Beena Sarwar
@beenasarwar.bsky.social
Journalist, teacher, artist, filmmaker. Founder editor SapanNews.com; bsky.app/profile/sapannews.bsky.social; Co-founder, curator southasiapeace.com
#Pakistan, #India, #Southasia #Peace #socialmedia #democracy #humanrights #gender
#Pakistan, #India, #Southasia #Peace #socialmedia #democracy #humanrights #gender
Reposted by Beena Sarwar
Awesome news!!
Amazing news! 'Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines' was just selected by Goa Short Film Festival Nov. 15 – 16, 2025, via FilmFreeway.com!
#SriLanka #DemocracyInDebt #BeyondtheHeadlines @southasiapeace.bsky.social @pulitzercenter.org @sapannews.bsky.social
#SriLanka #DemocracyInDebt #BeyondtheHeadlines @southasiapeace.bsky.social @pulitzercenter.org @sapannews.bsky.social
Film Festivals, Screenplay Contests, Submissions
Enter the world's best film festivals and screenplay contests. FilmFreeway makes it easy to discover, submit and get tickets to thousands of events.
FilmFreeway.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Awesome news!!
Amazing news! 'Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines' was just selected by Goa Short Film Festival Nov. 15 – 16, 2025, via FilmFreeway.com!
#SriLanka #DemocracyInDebt #BeyondtheHeadlines @southasiapeace.bsky.social @pulitzercenter.org @sapannews.bsky.social
#SriLanka #DemocracyInDebt #BeyondtheHeadlines @southasiapeace.bsky.social @pulitzercenter.org @sapannews.bsky.social
Film Festivals, Screenplay Contests, Submissions
Enter the world's best film festivals and screenplay contests. FilmFreeway makes it easy to discover, submit and get tickets to thousands of events.
FilmFreeway.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Amazing news! 'Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines' was just selected by Goa Short Film Festival Nov. 15 – 16, 2025, via FilmFreeway.com!
#SriLanka #DemocracyInDebt #BeyondtheHeadlines @southasiapeace.bsky.social @pulitzercenter.org @sapannews.bsky.social
#SriLanka #DemocracyInDebt #BeyondtheHeadlines @southasiapeace.bsky.social @pulitzercenter.org @sapannews.bsky.social
My first story for @cambridgeday.com - published with @sapannews.bsky.social (how do we get that dot com at the end?)
#interfaith #Eid #Diwali #CambridgeMA
#interfaith #Eid #Diwali #CambridgeMA
“We are one humanity, one struggle. And I’m proud to say that everything has been put together by the young people.”
Two worlds touch at Cambridge Diwali-Eid event - Sapan News
By Beena Sarwar/Sapan News CAMBRIDGE, Mass.: Some 300 festively dressed Cantabrigians and neighbors gathered at Cambridge’s Reservoir Church on Saturday for the annual Diwali-Eid Cultural program, an ...
sapannews.com
October 13, 2025 at 4:28 PM
My first story for @cambridgeday.com - published with @sapannews.bsky.social (how do we get that dot com at the end?)
#interfaith #Eid #Diwali #CambridgeMA
#interfaith #Eid #Diwali #CambridgeMA
8 Oct. 2025 6 am Palestine time, the Israeli army captured 91 journalists, health workers and crew aboard the Conscience, including Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahidul Alam. A statement calling for their release will be released Thurs. Oct. 9 am Dhaka time docs.google.com/document/d/1...
October 8, 2025 at 9:07 PM
8 Oct. 2025 6 am Palestine time, the Israeli army captured 91 journalists, health workers and crew aboard the Conscience, including Bangladeshi photographer and activist Shahidul Alam. A statement calling for their release will be released Thurs. Oct. 9 am Dhaka time docs.google.com/document/d/1...
How lovely! Newport Jazz Fest, Days 1 & 2 - Photos by Maha Shahid eastgreenwichnews.com/newport-jazz...
