A recent panel discussion highlights the key challenges facing Southasia’s social movements from modern day genocide to environmental justice. There was no shortage of ideas as activists and experts unpacked these urgent issues
By Pragyan Srivastava / Sapan News Network
“Bangladesh’s biggest political changes have emerged through mass movements, not traditional political channels,” said Khushi Kabir, a prominent Bangladeshi activist and head of the nonprofit Nijera Kori.
She was speaking at ‘The Next Wave’, a virtual panel discussion bringing together renowned activists and scholars from across Southasia to explore the rise and impact of social movements shaping the region.
Hosted by the Southasia Peace Action Network, or Sapan, Sunday, Oct. 27, the event highlighted the shared struggles for democracy, human rights, and social justice, and showcased how grassroots actions resonate across borders in countries of the region – India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Nepal.
Event host Uditha Devapriya in Colombo drew attention to a lineage of social movements that have defined Southasia’s political landscape, from India’s 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act protests to Sri Lanka’s historic Aragalaya movement, a series of demonstrations sparked by the nation’s economic collapse in 2022.
Faisal M. Lalani, a global community organiser with extensive experience in digital rights and policy, moderated the panel, which provided a rare opportunity to examine the catalysts of these movements and the individuals driving them.
Repression
Kabir underscored that movements often arise from repression and the denial of basic rights, and referenced significant uprisings, from the 1952 Language Movement to the recent July Revolution, which saw people rally against a government that had disregarded public opinion.
Sri Lankan climate activist Melani Gunathilaka, co-founder of Climate Action Now Sri Lanka, recounted her experiences during the Aragalaya protests. She described how local protests across the country gained momentum, ultimately leading to a national movement that forced then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign.
The grassroots efforts by groups such as farmers, students, and teachers demonstrate the power of collective action even in the face of repressive regimes, emphasised Gunathilaka.
“We have seen protests by so many working-class people in Sri Lanka, and also the environmental movement… against various issues pertaining to the environment and human rights.”
All these events also give strength and assurance to others that it is possible for people to speak up, “especially when the governments are repressive and tyrannical,” she added.
Nepali digital rights advocate Dovan Rai, director at Body & Data, highlighted the intersectional nature of movements in Nepal, where economic, cultural, and political grievances converge. Rai explained that the complexity of current civil society movements makes them difficult to unify under a single cause, particularly as they address broad themes such as democracy and identity politics.
For long-term success, Rai argued, movements need a cohesive framework that connects diverse voices, from indigenous communities to Dalits and women.
Indian author and academic Swati Narayan, whose recently published book Unequal: Why India Lags Behind Its Neighbours analyses regional inequalities, discussed the anti-colonial roots shared across Southasia. Narayan pointed out that movements in Northern India, like the farmer protests, contrast with anti-caste and women’s rights movements in the South. She attributed these differences to historical influences, including missionary work and British land practices, which fostered stronger foundations for equality in the southern states.
Vision for change
Pakistani historian and activist Dr. Ammar Ali Jan underscored the need for transformative ideas in modern activism. Jan, a vocal critic of authoritarianism, emphasised the importance of moving beyond resistance toward “affirmative movements” with a vision for positive societal change.
“The system has shown remarkable endurance, often co-opting protests,” he noted, referencing global movements like the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street.
Jan proposed rethinking activism through a constructive, forward-thinking lens that transcends traditional protest.
Sapan’s The Next Wave underscored the urgency of addressing democracy, human rights, and governance across Southasia. Each speaker highlighted the need to create inclusive spaces for change, sharing insights that illuminated the interconnected nature of Southasia’s struggles. The event concluded with a call for regional solidarity, encouraging continued dialogue and cooperation.
This powerful discussion reaffirmed the Southasia Peace mission of fostering peace, unity, and human rights across Southasia, making it clear that the legacy of activism in the region is as strong as ever.
Southasia Peace Action Network is holding a webinar Sunday, 24 November on the challenges facing Bangladesh and how to build unity. Register and join us!
Pragyan Srivastava is an Indian journalist who recently obtained her master’s in communications at Rutgers University as a Fulbright-Nehru Master’s scholar. With extensive experience in digital storytelling, social media, and television production, she is passionate about creating authentic and powerful stories about Southasia, aiming to foster understanding and connection through compelling narratives.
LEAD PHOTO:Images from various civil protests in Southasia. Collage by Pragyan Srivastava
This is a Sapan News syndicated feature available for republication with due credit http://www.sapannews.com.
Note on Southasia as one word: We use ‘Southasia’ as one word, “seeking to restore some of the historical unity of our common living space, without wishing any violence on the existing nation states” – Himal Southasian.
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