugoda, a tribal town in a mineral-rich belt in Jharkhand, is the only source of Uranium in India, and the indigenous people of Jadugoda have been paying with their lives - seeing their community's health destroyed, their environment devastated. To resist the occupation and devastation of their land by the uranium mining, the people of Jadugoda have organized themselves as JOAR--the Jharkhandi Organization Against Radiation, and their demands range from better safety measures against radiation, to protection of their environment, to opposition of planned open-cast uranium mines. In this event, we will get to watch a ground-breaking documentary that describes the devastation wrought by decades of uranium mining on this entire community We will also get to speak with/hear from Ghanshyam Birulee and Dumku Murma, grassroots activists from JOAR, who have been at the forefront of this decades-long struggle for justice and basic human rights, as well as Shriprakash, the filmmaker of the above mentioned documentary. For details, visit event homepage
Our Histories Bind Us South Asian-Arab Solidarity Against Israeli Apartheid Thursday, Nov 16, 7.30pm Oak Room East, Tressider Union, Stanford University Featured Panelists: Zulfiqar Ahmad (Senior Associate, National Institute) Khalil Barhoum (Coordinator, Middle Eastern and African Languages and Literature) Shalini Gera (Friends of South Asia) Marwan Hanania (Ph.D Candidate, Dept. of History) Sunaina Maira (Professor of Asian American Studies, UC Davis) Magid Shihade (Visiting Scholar, Middle East/South Asian Studies, UC Davis) Moderated By Veena Dubal (J.D./Ph.D Student, Boalt School of Law, UC Berkeley) This diverse panel will speak about the historical connections between India and Israel, their relationship to the Indian-Pakistani conflict and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the dangerous alliance between two religious nationalisms - Zionism and Hindutva, and the need for South Asian-Arab solidarity against Israeli apartheid in the struggle for justice. Don't miss what promises to be a fresh look at the broader implications of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict! For more details, view the event flyer Presented by Sanskriti - Stanford University, and co-sponsored by South Asians for the Liberation of Falastin, Friends of South Asia, South Bay Mobilization, Coalition for Justice in the Middle East (CJME), OASIS (Organization of Arab Students in Stanford), Pakistanis at Stanford, Students Confronting Apartheid in Israel, Muslim Student Awareness Network, Stanford (MSAN).
Right to Information (RTI) A talk by Magasaysay Award Winner Arvind Kejriwal Monday, October 16, 7pm Milpitas Public Library Community Room Arvind Kejriwal is an Indian social activist and founder of Parivartan, a New Delhi based citizen's movement working to ensure a just, transparent and accountable governance. He won the 2006 Ramon Magasaysay Award for Emergent Leadership, for his role in India's Right to Information movement, a campaign aimed to empower its poorest citizens to fight for justice and against corruption by holding the government answerable to its people. Co-sponsored by AID (Association for India's Development), and Friends of South Asia. For more details, visit event homepage
Ali Abunimah - One Country A bold proposal to end the Israeli-Palestinian Impasse book-reading/discussion Saturday, October 14, 2pm St. Paul's Methodist Church 405 S. Tenth St., San Jose Clear-eyed, sharply reasoned, and compassionate, One Country proposes a radical alternative: to revive an old and neglected idea of one state shared by two peoples. Ali Abunimah is a prominent Palestinian author, media voice, and frequent commentator on KPFA. He is the founder of Electronic Intifada, electronicintifada.net, an internet gateway about Palestine and the Palestine – Israeli conflict. Co-sponsored by South Bay Mobilization, Friends of South Asia, South Asians for Liberation of Falastin, and Alliance of South Asians Taking Action. For details, visit event homepage
Neoliberal Destructions A Talk by P. Sainath and Alexander Cockburn Monday, October 2, 6pm 370 Dwinelle Hall, University of California, Berkeley P. Sainath is Asia's leading development journalist, writing frequently about issues such as poverty and the effects of neo-liberalism on India. Through his work on the livelihoods of India's rural poor, Sainath has changed the nature of the development debate in his own country and across the world. Alexander Cockburn is the co-editor of CounterPunch, a nationally syndicated author, and is considered one of the foremost reporters and commentators on the left. Sponsored by Center for South Asia Studies, and the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at University of California, Berkeley, and co-sponsored by Association for India's Development, ASHA for Education, Friends of South Asia, Association of South Asian Political Activists, The Graduate School of Journalism, UC Berkeley For details visit event homepage
