New Delhi, Aug. 21 -- When Lojana Venthan, from Sri Lanka's war-affected northern province, began her video message, her voice carried the weight of generations scarred by conflict.

"True peace means everyone can live with freedom and dignity without fear," she said.

Lojana Venthan was one of nearly 200 young Southasians who responded to a unique challenge: "If I were the President or Prime Minister of my country, what would my vision for Southasia be?"

The call went out on International Youth Day, 12 August 2025, as part of the First Southasia Commemoration of the Doyens of Peace, co-organised by the Southasia Peace Action Network (Sapan).

From Afghanistan to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh to Bhutan, the voices converged into a striking mosai...