Report on a unique discussion organised by the Southasia Peace Action Network, featuring the voices of young people from across the region on what what peace means to them
By Sara Arshad
LAHORE, June 2025: Since its inception in March 2021, the Southasia Peace Action Network, or Sapan, has advocated for freedom of trade, travel, and tourism within the region, upholding human rights and dignity, and collaboration in all areas.
The organisation holds online cross-border, cross-regional discussions on the last Sunday of most months. The session on 25 May this year was titled “What Does Peace Mean to Young Southasians?” addressed by young speakers from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The meeting, coordinated by Ranjini Rao, a Sapan volunteer in Delhi, took on greater significance in the wake of the recent conflict between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. The personal narratives, political reflections and ideas for promoting regional peace shared by the speakers reminded us of the generational trauma that has been passed on and needs urgent redressal.
Before the discussion began, anti-nuclear activist Lalita Ramdas presented the Sapan Founding Charter and emphasised the importance of communication and cross-border dialogue.
Senior Nepali journalist Namrata Sharma presented the In Memoriam section, honouring visionaries who are no longer with us physically, whose legacies Sapan aims to take forward.
Young speakers
The young speakers included college student Prapti Taposhi from Bangladesh, still traumatised by the deaths of many young people in police firing during the protests that led to the overthrow of the Sheikh Hasina regime last year. Saddened by the injustice and discrimination still prevailing in the country, she also commented that the country feels reborn. She added that peace is hope, and this optimism reflects in her idea of peace.
Speaking from Karachi, Shazain Ali Khan, a high school athlete, talked about the shared culture between India and Pakistan, and the love they have for cricket. Conflicts between the two nations have cost ordinary citizens dearly.
From Delhi, Amber Rastogi, heading into college, described herself as a product of generations shaped by migration and shared histories. Her upbringing, as the child of a Hindu father and Muslim mother, has exposed her to both cultures. Rather than choosing a side as people expect, she wants to be a bridge. For her, peace means more than the absence of war; it is about connection, freedom, and reunion.
High school student Onali Senarath from Sri Lanka emphasised the region’s cultural and linguistic diversity as well as the deep similarities that bind its people. For her, peace is the ability to live without fear and interact with each other respectfully despite differences. it starts with conversations, mutual respect, and everyday actions.
Another high school student, Noor e Emaan in Lahore, reflected on the role of the media in shaping public perception of peace. Peace dialogues are marginalised and urgently needed, she said, criticising how polarised news coverage fuels fear and glorifies conflict, disconnecting people from the human cost of war. She highlighted that it is ordinary civilians, not the powerful, who bear the brunt of violence. She also drew attention to the plight of the people of Kashmir on both sides of the border. For her, peace is a life without fear, a sunny day untouched by violence.
From Delhi, Kabir Rao, about to enter college, reflected on how power often manipulates peace. Yet even peace, as it is presented, can be deeply violent and exclusionary, he said, often aligned with dominant political interests. He urged the audience to seek truth and empathy. Real diplomacy begins with understanding, not distance, he said, adding that everyday acts of solidarity are foundational to lasting peace.
Joining from Kathmandu, another high school student Arya Gautam said that peace for her is not something dramatic or distant, but the ability to dream, to create, and to live fully. Peace can be found in daily acts of kindness, understanding, and courage..
Another high school student Sher Abbas in Islamabad called for the urgent need for Southasian countries to unite against climate change, as they all face severe environmental challenges such as floods, droughts, heat waves, and melting glaciers. Arguing that war brings no real benefit, especially between nuclear-armed neighbours, he called for cooperation in reducing pollution, conserving water, and sharing health data. He stressed that Southasia’s vast population contributes to its carbon footprint and urged collaborative environmental action as a path to regional peace and mutual survival.
Experiencing peace
Moderator Ranjini Rao asked the young speakers In what other ways do people experience peace.
For Prapti, it was “waking up without the sound of bullets and being able to move and speak freely, especially as a woman or a minority.”
“Peace can also be experienced through open conversations and cultural exchanges,” said Shahzain.
“Peace is a deeply personal experience,” responded Amber. “It often stems from a sense of freedom.”
“Peace comes from justice, fairness, and belonging, said Onali. “Even small acts like sharing a meal or a kind word can create it.”
“There is no single correct way to experience peace, as it is a deeply personal concept,” commented Noor.
“Peace is desirable and foundational, but often involves trade-offs that must be acknowledged,” said Kabir.
Sher stressed that “In the Southasian context, peace should not only mean the absence of conflict but also active cooperation in humanitarian efforts.”
“People often find peace in unexpected places, especially when they feel safe to be themselves,” commented Arya.
“What power do you have?” asked the moderator.
“The collective strength that is found in solidarity,” responded Prapti.
This was also Kabir’s response – “unity over shared grievances and hopes has driven the most successful social movements”.
Shahzain said that as an individual, he holds the power to choose peace and to communicate respectfully regardless of nationality, religion, or culture.
Arya had a similar response, ‘The power to choose how to engage with the world, by showing up with kindness, listening, and speaking up against injustice even when afraid.”
For Onali, her greatest power lies in her voice and its potential to create positive change by challenging stereotypes, connecting across borders, and raising awareness.
Access to information and diverse perspectives on history was the greatest power for Noor.
Amber said her power was her lived reality and life experiences, “both good and difficult”
Sher responded that the greatest power youth hold is their time, “as it gives them the freedom to shape their futures in any direction.”
Ranjini Rao concluded the discussion, expressing gratitude to the participants. She emphasised that genuine connections formed through such dialogue act as antidotes against hate.
Moved by their words, Lalita Ramdas urged the youth to turn ideas into sustainable, impactful actions for peace. She drew hope from their voices. Leaders need to listen directly to the youth, she said, stressing that this generation represents the future and deserves to be heard.
Activists and peacemongers who attended the meeting appreciated the discussion, especially the young speakers’ views which many said gave them hope.
Lead Image :Screenshot of the Southasia Peace online discussion.
Note on Southasia as one word: We use ‘Southasia’ as one word, “seeking to restore some of the historical unity of our common living space, without wishing any violence on the existing nation states” – Himal Southasian
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