Stories about South Asia from May, 2021
South Asian examples show the centrality of nature in indigenous art
Modern societies can learn much from indigenous art about the importance of nurturing our relationship with nature.
‘Kakoli Furniture’ viral video spawns funny memes in Bangladesh and West Bengal
A low budget video advertisement containing a repetitive six-word sentence “Low price, good quality, Kakoli Furniture” has become an online sensation in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India.
France, Turkey, Poland: The reality of the new COVID-19 spike crisis
“The figures serve to discount the Western implication that Indian democracy and civil society have failed in the last analysis to match the achievements of the richer nations.”
Nepal appeals for international support amidst sweeping second COVID-19 wave
Nepal is devastated by the second wave of Coronavirus. The infection rate is rising sharply and the health infrastructure is crumbling, Nepal has asked for international support.
Burqa ban in Sri Lanka would undermine national security and human rights
Many in Sri Lanka and abroad are condemning the impending ban on wearing burqas and other full-face coverings in public as a breach of human rights.
With shrinking wetlands, population of Nepal's elusive fishing cats is poised to decline
The unique cat species is declining in number as their habitat of wetlands is shrinking, being turned into agricultural and developmental areas.
Alternative Indian movies: Is Netflix at last embracing cultural diversity?
Netflix, which has become the entertainment go-to for millions during the pandemic's prolonged lockdowns, is exploring new Indian productions that stray away from the typical plotlines and visuals.