Eyewitness from Lebanon The Recent US Israeli War - A talk by Zeina Zaatari Friday, September 22, 7pm First Unitarian Church 160 N. Third St., San Jose Co-sponsored by Friends of South Asia, South Bay Mobilization, Global Justice Action Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church, National Council of Arab Americans, Coalition for Justice in the Middle East - Stanford, Peninsula Peace and Justice Center, South Asians for the Liberation of Falastin, Jewish Voice for Peace and International Solidarity Movement (Northern California Support Group). For details visit event homepage
Songs of Struggle A Talk and Multimedia Presentation by Subhendu Ghosh 25 Years of Pratidhwani - Music and Drama in the service of people's movements in India Saturday, September 23, 3pm Peacock Room, India Community Center, Milpitas, CA Subhendu Ghosh is a Hindustani Classical vocalist, dramatist, music director, cultural and social activist. Join us in celebrating 25 years of Pratidhwani - music and drama in the service of people's movements in India. For details, visit the event homepage
Third Annual Literary Evening & Joint Celebration of Indian and Pakistani Independence Days South Asian Writings on "Asymmetric Wars : Asymmetric Worlds" Saturday Aug 19, 2006, 5pm Milpitas Library Community Hall, Milpitas, CA Join local writers and poets in exploring themes that mark the times we are living through. For details on the theme, visit the Literary Evening mainpage View "Call for Submissions" Mailer
Stop the US-Israeli War in Lebanon and Gaza! Join the National Emergency March on Aug 12 11 am, Civic Center, San Francisco The arrogance with which the Israeli State can hold so many millions of lives hostage and take upon itself the task of "turning back the clock on Lebanon by 20 years" is astounding. The unstinting support of Israel by the US government, which is egging it on in its efforts, arming it to the hilt with new and massive weaponry, and scuttling all efforts towards a ceasefire, is outrageous. Join FOSA, South Bay Mobilization, and other community organizations at the National Emergency March in San Francisco on August 12, organized by the ANSWER Coalition. Rallies are to be held simultaneously in several major cities across the country, including Washington D.C., New York City, Chicago, San Franciso, Seattle and Los Angeles. For more info about the Aug 12 rally, visit http://www.actionsf.org Download flyers in English and Spanish, and get info about transportation from San Jose to San Francisco - visit the South Bay Mobilization homepage For more information on news, information, resources, and events and actions in the SF Bay Area, visit the FOSA messageboard on Lebanon
Protest FIA and GANA's invitations to Narendra Modi and Ashok Bhatt (more info) We at Friends of South Asia are alarmed at reports that FIA (Federation of Indian Associations) and GANA (Gujarati Associations of North America) have extended invitations to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat's Health Minister Ashok Bhatt, to attend the GANA convention on July 7-9, 2006. Please join us and an array of other organizations and individuals who believe in a secular, democratic and pluralistic South Asia, in registering your protest at these invitations. For more details, go here.
The People's Science Revolution: A talk by Prof A.P. Shukla (more info) Labor Activist, Writer, and Founder of Jan Vigyan Samiti Thursday July 6, 7pm, Milpitas Library Community Room Prof. Shukla is a leading figure in India's People's Science Movement (PSM). A former professor of Physics at IIT Kanpur, Prof. Shukla has made significant contributions to the philosophy of People's Science and has been active in labor movements and alternative development in India. The talk is organized jointly by Friends of South Asia and South Asians for Collective Action. For more information, visit the event homepage.
Reservation Policy in India for Socially and Economically Backward Communities (OBCs) June 9, 2006 - Press Release We believe that affirmative action policies such as reservations play a key role in the empowerment of historically marginalized communities. Hence we are disappointed and saddened by the recent spate of protests by students of elite institutions and urban professionals in India against the Indian federal government's proposed policy to provide reservations for an array of socially and economically disadvantaged communities, officially designated as Other Backward Classes (OBCs). We call upon members of the Indian/Indian American community to reject positions that seek to further upper-caste privilege at the expense of true social justice, and seek solutions that truly benefit ALL of Indian society. Visit FOSA's main webpage on reservations here.