Newport Jazz Fest, Days 1 & 2 – East Greenwich News
Above: Josh Lane of Thee Sacred Souls in the crowd at the Quad stage Friday (8/1/25). Photo by Maha Shahid Classic cool jazz and red hot Roots The weather gods decided to play nice for the three days ...
eastgreenwichnews.com
August 8, 2025 at 7:40 AM
How lovely! Newport Jazz Fest, Days 1 & 2 - Photos by Maha Shahid eastgreenwichnews.com/newport-jazz...
What about a “buddy system” to support individuals who live alone, to check in from time to time?
RIP actor #HumairaAsgharAli, 42. Had 728k followers on IG, no personal contact since Oct. ‘24, found dead in #Karachi apt after landlord with court orders broke in w police for nonpayment of rent
RIP actor #HumairaAsgharAli, 42. Had 728k followers on IG, no personal contact since Oct. ‘24, found dead in #Karachi apt after landlord with court orders broke in w police for nonpayment of rent
July 11, 2025 at 3:10 AM
What about a “buddy system” to support individuals who live alone, to check in from time to time?
RIP actor #HumairaAsgharAli, 42. Had 728k followers on IG, no personal contact since Oct. ‘24, found dead in #Karachi apt after landlord with court orders broke in w police for nonpayment of rent
RIP actor #HumairaAsgharAli, 42. Had 728k followers on IG, no personal contact since Oct. ‘24, found dead in #Karachi apt after landlord with court orders broke in w police for nonpayment of rent
Join us this Sunday for this important and relevant discussion #Bangladesh #women #patriarchy
@southasiapeace.bsky.social
@southasiapeace.bsky.social
Patriarchal Backlash: Bangladeshi Women Speak Out
Date: Sunday, 29 June 2025 Time: 10 am ET, 3 pm UKT, 7:00 pm PKT, 7:45 pm NPT, 7:30 pm IST , 8 pm BDT Register to join via Zoom: Register Across Southasia, as women contribute to social and political movements and make significant strides, they…
Date: Sunday, 29 June 2025 Time: 10 am ET, 3 pm UKT, 7:00 pm PKT, 7:45 pm NPT, 7:30 pm IST , 8 pm BDT Register to join via Zoom: Register Across Southasia, as women contribute to social and political movements and make significant strides, they…
Patriarchal Backlash: Bangladeshi Women Speak Out
Date: Sunday, 29 June 2025 Time: 10 am ET, 3 pm UKT, 7:00 pm PKT, 7:45 pm NPT, 7:30 pm IST , 8 pm BDT Register to join via Zoom: Register Across Southasia, as women contribute to social and political movements and make significant strides, they also face resistance. Women's voices often trigger the patriarchal power structures in all the dynamics of society, whether religious, social, or political.
southasiapeace.com
June 27, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Join us this Sunday for this important and relevant discussion #Bangladesh #women #patriarchy
@southasiapeace.bsky.social
@southasiapeace.bsky.social
Reposted by Beena Sarwar
Patriarchal Backlash: Bangladeshi Women Speak Out
Date: Sunday, 29 June 2025 Time: 10 am ET, 3 pm UKT, 7:00 pm PKT, 7:45 pm NPT, 7:30 pm IST , 8 pm BDT Register to join via Zoom: Register Across Southasia, as women contribute to social and political movements and make significant strides, they…
Date: Sunday, 29 June 2025 Time: 10 am ET, 3 pm UKT, 7:00 pm PKT, 7:45 pm NPT, 7:30 pm IST , 8 pm BDT Register to join via Zoom: Register Across Southasia, as women contribute to social and political movements and make significant strides, they…
Patriarchal Backlash: Bangladeshi Women Speak Out
Date: Sunday, 29 June 2025 Time: 10 am ET, 3 pm UKT, 7:00 pm PKT, 7:45 pm NPT, 7:30 pm IST , 8 pm BDT Register to join via Zoom: Register Across Southasia, as women contribute to social and political movements and make significant strides, they also face resistance. Women's voices often trigger the patriarchal power structures in all the dynamics of society, whether religious, social, or political.
