Tapan Kumar Bose, the renowned documentary filmmaker and human rights activist, passed away on January 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and the rights of the oppressed. Through his films, activism, and tireless advocacy, Bose carved a unique space in South Asia’s human rights movement, challenging state violence, militarisation, and the marginalisation of communities across the region.
Bose’s activism took root during India’s Emergency in the late 1970s, a period of political turmoil and repression. His early documentaries, such as An Indian Story on Bhagalpur Bindings (1981) and Bhopal: Beyond Genocide (1986), shed light on some of India’s most harrowing human rights violations. He fearlessly documented the brutal blinding of undertrials by the police in Bhagalpur and exposed the corporate and governmental neglect behind the Bhopal gas tragedy. His work extended to the violence in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, where he stood in solidarity with victims of state oppression.
Beyond filmmaking, Bose played an instrumental role in strengthening civil society initiatives across South Asia. He was a founding member of organisations like the South Asia Forum for Human Rights and the Pakistan-India Peoples’ Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD), bringing together activists from both countries to push for dialogue and peace. He was also a part of the People’s Tribunal on Ayodhya, which critically examined the communal politics behind the Babri Masjid demolition. His commitment to justice extended to the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat pogrom, where he worked with victims to seek accountability and rehabilitation.
Bose’s advocacy was not confined to India. His friendships and collaborations extended to Balochistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and the Rohingya refugee crisis, where he lent his voice to those silenced by war, ethnic conflict, and displacement. He stood firmly against the capitalist exploitation of natural resources and was a close advisor to trade unions, fisherfolk, and forest workers, recognising their struggles as part of a larger fight against oppression.
One of Bose’s most significant roles in the human rights movement was his involvement in the Kashmir conflict. His commitment to self-determination and democratic processes led to his appointment as the Chief Election Commissioner for the independent Kashmir Referendum and Elections by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. His work in this capacity symbolised his steadfast belief in the rights of oppressed communities to determine their own futures, even in the face of intense political opposition.
Even in his final years, Bose remained committed to cultural resistance, drawing upon the works of Rabindranath Tagore and Faiz Ahmed Faiz to challenge nationalism and parochialism. He was a firm believer in the idea of India, but he also opposed the military occupation of Kashmir and the Northeast, advocating for justice and peace.
Tapan Bose’s life was an embodiment of resistance, courage, and an unyielding belief in justice. His films, writings, and activism have left an indelible mark on the human rights movement in South Asia. As the world mourns his loss, his legacy remains alive in the movements he nurtured and the countless individuals he inspired to fight for a just and equitable world.
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