Events

Previous Events

The Caste Crisis: In Conversation with Thenmozhi Soundararajan

On 23 February 2021, Thenmozhi Soundararajan, Executive Director at Equality Labs, spoke to Shireen Azam, a DPhil Candidate at the University of Oxford, about the caste crisis in India, its global manifestations and its gendered impact.

A full recording of the event can be accessed here.

Poetry of Resistance: Virtual Open Mic

On 21 February 2021, to mark International Mother Language day, we brought back a Hilary Term favourite in virtual form--our open mic poetry event! This year, we were joined by an incredible group of poets presenting their poetry in different languages, including Akhil Katyal, Taj Baloch, Iqra Khilji, Yashi, Sabika Abbas Naqvi, Mohini Gupta, and Nabiya Khan. We also invited participants to present poetry or songs in their mother-tongues, to join us in our celebration of South Asia’s rich ethno-linguistic diversity. The broad theme of the event was 'Poetry of Resistance', an exploration of the fascinating literary and oral traditions that have evolved from protests.

A full recording of the event can be accessed here.

Panel Discussion on Farmers' Protests in India

In 2020, farmers' protests against the Indian government's new farm laws intensified. An estimated 250 million citizens participating in a 24-hour general strike on November 26 to demand repeal of the new laws which leave the farmers vulnerable to predatory private corporations. But what are these new farm laws and why are the farmers protesting? In this panel discussion co-organised by the Oxford India Society and the Oxford South Asian Society about the farmers' protests in India, the panelists address these questions. The panelists included Amandeep Sandhu (Novelist & Writer), Kawalpreet Kaur (Lawyer & Student Activist), Navkiran Natt (Student & Youth Activist) and Prof Pritam Singh (Professor of Economics).

You can access a full recording of the panel discussion here.

Oxford Protest in Solidarity with Indian Farmers

The society co-organised a COVID-secure protest in University Parks to express solidarity with the protesting farmers in India. The gathering was addressed by Prof Pritam Singh, who explained the pro-agro business and anti-farmer content of the three farming laws, Dr Nikita Sud, who highlighted that parliamentary procedure was not followed in the enactment of these laws and Mr Gurdeep Singh Saini, the Secretary of the Oxford Singh Sabha, who requested for moral and material support for the protesting farmers. Finally, a solidarity statement, endorsed by over 150 current and former student, staff and faculty members of the University of Oxford, was read by Sameer.

Hate in the Time of a Pandemic | Panel Discussion

The society organised a panel discussion on the politics of hate and stigmatisation of religious minorities in South Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel saw Arfa Khanum Sherwani (India), Usman Ahmad (Pakistan) and Dilrukshi Handunnetti (Sri Lanka) share their thoughts and experiences.

Exiled: The Plight of Rohingya Muslims | Screening and Discussion with the Director

The society screened the documentary 'Exiled', which tells the story of the Rohingya by exploring the role of military dictatorship, propaganda, Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims living side-by-side, and survival at all costs. We were joined by the Director of the documentary, Ms Shahida Tulaganova, who spoke about her experience shooting the documentary.

Afghan Peace Process: Views from Afghanistan

The society hosted Mr. Naveed Noormal, First Secretary at the Embassy of Afghanistan in London, to speak on the Afghan Peace Process and issues incidental thereto.

LGBTQ+ Rights in South Asia

The society hosted Jo Krishnakumar (India), Muhammad Salman Khan and Aradhiya Khan (Pakistan), and Aritha Wickramasinghe (Sri Lanka) for a conversation on LBGTQ+ Rights in South Asia, to mark the LGBTQ+ History Month in the United Kingdom.

Poetry of Resistance: Open Mic & Social

On the occasion of the International Mother Language Day, the society brought Oxford's South Asian community together for an evening of poetry and songs on resistance, over desi food. It was a celebration of thought-provoking poems and songs of resistance composed in South Asian languages.

Sedition Law: Crushing Dissent in Pakistan

The society hosted Dr Ayesha Siddiqui, Dr Mahvish Ahmad, Mr Asad Jamal (virtually) and Mr Mohsin Dawar (virtually) for a conversation on sedition laws in Pakistan and their use against members of grassroots movements like the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement to crush dissent.

