The political history of South Asia is amongst the most fascinating and complex in the world, animated by robust, self-affirming struggles for independence, partition and the creation of new nations won with non-violent means and violent exchanges. Four countries (India, Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) gained birth and independence in 1947-48 after centuries of colonial rule, and one (Bangladesh) was born as a new, independent nation in 1971. The South Asia Centre has been privileged to celebrate the independence of 5 countries in the region between 2021-24.
Starting in January 2021, we are the only academic Centre in a Higher Education institution anywhere in the world to have marked each national anniversary over a period of 12 months with specially commissioned logos, regular events on a variety of topics, launching one-of-their-kind 'Big Data' Digital Maps,12 special blogposts representing the latest research and ideas from different perspectives from academics and thought leaders.
This uniquely curated academic attention has underlined ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ South Asia Centre's leading position as the hub for South Asia-related academic conversations in the United Kingdom, showcasing the interdisciplinary expertise of ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳'s faculty and alumni and our committment to robust, multi-perspectival academic conversations.
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The special '@50/@75' logos represent the national flowers of Bangladesh (Water Lily; Nymphaea nouchali), India (Lotus; Nelumbo nucifera [Gaertn.]), Myanmar (Padauk; Pterocarpus macrocarpus), Pakistan (Jasmine; Jasminum officinale) and Sri Lanka (Water Lily; Nymphaeaceae), framed in a graphic border design of sacral architectural and textile motifs. All logos have been designed by Oroon Das.
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