[van-announce] Aug 17 - (Updated) Educational on South Asian Subcontinent - 61 years after end of formal British colonial rule (vancouver)

[Harsha]

As part of the South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy (SANSAD)'s
15th Annual General Membership Meeting, please join us for an open public
educational and discussion...

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The South Asian Sub-continent
Sixty-One Years after the end of formal British Colonial rule
Looking Back, Looking forward

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**** BRIEF VIDEO, SPEAKERS AND DISCUSSION on topics of nuclearization and
militarization; neo-colonial globalization; & war on terror and
criminalization of resistance in the South Asian subcontinent.

Sunday, August 17
Doors @ 4:15, starts at 4:30 sharp till 6.00 pm

Multipurpose Room of Spectrum Complex Residential Tower
111 West Georgia (corner Beatty Street), Vancouver
1 block from Stadium Skytrain Station
Off Beatty Street, past the Armoury, entrance to 111 West Georgia (a tall
residential tower) is at the far end, on the right side.

Map:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&resnum=0&q=111%20west%20georgia%20vancouver&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

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BACKGROUND:

Current developments in South Asia have grave consequences for the  future
of the region and as such have significant global implications. The
impending nuclear treaty between India and the US will change the power
relations in the region by integrating India into US foreign policy. In
Pakistan the elected government has not fulfilled the promise of restoring
the Supreme Court in compliance with the US interest, while the US has
engaged in bombings within Pakistan territory. In Nepal the formation of a
government has been held up because of Indian (and indirectly US)
intervention despite a historic victory of popular democratic forces. In
Sri Lanka the government claims military victory over the Tamil Tigers and
affirms its determination to suppress the political aspirations of the
Tamils with force.

August 14-15 are coming one more time, marking yet another anniversary of
the formal end of British colonial rule in the sub-continent - especially
for the people of India and Pakistan. Invariably there will be celebrative
fire-works, flag-hoistings, and perfunctory speeches. But it is also an
occasion to reflect, to look back and forward from the point of view of
people's well-being and their rights to dignity and livelihood.

Please come and participate in the discussions and share your concerns

For more information email sansad at sansad.org