Madanjeet Singh Is No More

Former diplomat, artist, writer, photo-grapher and philanthropist, Madanjeet Singh 88, a UNESCO Goodwill Amba-ssador since 2000, passed away in Beaulieu-sur-Mer in the south of France on January 6, 2013 following a stroke.

He was a passionate advocate of South Asian regional cooperation and solidarity on a secular, democratic and progressive basis. His commitment to the cause of South Asian peace and harmony was backed by his extra-ordinary personal financial contribution to the South Asia Foundation (SAF), which he founded in 2000. He tirelessly worked for sustaining the SAF till his last breath. This organisation, which focuses on providing educational opportunities for young women and men, has active chapters across the region.

A memorial meeting was held on August 11 at the SAF’s office in New Delhi to remember him and celebrate his purposeful life. Among those who spoke were Mani Shankar Aiyar, MP, journalist Najam Sethi from Pakistan, Dr Kamal Hossain, the former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, and N. Ram.

Mainstream, with which he had close relations till the last, offers its sincere homage to his memory.