Habiba Naznin Mithila
Kathmandu, 7 December 2024 — The inaugural South Asia Foundation (SAF) alumni meet concluded in Kathmandu on December 6, bringing together around 300 scholars and professionals from across the region. The three-day event, held from December 4 to 6, underscored the importance of fostering regional cooperation and the pivotal role of Bangladesh in advancing South Asian unity and collaboration.
The Bangladeshi delegation, comprising 25 members, was led by former foreign secretary and SAF-Bangladesh chairperson, Ambassador Farooq Sobhan. Other notable members included SAF-Bangladesh Vice Chair Khushi Kabir, SAF Secretary Mohammad Zakaria, and a diverse group of journalists, artists, professors, researchers, engineers, foresters, and lawyers.
Strengthening academic and professional bonds
The meet aimed to reconnect SAF alumni, encouraging the exchange of ideas, experiences, and potential collaborations. Participants from various fields showcased their professional accomplishments and discussed opportunities for future cooperation in academia and other sectors.
A highlight of the event was the visit by Bangladeshi journalists, who had studied at the Asian College of Journalism in Chennai, to Nepal’s prominent media group, Kantipur Publications Limited. During the visit, journalists from Bangladesh and Nepal shared insights on the political and social landscapes of their respective countries and examined global challenges facing the field of journalism.
Art and culture in focus
The alumni meet also featured a South Asian Art Exhibition at the Sidharth Art Gallery in Kathmandu. Artists from across the region displayed their works, with Bangladeshi artists Mainul Islam and Shimul Shaha presenting notable pieces that reflected the rich cultural heritage of the nation.
SAF’s legacy of regional collaboration
The South Asia Foundation, recognized as an apex organization under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), has played a crucial role in promoting educational and cultural ties across the region. Over the past two decades, SAF has awarded scholarships to nearly 800 scholars from South Asia, enabling them to pursue higher education in countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The Kathmandu event reaffirmed SAF’s mission to strengthen regional bonds. Bangladesh’s active participation was praised by attendees, highlighting the country’s steadfast commitment to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among South Asian nations.
As the alumni dispersed, the spirit of collaboration and shared progress resonated, paving the way for future initiatives in education, culture, and professional development in South Asia.