southasiapeace.com
June 27, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Patriarchal Backlash: Bangladeshi Women Speak Out
Date: Sunday, 29 June 2025 Time: 10 am ET, 3 pm UKT, 7:00 pm PKT, 7:45 pm NPT, 7:30 pm IST , 8 pm BDT Register to join via Zoom: Register Across Southasia, as women contribute to social and political movements and make significant strides, they…
Date: Sunday, 29 June 2025 Time: 10 am ET, 3 pm UKT, 7:00 pm PKT, 7:45 pm NPT, 7:30 pm IST , 8 pm BDT Register to join via Zoom: Register Across Southasia, as women contribute to social and political movements and make significant strides, they…
Join us Sunday to talk about an issue relevant beyond #Bangladesh - #patriarchal challenges and #women #speakout
SUNDAY 29 June 2025
Patriarchal Backlash: Bangladeshi Women Speak Out
10 am ET, 8 pm BDT
Speakers:
Shakila Khatun, youth activist
Maheen Sultan, Reform Commission on Women’s Affairs
Dr. Fawzia Moslem, President, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad
Shireen Huq, Chair, Reform Commission on Women’s Affairs
Patriarchal Backlash: Bangladeshi Women Speak Out
10 am ET, 8 pm BDT
Speakers:
Shakila Khatun, youth activist
Maheen Sultan, Reform Commission on Women’s Affairs
Dr. Fawzia Moslem, President, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad
Shireen Huq, Chair, Reform Commission on Women’s Affairs
June 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Join us Sunday to talk about an issue relevant beyond #Bangladesh - #patriarchal challenges and #women #speakout
The unfulfilled creative promise and potential of Southasia through art and film
Salima Hashmi and Manmeet K. Walia will participate in a panel at SOAS on 18 June. They will also conduct a curatorial walkthrough at the SOAS Gallery on 21 June, before the show closes
Salima Hashmi and Manmeet K. Walia will participate in a panel at SOAS on 18 June. They will also conduct a curatorial walkthrough at the SOAS Gallery on 21 June, before the show closes
The unfulfilled creative promise and potential of Southasia through art and film
Salima Hashmi and Manmeet K. Walia will participate in a panel at SOAS on 18 June. They will also conduct a curatorial walkthrough at the SOAS Gallery on 21 June, before the show closes
beenasarwar.com
June 18, 2025 at 7:36 PM
The unfulfilled creative promise and potential of Southasia through art and film
Salima Hashmi and Manmeet K. Walia will participate in a panel at SOAS on 18 June. They will also conduct a curatorial walkthrough at the SOAS Gallery on 21 June, before the show closes
Salima Hashmi and Manmeet K. Walia will participate in a panel at SOAS on 18 June. They will also conduct a curatorial walkthrough at the SOAS Gallery on 21 June, before the show closes
Our Sri Lanka documentary is going to Pune Film Fest. Our peace appeal is gaining traction. And India and Pakistan need to talk.
Beyond ‘Ceasefire’ – India and Pakistan must talk. For the sake of the people. Plus some good news
First, the good news. Our Pulitzer Center-supported documentary 'Democracy in Debt: SriLanka Beyond the Headlines' has just been selected by the Pune Short Film Festival 2025, June 2. It has also been selected for the Asian Talent International Film Fest 2025, Oct. 5, in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, and was earlier screened at the Fifth Kerala Short Film Festival 2025, held in March.
beenasarwar.com
May 23, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Our Sri Lanka documentary is going to Pune Film Fest. Our peace appeal is gaining traction. And India and Pakistan need to talk.
Amazing news! Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines selected by #Pune Short Film Festival. Also #Kerala Film Fest, and #Asian Talent International Film Fest 2025
Trailer here: youtu.be/ax1OvuWWqVE
via FilmFreeway.com
Trailer here: youtu.be/ax1OvuWWqVE
via FilmFreeway.com
youtu.be
May 23, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Amazing news! Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines selected by #Pune Short Film Festival. Also #Kerala Film Fest, and #Asian Talent International Film Fest 2025
Trailer here: youtu.be/ax1OvuWWqVE
via FilmFreeway.com
Trailer here: youtu.be/ax1OvuWWqVE
via FilmFreeway.com
Reposted by Beena Sarwar
For immediate release: Appeal for India and Pakistan to Stop Hostilities and Talk Gains Global Traction
southasiapeace.com/2025/05/20/a...
southasiapeace.com/2025/05/20/a...
