By Nadia Rajput Bhatti in Sri Lanka
I was in a tuk-tuk on my way to Kandy, just looking for some fresh air and scrolling through my phone to see what was happening that day. That’s when a Facebook post stopped me. There was a documentary screening at an outdoor venue, and on a random impulse, I decided to go.
That one spontaneous decision turned into one of the most meaningful evenings I have had in a long time.
I arrived late, catching only the end of the film, Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines being screened as part of a World Press Photo exhibit organised by the Sri Lanka Press Institute. The documentary is written and directed by Prof. Beena Sarwar in collaboration with Dr. SinhaRaja Tammita-Delgoda.
I also caught the Q&A session that followed. Prof. Beena herself was fielding questions.
She had this strong, captivating presence, the kind you only see in people who, despite having witnessed a lot, decided to keep pushing through anyway. She has spent her whole career telling stories that are often silenced by fear. Usually, I have the attention span of a hamster, but I found myself completely locked in, just staring and listening.
I knew I had to speak to her.
After the programme ended, I gathered my courage and approached her.
What started as a quick “hello” turned into an unexpected, vulnerable “therapy session.”
We talked about mental health and channeling energy into something positive (she even recommended Tai Chi!). When I told her about my AuDHD (Autism and ADHD) and how I struggled in school because my brain just doesn’t work with traditional “memorize-and-repeat” textbooks, she didn’t judge. Instead, she told me that neurodivergent minds are a blessing, not a curse. She encouraged me to lean into my strengths and reminded me that her ability to express herself with confidence came from years of practice and consistency. I really needed to hear that.
New purpose
My conversation with Prof. Beena resonated with me because of my own history. Growing up in Digana in the Kandy area had both its positive and negative aspects. Some specific moments left a permanent mark on me.
During the Digana ‘religious riots’ in 2018, the police raided our home without a search warrant, simply because my father is a Punjabi Muslim from Pakistan. A couple of years later, we were subjected to another search after a tragic incident involving a Sri Lankan worker in Pakistan, as news about it spread across town.
Those experiences left me permanently on edge, on high alert, turning my zero tolerance for bullying, sexual violence, or discrimination. Now, whenever I witness injustice, my natural instinct is to charge in and confront it head-on with every bit of heat and emotion I have.
However, being in that space in Kandy that evening changed my perspective to a whole new level.
Watching these women who have also faced immense pressure their whole lives speak up with calm, tactful strategies was key.
It taught me that you don’t always have to react loudly with impulse or fire to be heard; there are definitely ways to tackle even the most unjust situations with a more calculated approach and powerful composure.
Near the end of the night, Prof. Beena introduced me to Ms. Visaka Dharmadasa, founder of the Association of War Affected Women. In a strange twist of fate, I later discovered that my own mother had been trained years ago through a women’s political program was conducted years ago. Meeting another influential figure felt incredible.
I also ended up stumbling upon an online article about Dr SinhaRaja Tammita-Delgoda. Even though I missed meeting him in person, his story felt oddly familiar and resonated with me. He spoke about living a nomadic, “bohemian” life and feeling like a misfit until he returned to Sri Lanka and found his purpose. As a misfit myself, I felt a huge sense of relief knowing others have walked this path of uncertainty and succeeded.
Finding strength in stories
This experience reminded me of the films and stories that shaped how I see the world growing up; films like The Breadwinner, Bend It Like Beckham, and What Will People Say, Water, Writing with Fire, and more recent works like Haq, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and the comedy series We Are Lady Parts.
They all have something in common.
Southasian women who refuse to be silenced or confined by the narrow expectations of society, choosing instead to fight back against the status quo and thrive through the challenges regardless.
That evening taught me that networking doesn’t have to be a formal suit-and-tie event.
Sometimes, you just walk into a space unplanned and have that one conversation that changes your life.
If you ever get the chance to attend an event by the Sri Lanka Press Institute or anything involving Beena Sarwar, do yourself a favour: Just go!
Nadia Rajput Bhatti is a neurodivergent millennial on a self-discovery journey. She has worked in hospitality, created interactive curriculum for vocational subjects, and experimented with AI workflow automation tools. With a strong interest in sci-fi, art, history, and music, she also enjoys street photography and writing human stories. She lives in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Lead Image: Awardwinning Pullitzer Center-supported documentary ‘Democracy in Debt’ being screened at the World Press Photo exhibit in Kandy, March 2026. Photo by Beena Sarwar
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