International Law and Conflicts in South Asia: In Conversation with Ahmer Bilal Soofi

The society hosted Ahmer Bilal Soofi, who served as a caretaker Federal Law Minister of Pakistan and is the founding President of Research Society of International Law. He spoke about the role of legal diplomacy and international law in addressing various issues plaguing the South Asian region, including disputes concerning territory, religion, trade, environment and interference in internal affairs.

Ram Ke Naam: Film Screening & Discussion on the Ayodhya Verdict

In the backdrop of the recent ruling of the Supreme Court of India in the Ayodhya dispute, the Oxford South Asian Society screened the documentary 'In the Name of God' (Ram Ke Naam). The screening was followed by an informal discussion on the Supreme Court’s verdict and its implications. We were joined via Skype by Mr Muhammad Isa Hakim, a lawyer at the Supreme Court of India. He has been active in advocacy and litigation on minority rights in India.

Role of the US in South Asia: In Conversation with Ambassador Ali Jehangir Siddiqui

The society hosted Ali Jehangir Siddiqui, Pakistan's Ambassador at Large for Foreign Investment. He spoke about the role that the US plays in South Asia, focussing particularly on US involvement in the Afghanistan conflict, the relationship that Pakistan shares with the US in relation to Afghanistan and otherwise, and how the US could influence India-Pakistan relations.

Two Months On: Caged Kashmir | In Conversation with Kavita Krishnan

The society hosted Ms Kavita Krishnan, Secretary of the All India Progressive Women's Association and Polit Bureau Member of CPI-ML. She spoke about the aftermath of India's decision to render Article 370 - a provision granting the state of Jammu & Kashmir special status - toothless and the imposition of a communications lockdown in the region.

Policy Workshop on South Asia

The society organized a Policy Memo Initiative, where students of Oxford were given a platform to work on policy memos relating to issues concerning the South Asian region. The memos analysed how certain issues manifested across the region and how collaboration and consensus can be built to address the issues. The broad themes addressed included:

1: Rich Culture of South Asia; Source of Cohesion and Utility

2: Climate Change; Building Resilience in South Asia

3: Bridging the gaps in South Asia through Economic Cooperation

4: Strengthening of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

5: Balance of Power in South Asia

6: Just Solution of Kashmir Problem

7: Peace and Stability in Afghanistan; Source of Prosperity in South Asia

8: Opportunities to increase intrinsic and instrumental value of education in South Asia

Dance of Democracy: Indian Election Result Live-Screening

The society live-screened the results of the 2019 Indian elections - the world's biggest democratic exercise. It was followed by an informal discussion on what the results mean for South Asia.

In Conversation with Sh. Prithviraj Chavan, Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, India

The society hosted a talk by Mr. Prithviraj Chavan, Former Chief Minister of the State of Maharashtra, India on the upcoming Indian elections and its impact on South Asian politics.

Conversation over Kehwa - Session 3: Intervention of Western Powers in the Geopolitics of South Asia

Members of the society sat over a cup of Kehwa to discuss how the intervention of Western Powers influences the geopolitics of South Asia.

Conversation over Kehwa - Session 2: Dance of democracies | Elections in South Asia

Members of the society sat over a cup of Kehwa to discuss about the question - how elections have changed across South Asia.

Conversation over Kehwa - Session 1: Is Kashmir issue a hurdle to Peace and Co-operation in South Asia?

Members of the society sat over a cup of Kehwa and discussed the question - "Is the Kashmir Issue a Hurdle to Peace & Cooperation in South Asia?"

In Conversation with Mr. Fawad Chaudhary, Federal Minister of Information Broadcasting, Pakistan

The society hosted Mr. Fawad Chaudhary, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Pakistan in association with the Oxford Pakistan Society. He spoke about the rule of media in shaping public policy.

In Conversation with Lt General Nasir Khan Janjua, Outgoing National Security Adviser, Pakistan

The society hosted Lt General Nasir Khan Janjua, Outgoing National Security Adviser of Pakistan. This was a round table conversation event attended by students from across the South Asian region.

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