May 19, 2025 at 9:17 PM
For immediate release: Appeal for India and Pakistan to Stop Hostilities and Talk Gains Global Traction
southasiapeace.com/2025/05/20/a...
southasiapeace.com/2025/05/20/a...
Rally for peace: #India #Pakistan
#Vancouver #Canada 12 May
Organised by peace loving community organisations and individuals
p.s. Join the appeal
www.change.org/p/india-paki...
#stophostilities #dialogue #accountability #Pahalgam #Kashmir
#Vancouver #Canada 12 May
Organised by peace loving community organisations and individuals
p.s. Join the appeal
www.change.org/p/india-paki...
#stophostilities #dialogue #accountability #Pahalgam #Kashmir
May 12, 2025 at 3:43 AM
Rally for peace: #India #Pakistan
#Vancouver #Canada 12 May
Organised by peace loving community organisations and individuals
p.s. Join the appeal
www.change.org/p/india-paki...
#stophostilities #dialogue #accountability #Pahalgam #Kashmir
#Vancouver #Canada 12 May
Organised by peace loving community organisations and individuals
p.s. Join the appeal
www.change.org/p/india-paki...
#stophostilities #dialogue #accountability #Pahalgam #Kashmir
Relieved at #ceasefire #India #Pakistan, back from the #nuclear brink. Not trying to take credit for it but #Southasiapeace @southasiapeace.bsky.social
online appeal got 5000+ endorsers in 48~ hours change.org/p/india-paki....
Must keep up the pressure - to quote #Hibuksha #Japan: #NeverAgain
online appeal got 5000+ endorsers in 48~ hours change.org/p/india-paki....
Must keep up the pressure - to quote #Hibuksha #Japan: #NeverAgain
Sign the Petition
India, Pakistan: Stop the hostilities
change.org
May 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Relieved at #ceasefire #India #Pakistan, back from the #nuclear brink. Not trying to take credit for it but #Southasiapeace @southasiapeace.bsky.social
online appeal got 5000+ endorsers in 48~ hours change.org/p/india-paki....
Must keep up the pressure - to quote #Hibuksha #Japan: #NeverAgain
online appeal got 5000+ endorsers in 48~ hours change.org/p/india-paki....
Must keep up the pressure - to quote #Hibuksha #Japan: #NeverAgain
Reposted by Beena Sarwar
Peace rallies taking place Saturday 10 May 2025
#Mumbai #Bangalore #London #Boston > #HarvardSq.
#YesToPeace #NoToWar
@sasiasolidarity.bsky.social @whyloiter.bsky.social
@bsac-boston.bsky.social @southasiapeace.bsky.social
#Mumbai #Bangalore #London #Boston > #HarvardSq.
#YesToPeace #NoToWar
@sasiasolidarity.bsky.social @whyloiter.bsky.social
@bsac-boston.bsky.social @southasiapeace.bsky.social
May 9, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Peace rallies taking place Saturday 10 May 2025
#Mumbai #Bangalore #London #Boston > #HarvardSq.
#YesToPeace #NoToWar
@sasiasolidarity.bsky.social @whyloiter.bsky.social
@bsac-boston.bsky.social @southasiapeace.bsky.social
#Mumbai #Bangalore #London #Boston > #HarvardSq.
#YesToPeace #NoToWar
@sasiasolidarity.bsky.social @whyloiter.bsky.social
@bsac-boston.bsky.social @southasiapeace.bsky.social
Peace rallies taking place Saturday 10 May 2025
#Mumbai #Bangalore #London #Boston > #HarvardSq.
#YesToPeace #NoToWar
@sasiasolidarity.bsky.social @whyloiter.bsky.social
@bsac-boston.bsky.social @southasiapeace.bsky.social
#Mumbai #Bangalore #London #Boston > #HarvardSq.
#YesToPeace #NoToWar
@sasiasolidarity.bsky.social @whyloiter.bsky.social
@bsac-boston.bsky.social @southasiapeace.bsky.social
May 9, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Peace rallies taking place Saturday 10 May 2025
#Mumbai #Bangalore #London #Boston > #HarvardSq.
