Journeys to democracy

Re-blogged from Dr M. Sarwar:

As we remember Jan 8, 1953 Demands Day and those who gave their lives for the cause of students’ rights, it is good to see that progressive young people in Pakistan are organising and work for students’ rights, with the revival of Democratic Students Federation and the National Students Federation. In keeping with the rallying cry of the original movement – ‘Student Unity’ – activists of DSF and NSF must put up a united front, and attend and support each others’ events even if they don’t merge into one organisation. Demands should include lifting the ongoing ban on student unions. Below, information about several events being organised this year, some on Jan 6, in different cities of Sindh and Punjab by DSF, and NSF event on Jan 8:

Collage of old articles and photos by DSF

DSF is commemorating Demands Day-1953 on Jan 6, 2013 at several venues in Sindh and Punjab, where it is also presenting a new Charter of Demands for students’ rights. Slogan: ‘EDUCATION IS A RIGHT NOT A PRIVILEGE’

Jan 6, Kotri, 3 pm (Bunglow No: 5 Railway Colony Loco Shed, contact +92-300-3095780 or +92-301-3544205). Event includes lecture on “Students Movement, Present, Past and Future” by Comrade Imdad Qazi (Sec. Gen. CPP)

Poster of DSF event at Nasirabad, Larkana, on Jan 6, 2013.

Jan 6, Karachi Press Club, 3pm. Also in Larkana, Sindh (10 am, at Girls Primary School near Nasirabad post office – see poster), and Punjab – Chiniot and Lodharan (details to be added).  

NSF Demands Day, Tuesday, January 8, 2013,  5:00pm at P.M.A House –  commemorating Jan 8th 1953 Demands Day and discussing its relevance today. “We demand an end to the gangsters’ mafia in vasrities, fake admissions, religious-divide, discrimination against women in educational institutes, commercialization of Education. We look back to look forward; the demands have changed but the struggle continues!”