Sangat Bangladesh Remembers the Life and Ideas of Kamla Bhasin

 Feminist leaders and representatives from Bangladesh and different parts of South Asia join a special memorial gathering on Kamla Bhasin’s birth anniversary

Sangat Bangladesh organized a special gathering at Chhayanaut in Dhaka to commemorate feminist thinker, writer and social activist Kamla Bhasin on her birth anniversary, with participation from feminist leaders and representatives from Bangladesh and different parts of South Asia.

Sangat Bangladesh organized a special memorial gathering to remember the life, ideas, dreams and lasting contributions of renowned feminist thinker, writer and social activist Kamla Bhasin. The event was held on September 25 at the main auditorium of Chhayanaut in the capital, marking the birth anniversary of the influential South Asian feminist voice.

The gathering brought together feminist leaders, activists and representatives from Bangladesh as well as Nepal, Pakistan, Kolkata, Mumbai and other parts of the region. Their participation reflected the broad influence of Kamla Bhasin’s work and ideas across South Asia.

The program began with a warm welcome for the guests. Participants and distinguished guests were welcomed with traditional products and scarves from their respective countries, along with flowers. The opening ceremony created an atmosphere of solidarity, friendship and shared commitment to the values that Kamla Bhasin advocated throughout her life.

Roshmi Goswami, a member of Sangat’s core group, delivered a commemorative speech focusing on Kamla Bhasin’s life and work. Through her speech, Bhasin’s contributions to feminist thought, gender equality and social transformation were recalled and discussed.

The event also featured a dance performance by Kalpataru. The performance complemented the central themes of the gathering, particularly equality, human dignity, women’s rights and social change. The organizers sought to create an environment where Kamla Bhasin’s ideas could be remembered not only through speeches but also through cultural expression.

Sangat Bangladesh hosted a special memorial event at Chhayanaut in Dhaka on Kamla Bhasin’s birth anniversary, bringing together feminist leaders and activists from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Kolkata, Mumbai and other parts of South Asia to celebrate her life, ideas and lasting contribution to gender equality and social change.

One of the significant highlights of the program was the performance of two songs written by Kamla Bhasin. The songs reflected themes closely associated with her feminist philosophy, including equality between women and men, humanity, dignity and social transformation. Through the musical presentation, participants and audiences were given an opportunity to reconnect with the ideas and messages that remained central to Bhasin’s lifelong activism.

Several members of the Sangat network’s core group and prominent individuals from different fields were associated with this year’s event. Among them were Dr. Ambrin Ahmed, Dr. Amrita Chhachhi, Dr. Azra Talat Sayeed, Dr. Vijay Rukmini Rao, Kumudini Samuel, Roshmi Goswami, Sunita Dhar, Kamla Vasuki and Anuradha Kapoor.

Kamla Bhasin was one of the widely recognized voices of the feminist movement in South Asia. Over several decades, she worked on issues including gender equality, women’s rights, human rights, patriarchy and social justice. Her work extended beyond academic discussion and writing. She was also actively involved in training, grassroots initiatives, organizational work and public awareness campaigns.

Bhasin’s writings and educational activities helped make complex ideas about gender and patriarchy accessible to a wider audience. She emphasized the importance of questioning unequal social structures and encouraged people to think critically about gender roles and discrimination. Her approach connected feminist ideas with everyday experiences, making her work influential among activists, educators, students and community groups across the region.

Her association with feminist networks also helped strengthen regional cooperation among women’s rights activists. Through organizations and initiatives connected with feminist movements in South Asia, she contributed to conversations about equality, dignity and social justice that crossed national boundaries.

The September 25 gathering therefore served not only as a remembrance of an influential feminist thinker but also as an opportunity to reflect on the continuing relevance of her ideas. The participation of women’s rights leaders and representatives from different countries and regions highlighted the regional dimension of her legacy.

The event also provided a space for participants to remember Bhasin’s personality, work and vision while discussing the values she promoted throughout her life. Her emphasis on equality, humanity and collective action continues to inspire conversations about social change and women’s rights.

By organizing the memorial gathering on her birth anniversary, Sangat Bangladesh sought to introduce Kamla Bhasin’s life and philosophy to a new generation while reaffirming the importance of carrying forward the values associated with her work. The speeches, cultural performances and songs created a collective space to remember her contribution and reflect on the unfinished work of building a more equal and just society.

For those who knew her work and for newer generations discovering her ideas, the gathering was a reminder of Kamla Bhasin’s enduring place in South Asian feminist thought. Her life continues to be remembered through the people, movements and conversations that carry forward her message of equality, dignity, solidarity and social transformation.

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