#YesToPeace #NoToWar
@sasiasolidarity.bsky.social @whyloiter.bsky.social
@bsac-boston.bsky.social @southasiapeace.bsky.social
#Mumbai #Bangalore #London #Boston > #HarvardSq.
#YesToPeace #NoToWar
@sasiasolidarity.bsky.social @whyloiter.bsky.social
@bsac-boston.bsky.social @southasiapeace.bsky.social
May 9, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Peace rallies taking place Saturday 10 May 2025
#Mumbai #Bangalore #London #Boston > #HarvardSq.
#YesToPeace #NoToWar
@sasiasolidarity.bsky.social @whyloiter.bsky.social
@bsac-boston.bsky.social @southasiapeace.bsky.social
#Mumbai #Bangalore #London #Boston > #HarvardSq.
#YesToPeace #NoToWar
@sasiasolidarity.bsky.social @whyloiter.bsky.social
@bsac-boston.bsky.social @southasiapeace.bsky.social
#India #Pakistan #YesToPeace #NoToWar
Thanks for sharing @freeha.bsky.social
Nearly 4,000 signatures since being posted late Wed. night ET/morning #Southasia
Thanks for sharing @freeha.bsky.social
Nearly 4,000 signatures since being posted late Wed. night ET/morning #Southasia
May 9, 2025 at 9:06 PM
#India #Pakistan #YesToPeace #NoToWar
Thanks for sharing @freeha.bsky.social
Nearly 4,000 signatures since being posted late Wed. night ET/morning #Southasia
Thanks for sharing @freeha.bsky.social
Nearly 4,000 signatures since being posted late Wed. night ET/morning #Southasia
Request folks not to share unverified videos and photos out of context. There is no point, only adds to panic and morbid voyeurism. Please take 2 min to read the guidelines here - www.sapannews.com/social
Social Media Ethics Pledge - Sapan News
Table of Contents 1 Introduction 2 Why this, why now? 2.1 A revision exercise and checklist for practising journalists and editors and a training tool for ‘para-journalists’ – citizen journalists, soc...
www.sapannews.com
May 7, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Request folks not to share unverified videos and photos out of context. There is no point, only adds to panic and morbid voyeurism. Please take 2 min to read the guidelines here - www.sapannews.com/social
May 5, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Reposted by Beena Sarwar
As war drums again beat between nuclear-armed Pakistan and India, remembering three departed comrades who stood for peace
As war drums beat, remembering three departed comrades who stood for peace
I can imagine Sabeen's outrage at Tuesday's dastardly attack at Pahalgam that killed at least 26 tourists. She herself fell prey to such a bullet 10 years ago. ... We continue to peacemonger on.
beenasarwar.com
April 24, 2025 at 2:52 AM
As war drums again beat between nuclear-armed Pakistan and India, remembering three departed comrades who stood for peace
As war drums again beat between nuclear-armed Pakistan and India, remembering three departed comrades who stood for peace
As war drums beat, remembering three departed comrades who stood for peace
I can imagine Sabeen's outrage at Tuesday's dastardly attack at Pahalgam that killed at least 26 tourists. She herself fell prey to such a bullet 10 years ago. ... We continue to peacemonger on.
beenasarwar.com
April 24, 2025 at 2:52 AM
As war drums again beat between nuclear-armed Pakistan and India, remembering three departed comrades who stood for peace
Heartbreaking. Massacre in #Kashmir. Indiscriminate violence whether on trains or tourists is condemnable and unpardonable. Whether committed on the pretext of religion or ethnicity. #NotAcceptable
#Pahalgam #Muslim #Hindu #India #Pakistan #Balochistan #TrainHijacking
#Pahalgam #Muslim #Hindu #India #Pakistan #Balochistan #TrainHijacking
April 23, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Heartbreaking. Massacre in #Kashmir. Indiscriminate violence whether on trains or tourists is condemnable and unpardonable. Whether committed on the pretext of religion or ethnicity. #NotAcceptable
#Pahalgam #Muslim #Hindu #India #Pakistan #Balochistan #TrainHijacking
#Pahalgam #Muslim #Hindu #India #Pakistan #Balochistan #TrainHijacking