SAAPE mourns the demise of veteran activist and filmmaker Tapan K. Bose, who passed away at the age of 78 on January 30, 2025, in New Delhi. His death signifies the loss of a tireless champion for human rights and social justice.
His activism journey began during India’s Emergency period in the late 1970s, and his documentary films shed light on social injustices and state violence. Notable works, like “The Indian Story of Bhagalpur Bindings” (1981), “Bhopal: Beyond Genocide” (1986), and “The Expendable People” (2016), highlighted the struggles of marginalised communities and garnered global attention.
As a co-founder of the Pakistan India Peoples’ Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD), Bose’s efforts extended beyond India’s borders. He was instrumental in forming alliances and supporting various organisations, including the South Asia Forum for Human Rights, The Other Media, CINEMART, and Sanchal Foundation. His work reached conflict zones like Kashmir, insurgency-dominated districts, Balochistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and the Rohingya refugee crisis.
Bose’s legacy is characterised by his courage, relentless activism, and unwavering belief in justice and peace. His contributions to human rights and democracy through alliances like the Kashmir Initiative, North East Peoples’ Initiative, Rohingya Human Rights Initiative (ROHRIngya), Bhopal Group for Information & Action, and the South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre are significant. His dedication to justice was evident in his active engagement with communities and participation in protests and campaigns.
As a peacemaker, Bose believed in the power of dialogue to resolve conflicts. His efforts to promote understanding between India and Pakistan through PIPFPD reflect his vision of a peaceful South Asia. Tapan Bose’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the fight for a just and equitable world.
SAAPE members would like to express deep sorrow for this loss and call on South Asians to come together and strengthen an alternative regionalism by promoting peace and justice and defending democracy in the region, to strive towards Tapan’s mission.
We convey our deep condolences to his wife, Rita Manchanda, daughter, Devjani Saini and family members. May they find strength to cope with this irreparable loss.
Arjun Karki
On behalf of SAAPE members
