Stories about South Asia from February, 2016
Why It's Essential To Grow Indian-Language Wikipedias
With over 196 Indian languages on the verge of extinction, Wikipedia in Indian languages could potentially preserve and revive many languages.
Journalists Find Themselves the Target of India's ‘Anti-National’ Narrative
"As goons in black robes rampaged through the Delhi court house where Kanhaiya Kumar is being tried, they assaulted journalists not just on day one, but then once again..."
Aqeela Asifi: A Teacher in Exile Continues the Struggle
Imagine teaching for 23 years in a small Afghan refugee camp, and then, one day, learning that Stephen Hawking himself has lauded you and your work
Dear Karachi City Officials, ‘Fix It’. (Or Else.)
Alamgir Khan's #fixit campaign has rallied young Karachiites into action has taken up the responsibility of fixing some of the city's most detrimental issues.
Swasthani Vrata Katha in Photos: Nepal’s Month-Long Festival of Fasting and Praying for Spouses’ Well-Being
The ritual is said to have started after King Himalaya’s daughter Parvati, the Hindu goddess of love, fertility and devotion, spent a month fasting and praying to the goddess Swasthani.
Indian Tribal Activist Soni Sori, ‘an Inconvenient Woman Who Speaks Inconvenient Truths’, Attacked
"Attack on Soni Sori is another attempt to muzzle the voice of dissent. One might disagree with one's views but this is no way to deal with."
Who Needs Elephants When You Can Play Polo Driving Around in Rickshaws? (Feel Free to Sing, Too.)
An innovative and intense game introduced by an expat luxury hotelier has become an annual event in Sri Lanka, where Tuk-Tuk Polo is increasingly all the rage.
Protests at Indian Universities Add Fuel to Public Outrage Over Sedition Laws
The arrest of student leader Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges has posed a rare legitimacy test for Prime Minister Nahendra Modi and his "intolerant" ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
One Man's Harrowing Experience Spurs Bangladesh's High Court to Ensure Emergency Treatment for All
Saif Kamal detailed in a Facebook post how he tried in vain to save a man who had been run over, but was turned away by hospital after hospital.
Bangladeshi Authorities Arrest Publisher and Shut Down Book Fair Booth for ‘Hurting Religious Sentiments’
Bangladesh’s constitution enshrines the right to free expression, and atheists have the same rights as other citizens. But authorities have done little to stop attacks against those critical of religion.
A Pakistani Artist Remembers Sabeen Mahmud and her Valentine's Day Campaign
According to one of activist Sabeen Mahmud's killers, her '"un-Islamic" Valentine's Day rally was "the sin she eventually paid for."
Following a Summit-less 2015, This Year Will See Record Attempts to Reach the Peak of Everest
Natural disaster or not, Western mountain climbers seem determined to conquer the world's tallest mountain this year, after Nepal's 2015 earthquake made it impossible for anyone to reach the summit.
Finally, a Wall to Unite People, Not Divide Them
Throughout history, walls have been a symbol of separation, segregation, and division. But a new phenomenon called the “wall of kindness” is doing just the opposite.
The Complicated Mess That Is Pakistan International Airlines’ Privatisation
"2 killed, 18 injured in firing on PIA employees. Whatever one may think about the PIA protest, this is absurdly fascistic handling by govt."
Netizen Report: The EU Wrestles With Facebook Over Privacy
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Chinese Authorities Pressured a Bangladesh Art Summit Into Censoring a Tibet Exhibit
"The underlying threat to this message is: If you do not comply, we will cut economic ties or otherwise make it difficult for you."
‘A Good Day for the Internet Everywhere': India Bans Differential Data Pricing
Indian Telecom Regulatory Authority bans differential data pricing and Facebook's large plans for Free Basics come to an end.
A Young Pakistani Woman Hopes Her Soul-Searching Motorcycle Trip Will Inspire Others
Zenith Irfan describes herself as "a 21-year-old Capricorn on an epic motorcycle journey amongst the terrains of Pakistan with nothing but her free-hearted soul."
How an Indian Singer's Impromptu Inflight Performance Led to Crew Members’ Suspension
"We really need to grow up! Flights tend to be boring - so what if Sonu Nigam sang a song? How is that a 'security threat'?"
‘Lion's Blood’ Stickers Pop Up All Over Sri Lanka, Stoking Fears of Renewed Ethnic Hatred
"Today, politically motivated groups alleged to be close to the former regime have unleashed a new wave of hate and racism under the “Sinha Le” label."
Pakistani Women Are Reclaiming Public Spaces, One Teacup at a Time
Pakistani women wage a campaign to carve out their own safe space in a realm where they've not typically been welcome.
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