A Conversation with BIJU MATHEW Labor Organizer, Anti-War Activist author of Taxi! Cabs and Capitalism in New York City (more info) SAT, MAY 13, 6-8 PM @ STANFORD A Panel Discussion and Q & A session on Taxi Driver Organizing featuring Biju Mathew & Seyoum Asrat and Kirpal Bajwa (taxi organizers in San Jose). Biju Mathew is a Professor at Rider University in New Jersey, a member of the Organizing Committee of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance and co-founder of the Forum of Inquilabi Leftists and Youth Solidarity Summer. He has written extensively, spoken and organized around issues such as communalism, immigration, labor issues, and against the war. He is the author of "Taxi! Cabs and Capitalism in New York City". The different events will feature book readings from Taxi!, as well as discussion on a wide array of topics including immigrant labor organizing, the anti-war movement, globalization, and sectarian politics. For more information about each of the different events, visit http://www.friendsofsouthasia.org/bijumathew
Kala Pul - The Black Bridge (a dramatic reading) FRI, MAY 5, 7.30 PM @ Mehran Restaurant, NEWARK SAT, MAY 6, 8 PM @ Cellspace, SAN FRANCISCO Friends of South Asia is co-sponsoring staged readings of the play, Kala Pul - The Black Bridge, a creation of San Francisco based playwright, Saqib Mausoof. Kala Pul chronicles the cultural, political, and religious conflicts of fictional characters in 21st century Karachi - a teeming metropolis of 15 million in Pakistan, which is a frontline state in the so-called "war on terrorism". The play is a kaleidoscope on the vibrant cultures of Karachi, described as one of the most violent cities of the world. The title, Kala Pul, is based on a bridge in the city which connects the affluent parts of the city to the lower income area. Arsalan (the protagonist) grew up under the shadows of the Kala Pul, caught between the two worlds of haves and have nots, one world of MTV inspired 'burgers' and other of the left behind fodder for the Kalashinikov culture. For more details, play synopsis, cast & crew info, and tickets, please visit http://www.kalapul.info
Victory over Hindu nationalists in California textbooks rewrite For details + background info, visit the CA Textbooks Issue Home Page UPDATE, Apr 30, 2006 - Press Release by FOSA and CAC, Court transcipt. - A recently-released transcript from the Superior Court of California reveals that the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and its allies have misled the media and public about the proceedings during the court hearing on April 21, 2006. At that hearing, the Superior Court of California in Sacramento denied the Hindu American Foundation (HAF)'s demand for a preliminary injunction against the publication of new sixth-grade textbooks. Apr 24, 2006 - Press Release by FOSA and CAC - The Superior Court of California in Sacramento has rejected the Hindu American Foundation (HAF)'s demand for a preliminary injunction against publication of new sixth-grade textbooks. Several community groups applauded this decision calling it a victory for secularism and pluralism, and a victory for the children of California. Mar 8, 2006 - Press Release by FOSA and CAC - Representatives of women’s groups and gender studies faculty held a press conference this afternoon at the State Board of Education (SBE) to commemorate International Women’s Day and to urge the Board to adopt textbooks that accurately depict the history of women’s struggle against oppression. Feb 28, 2006 - Press Release by FOSA and CAC - The intense struggle over the content of Indian history in California textbooks ended yesterday afternoon at 2 p.m. with the special committee of the California State Board of Education [SBE] voting unanimously to overturn a majority of contentious changes proposed by Hindu right-wing groups to California school textbooks.
Conversations with Biju Mathew Labor organizer, anti-war activist, author (more info) NEW EVENT: SAT, MAY 13, 6-8 PM @ STANFORD WEDS, APR 5, 7PM @ BERKELEY, FRI, APR 7, 7PM @ SAN FRANCISCO SAT APR 8, 3PM @ STANFORD UPDATE April 7, 5.30pm: The Stanford appearance is CANCELLED. See Cancellation Notice Biju Mathew is a Professor at Rider University in New Jersey, a member of the Organizing Committee of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance and co-founder of the Forum of Inquilabi Leftists and Youth Solidarity Summer. He has written extensively, spoken and organized around issues such as communalism, immigration, labor issues, and against the war. He is the author of "Taxi! Cabs and Capitalism in New York City". The different events will feature book readings from Taxi!, as well as discussion on a wide array of topics including immigrant labor organizing, the anti-war movement, globalization, and sectarian politics. For more information about each of the different events, visit http://www.friendsofsouthasia.org/bijumathew
Please Help Stop the Military Operation and Massacre in Balochistan Support Rallies to be held in US and Canada to Condemn the Actions of the Pakistani Government We are deeply concerned by the deteroriating situation and gross human rights violations in Balochistan where the Pakistani Army has started a military operation against innocent civilians. Nearly one-hundred people have been killed, many of them women and children. We implore that military operations be stopped immediately in order to prevent civilian casualties, and that media and human rights officials be allowed to visit the area in order to develop a free and objective assessment of the situation. A series of rallies are being organized across the US and Canada over the next few weeks. For more details click here.
FOSA Condemns Varanasi Bomb Blasts Mar 7, 2006 - We at Friends of South Asia very strongly condemn the serial bomb blasts that occured on March 7 in Varanasi, India. As members of South Asian community in Bay Area, we offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives in this senseless act of violence. We urge the Government of India to take necessary actions to bring justice to the victims of this tragedy. (news story from the BBC)
South Asian Earthquake, Oct 2005: Please Support Relief and Rehabilitation Efforts We at Friends of South Asia are shocked and appalled by the magnitude of the tragedy unleashed by the earthquake that hit the Kashmir region on Saturday October 8th. Tens of thousands are dead, with the count still rising, and the lives of millions of people in South Asia (spanning Pakistan, Afghanistan and India/Pakistan-administered Kashmir) have been devastated. In this hour of need we urge you to support the work of hundreds of numerous grassroots organizations and NGOs that are stepping up to provide relief and rehabilitation. Read FOSA's statement urging support for relief and rehabilitation efforts. Also, here's information on how YOU CAN contribute to these efforts.
BEYOND BORDERS A Benefit for Survivors of the South Asian Earthquake Saturday November 19, 7pm. Wheeler Auditorium, Berkeley Ekta and Friends of South Asia, along with a wide array of organizations in the SF Bay Area, including many groups of the South Asian Diaspora, have come together in order to show solidarity and work toward this important cause. By purchasing tickets to this benefit event, you get to attend a great concert featuring artists of varied styles and following - including Indian/Pakistani classical (vocal and instrumental), spoken word, dance, and much more. But more importantly, every dollar you contribute by way of ticket purchase or donation, will go directly towards earthquake relief . Read Press Release (Nov 8, 2005) here. For more info, visit http://ektaonline.org/beyondborders
Community Media and Social Justice Film Screening and Discussion with Stalin K., Drishti Media Collective (more info) Thursday Nov 17, 6pm @Stanford Friday Nov 18, 6pm @Berkeley Stalin K. is a community media activist, one of the founders of the Drishti Media Collective and a key spokesperson for the movement to democratize India’s airwaves. Stalin K. will screen his films “Gujarat- A Work in Progress” and “Lesser Humans / Venth Chetha” and speak about his work as an activist in the areas of literacy, mass popular education and women's empowerment. He will also discuss his work with "Video Volunteers" and the role of community media in empowering people to be partners in the development process and in the struggle for social justice. FOSA invites you to participate in this important discussion about the advocacy work of community media, particularly in a media landscape that has been colonized by corporate interests.
National March in San Francisco STOP the War in IRAQ! Saturday, Sept 24, 11am - San Francisco (more info) Friends of South Asia is participating in the National March in San Francisco organized by the ANSWER Coalition - which ties into coordinated mass-mobilization events all over the world to say NO to the War in Iraq and imperialist wars and occupation all over the world. FOSA will be participating as part of the APICAW (Asian and Pacific Islander Coalition Against War) "Strength in Unity" contingent, which is a coalition of Asian, Pacific Islander and South Asian individuals and organizations in the SF Bay Area.To join us, come to the march and look for the "South Asians against the War" banner. Details are still under development. Watch this space for more info or contact us via email at mail<at>friendsofsouthasia<dot>org.
