Analysis without agenda: Creating spaces for understanding and empathy

Posted on March 2, 2026 by beenasarwar

‘Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines’ wins two awards at Jalgaon International Film Festival

The world is in turmoil. And we can still celebrate that our Pulitzer Center-supported documentary ‘Democracy in Debt: Sri Lanka Beyond the Headlines’ received two awards at the Second Jalgaon International Film Festival, in Aurangabad (now Chhatrpati Sambhajinagar), India. at a ceremony on Sunday, 1 March 2026, for Best Social Film (Outstanding Achievement), and Best Screenplay. 

The 24-minute film explores the situation two years after the island nation’s economic collapse. We filmed at a remote, ancient village (puranagama) in Sri Lanka’s North-Central Province, talking to farmers, teachers, and school children, then to policy makers, economists and then Prime Minister in the capital Colombo.

Educational and political activist Mirza Dawood Azad and engineer Shoeb Shah receiving the awards on behalf of Sapan. Photo: Supplied

Some press coverage ahead of the event:

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ChanukahForCeasefire; a Jewel in Ivory in Berlin; #SapanforSAARC this Sunday; and the NewsMatch challenge for Sapan News

Posted on December 10, 2023 by beenasarwar

Greetings to those observing Hanukah and salute to those participating in #ChanukahForCeasefire demonstrations around the United States. Thousands of Jews have been lighting candles at #ChanukahForCeasefire gatherings, coming together “to mourn, find hope, and fight on — for ceasefire, freedom for all held captive, and an end to siege on Gaza,” says IfNotNow, a movement of American Jews “organizing for equality, justice, and a thriving future for all: our neighbors, ourselves, Palestinians, and Israelis.” To find one near you, go to: https://innmvmt.org/chanukah.

Such actions, and those of thousands including high school students marching around the world to call for #ceasefirenow, provide hope in a world that feels heavy. It is unbearable to think of the thousands killed, maimed and displaced in conflict areas, especially children.

Public opinion worldwide is clearly for #CeasefireNow, calls being ignored by those who could stop the bombing that continues to claim lives. What can we do? Hold on to ourselves and do what we can, where we can, when we can. Inform ourselves, share information – double-check before sharing so we don’t pass on #fakenews — donate to causes, participate in public actions.

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Filed under: 'Internally Displaced Persons', covid-19, Health, History, Human rights, Interfaith, journalism, Media, Palestine, prisoners, Progressive politics, Resistance, Southasia, Violence in the name of religion | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »