UK Diary: SAJP 2025, CAMBRIDGE, STEVE WAUGH

Organisers and members of the Chevening South Asia Journalism Programme (SAJP) 2025 hosted a wonderful  series of discussions on 'South Asia at a Crossroads' which saw speakers drawn from a wide background give their perspectives on the state of the media in the region, the rot in the legacy media, jingoism, state surveillance, privacy law, and brutal use of force.

Now that the conflict between India and Pakistan has ended, and the regime change in Bangladesh took place last year, speakers could provide a much-needed overview on how the media fared and what lessons can be learnt. Those present in the audience enjoyed the nuanced discussion, asked sharp questions, and had some interesting comments to offer.  

It was nice to see journalists from South Asia work together in tandem in the UK to organise the event. Twenty mid-career journalists from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka spent seven weeks in the UK meeting various stakeholders and completing their individual projects. In a sign of the times we live, seven out of the 20 journalists identified themselves as Independent Journalists, which reflects how the legacy media has been losing its edge in the region.

While on the topic of the conflict between India and Pakistan, a star-studded lineup appeared in Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge to discuss Indian Foreign Policy and the changing world order. The two-day event was planned before the India-Pakistan conflict. Shivshankar Menon, former Indian foreign secretary delivered a keynote address; speakers included Suhasini Haider, C Raja Mohan, Sonia Singh, Tanvi Madan, Rohan Mukherjee, Paul McGarr, and Faisal Devi. The sessions were curated by Shruti Kapila assisted by Tarika Khattar.   

Steve Waugh was one of the grittiest Australian cricketer on the field. Among the very few who had a sibling represent the national side together, he has now transformed into a successful philanthropist. The Steve Waugh Foundation has done some amazing work over the last 15 years working with disadvantaged children and families. He has a special place for India, where much of his philantrophy is based. During an interaction at St James' Court Taj he spoke fondly about his meeting with Mother Theresa and getting inspiration from her work. However, the one topic on which he got asked the most was the Monkeygate scandal! And like a seasoned batsman he chose to leave the wide deliveries.