Visible Roots
Welcome to the 11th issue of Visible Roots, the global diversity magazine of The International School of Dakar! Today we present South Asia which holds nearly a quarter of the world’s population. It is home to the highest concentration of human life on earth, a region where ancient civilizations, modern democracies, vibrant art, groundbreaking science, and diverse faiths intertwine.
In this issue of Visible Roots, we explore the many layers of South Asia’s heritage and its continuing global impact. From visionary leaders like Bhutan’s King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who championed Gross National Happiness, to modern trailblazers like Maryam Mirzakhani, M.S. Swaminathan, and Rajni Perera who advanced their fields.
This volume highlights South Asia’s heritage sites, music traditions, and evolving identities, while honoring its shared struggles and triumphs. As the world looks to the future, South Asia’s roots remain deeply visible, reminding us that its stories are not only of the past, but of the present and the possibilities ahead.
Let’s continue to learn, celebrate, and grow together!
NOTE: Visible Roots is an INTERACTIVE magazine! Just click on any portrait, and you will be taken to a link that shows each person or cultural aspect through video.
NOTE: Visible Roots is an INTERACTIVE magazine! Just click on any portrait, and you will be taken to a link that shows each person or cultural aspect through video.
LEADERS LEADERS LEADERS
VALLABHBHAI PATEL SARDAR
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RAFIQUN NABI
SADEQUAIN
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RAJNI PERERA
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Click on the portraits to learn about this athlete!
S A C H I N T E N D U L K A R T E N D U L K A R
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ARSHAD NADEEM
SUSANTHIKA
JARASHINGHE
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MARY KOM
HASSAN
YAZDANI
GAURIKA SINGH
IMPORTANT MINDS DEVI
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"WITHOUT MATHEMATICS, THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO.
EVERYTHING AROUND YOU IS MATHEMATICS.
EVERYTHING AROUND YOU IS NUMBERS"
Shakuntala
Devi
SWAMINATHAN WAS A GENETICIST AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST WHO LED INDIA’S GREEN REVOLUTION.
(~600 BCE–400 BCE) SUSHRUTA IS CONSIDERED THE FATHER OF SURGERY. HIS SUSHRUTA SAMHITA DESCRIBES MANY SURGICAL TECHNIQUES, INSTRUMENTS, AND PROCEDURES, INCLUDING PLASTIC SURGERY
476–550 CE) – ARYABHATA WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST MATHEMATICIANS AND ASTRONOMERS IN HISTORY. HE INTRODUCED CONCEPTS LIKE ZERO, PLACE VALUE, THE APPROXIMATION OF PI, AND CALCULATED THE LENGTH OF A YEAR WITH REMARKABLE ACCURACY.
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Click on their portraits to listen to their music!!
Click on their portraits to listen to their music!!
Coke Studio is a popular music series that began in Pakistan in 2008. It features live music performances where artists from different backgrounds collaborate to create unique songs. Coke Studio has become famous not only in Pakistan but across South Asia and the world for blending cultures and music styles. It promotes creativity, preserves musical traditions, and introduces audiences to the rich diversity of South Asian music; all with a lush, tropical gardenhouse stage.
"Kana Yaari" from Coke Studio Pakistan Season 14 is a powerful collaboration between Kaifi Khalil, Eva B, and Abdul Wahab Bugti, blending Balochi folk sounds with modern pop and dancehall beats. Click on his portrait to listen to his music!
Click on the photos to listen to the music!
GANESHA
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Photos by Jade Pacot (G11)
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (2019) is a Bhutanese film that follows Ugyen, a young teacher who dreams of leaving Bhutan to work in Australia. Instead, he is sent to teach in Lunana, one of the most remote villages in the country. At first, Ugyen struggles with the harsh conditions and the children’s unique way of learning, but over time, he grows to love the village and its people. The film highlights Bhutanese culture, the importance of education, and the value of community and perseverance. It also won international praise and was Bhutan’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards, helping the world learn about Bhutan’s way of life.
Offside (2006) is an Iranian film about several young girls who try to sneak into a football stadium to watch a World Cup qualifying match, even though women are banned from attending. They are caught and held by security, and the film shows their conversations, hopes, and frustrations while waiting. Through humor and drama, Offside highlights gender inequality in Iran, the girls’ bravery, and their passion for football.
Click on the posters to watch these films!
Click on the portraits to watch the film !
Yasmeen Lari is Pakistan’s first female architect and a leader in designing homes that help people and the planet. She started by making modern buildings in big cities, but later focused on helping poor communities build safe, eco-friendly houses using materials like bamboo and mud. She teaches villagers how to build their own homes and stoves, which helps families stay safe during floods and disasters.
Click on the photos to see their work!
South Asian Languages
Mahakumbh is a huge religious festival in India. Millions of people come to take a holy bath in rivers to cleanse themselves. It is one of the biggest gatherings of people in the world.
Pakistan Truck Art is when trucks are painted with bright colors, patterns, and pictures. Each truck tells a story and shows the creativity of the driver or artist. It is famous all over the world. Doesn’t it remind of you a car rapide?
Naqsh-e Jahan Square is a huge, beautiful square in Iran. It has old palaces, mosques, and shops. Built hundreds of years ago, it shows the amazing art and architecture of Persian culture.
The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, spread across India and Bangladesh. It is home to many animals, including the famous Royal Bengal tiger, crocodiles, and rare birds. The forest is made up of many rivers, islands, and thick mangrove trees that grow in salty water.
