Remembering 20th Century South Asian Women in Culture

An online forum in celebration of International Women’s Day under the theme ‘Remembering 20th Century South Asian Women in Culture’ organised by the SAARC Cultural Centre was held on (Tuesday), 11th March 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Sri Lanka Standard Time). Featuring distinguished speakers from India -Dr. Kumud Bhansali, Pakistan -Dr. Nabiha Fatima, Nepal -Prof. Sangita Rayamajhi, Bangladesh – Jinat Ara Haque, and Sri Lanka-Irushi Tennekoon, the forum sought to recognize the contributions of five remarkable women across South Asia who helped shape the region’s cultural and intellectual landscape. Iconic women figures discussed in the event were Irawati Karvé (1905-1970), Noor Jahan (1926-2000), Bishnu Kumari Waiba (1937-1993), Begum Sufia Kamal (1911-1999), and Minette De Silva (1918-1998).