Unfazed by conflicts, small group of teens under Sapan quietly working together across borders to share vision for peace
He was from amongst nearly a dozen young people from around the region who came together in an inspiring display of cross-border solidarity from across Southasia at a series of dialogues organised by the Southasia Peace Action Network, known as Sapan.
Having a dialogue amongst them for nearly two weeks, the group also created a collaborative poster titled 'A Moment of Peace'.
They participated in online event 'What does peace mean to young Southasians' and 'With conflict dominating public narrative, young Southasians reimagine peace across borders'where young speakers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka shared personal narratives, political reflections, and ideas for building peace in the region.
'We cannot talk about peace and prosperity in Southasia unless we meaningfully include its youth, who represent nearly half of the population,' said event host Sarita Bartula, a Nepali-origin Sapan founding member and twice former President of Youth Initiative Nepal. Her words underscore the urgency of listening to and empowering the region's future leaders.
From Bangladesh, student activist Prapti shared a passionate reflection on the 2024 'Monsoon Revolution' that led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
She called for linking peace with justice. 'There is no peace without justice,' she declared, drawing attention to the ongoing struggles of Bangladesh's indigenous communities and youth activists.
From Delhi, Amber added a deeply personal perspective, reflecting on her family's migration from what is now Pakistan and her dual religious identity as the daughter of a Muslim mother and Hindu father.
'I am my grandmother's granddaughter, a listener, a bridge between many stories,' she said.
Her words captured the spirit of the gathering: rooted in memory, hopeful for change, and committed to unity beyond borders.
From Nepal, Arya drew attention to how peace is freedom and simple acts like banding together over music and art are also manifestations of peace. To her peace is not just personal but it is a joint connection.
Onali from Sri Lanka recounted how ordinary citizens merely reached out to one another during conflict and established a dialogue with each other which provided a huge boost to the recovery process in Sri Lanka.
Providing historical context, Kabir from Delhi reminded participants that 'Peace and power are bed fellows'. He emphasised that the definition of peace is well known but frequently violated by powerful interests.
From Lahore, Noor expressed her growing concerns over the role of the media while highlighting how vulnerable the public is to propaganda when triggered or emotionally aroused.
Sher in Islamabad underscored the importance of bringing young people together to discuss the role of climate change and spoke about how crucial it is to collaborate with each other to confront universal problems.
All participants emphatically expressed that their power is in their numbers, their choices and above all in their own individual and collective voices.
Moderated by peacebuilder Ranjini, a consultant in Delhi, the event created a safe, open space for young voices to be heard and respected by elders and peers alike. Participants spoke of generational trauma, the meaning of trust, and the need for demilitarisation and people-to-people dialogue.
Sapan founding member Lalita Ramdas, 84, shared the Sapan Founding Charter that calls for governments across the region to let people meet, trade, and travel. Speaking with a photo of her late husband, former Indian Navy Chief Admiral Ramu Ramdas behind her, she said that his dearest wish was for India and Pakistan to have good neighbourly relations.
'One often speaks of the 'perspective of youth' but how often does one actually hear them.
It was elevating to listen to multiple young people speak of their vision of peace – their views were diverse, thoughtful and often inspiring,' commented Sapan founder member Salima Hashmi.
The event reaffirmed the belief upheld by Sapan members that young people are not just the future, but active agents of change. As tensions across Southasia remain high, the voices of its youth offer not only critique but also the vision for peace that is just, inclusive, and transformative.
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