Self Determination in South Asia A panel discussion Saturday September 10, 5.30pm, San Francisco Join us for a panel discussion featuring Vijay Prashad, Angana Chatterji, Abdul Nayyar and Snehal Shingavi, who will talk about South Asia's struggle against US-led imperialism, specifically against pro-imperialist Indian elites, the implications of the latest nuclear arms trade agreement between India and the US on the people of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the rest of South Asia, especially women, the role of South Asia in US imperialist ambitions, and the other opportunities this presents to build Indian communism and fight the agenda of the global ruling class. (more info)
Celebrate Peace India - Pakistan Joint Independence Day Celebration Sunday August 28, 5-8pm, Berkeley Featuring a concert by the desi Pop/Rock band - ANTARIKSH (more info) Join us for a Concert for Peace that hopes to start and deepen conversations within South Asian communities of the SF Bay Area on the subject of peace and justice in South Asia. The event is being organized by a coalition of bay area organizations dedicated to the promotion of South Asian unity, including - Friends of South Asia, EKTA, Association for India's Development (SF BayArea chapter), Alliance of South Asians Taking Action (ASATA), and International House at UC Berkeley. For more details visit http://www.friendsofsouthasia.org/independenceday
War and Peace / Jang Aur Aman A film by Anand Patwardhan Wednesday, June 8, 7pm, San Francisco Filmed over three tumultuous years in India, Pakistan, Japan and the USA following nuclear tests in the sub-continent, War and Peace is a documentary journey of peace activism in the face of global militarism and war. More info at http://www.ektaonline.org/events/patwardhan/locus/
Indo-Pak Peace Solidarity March San Francisco, Sunday May 15, 1pm Join us for a ~3 mile march starting at Mission St/16th St BART [map] and ending at Gadar Memorial Hall in Japantown [map]. Join the South Asian community in the SF Bay Area and show your solidarity to the marchers in India and Pakistan, who are threading across the subcontinent on a 6-week mission of establishing people-to-people contact, negating the tendencies of distrust, hatred and enmity, and spreading the message of peace and harmony. More details at the Indo-Pak peace march mainpage.
Indo - Pak People's Peace March, 2005 New Delhi to Multan - Mar 23 thru May 11 Through six weeks, Indians and Pakistanis from all walks of life will march together for peace, starting at New Delhi, India and ending in Multan, Pakistan. The march hopes to provide a unique opportunity for people-to-people contact, for people to inter-mingle, reflect on, and negate the destructive tendencies of distrust, hatred, and enmity, and spread the message of peace and harmony. The march is a grass-roots initiative for peace and friendship, coordinated by the Indian and Pakistani chapters of the Pakistan-India People's Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD), in association with a broad array of supporting organizations. A core marching team of about 100 Pakistanis and Indians will lead the march, to be joined by thousands of people at different villages, towns and cities enroute. We at Friends of South Asia stand in solidarity with the peace march, and share the renewed hope for lasting peace in the region. FOSA is considering various ways to build momentum around the march, and hopes to mobilize the South Asian diaspora in the SF Bay Area for solidarity events in parallel with the march. Visit our Indo-Pak Peace March main-page for more information. Related Links: Read FOSA's goodwill statement to the march, here. You can find press releases and continuous updates from the march at http://www.thesouthasian.org/indo_pak_peace.html Info about the march and related solidarity efforts can also be found at http://peace.aidindia.org/
Second Annual Literary Evening Local writers and poets explored themes that marked the times we are living through. (details) What: South Asian Writings on War and Terrorism When: Saturday April 16, 2005, 5pm Where: Room 104, Gates Bldg., Stanford University For details on the theme and works featured, visit the Literary Evening main-page.
Coalition Against Genocide Support the coalition's demand for revocation of invitation to Indian Politician accused of responsibility in the Gujarat Pogroms of 2002 Narendra Modi' s visa revoked! The efforts of various organizations and individuals that had come together to demand accountability and justice came to a sort of fruition, when the US embassy denied a diplomatic visa to Narendra Modi, as well as revoking his tourist and business visa with immediate effect. The reason given by the US was "serious violation of religious freedom". (details) The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) has invited Narendra Modi as Chief Guest at its annual convention on March 24, 2005. As Chief Minister of Gujarat, Modi's complicity in the 2002 Gujarat pogroms is well known. The Coalition Against Genocide is an effort to protest this attempt to clean up Modi's 'public image' by AAHOA and its allied organizations. Please visit the coalition's website at http://coalitionagainstgenocide.org for details and sign its online petition at http://www.coalitionagainstgenocide.org/petition.php

The basic mission of the "Friends of South Asia" is to achieve a peaceful, prosperous, and hate-free South Asia. The group works towards a demilitarized, nuclear-free South Asia; bringing together people with roots in various parts of South Asia, as well as other well-wishers of the region.

FOSA promotes respect for and celebrates the diversity and plurality of South Asia, promoting amity between countries and communities and working towards a South Asia where the rights of all minorities are respected and protected; regardless of religious, ethnic, sexual or other differences.

FOSA stands in solidarity with other like-minded organizations working on the ground in South Asia; amongst the South Asian diaspora around the world; as well as organizations that share our aspirations for a peaceful world--a world in which every human being can live a full and fruitful life without fear or hindrance.

FOSA aspires to work through people-to-people contacts, dialog, and other non-violent, non-exclusionary means.