Social issues programming from the 2009 North American Bengali Conference

"Through poetry and personal narrative, queer Bengali artists Krishnakali Chaudhuri and Misha Chowdhury will share their own stories and open a dialogue about the diversity of experience that is Bengali identity. Moderated by Professor Raka Ray (UC Berkeley)." Learn more about LGBT content at NABC.

"Global warming could turn millions of Bengalis into climate refugees. Learn the facts, and what we can do to prevent another massive dislocation on the scale on 1947 or 1971." Featuring UC Berkeley professor Isha Ray, and environmental activist Ananda Tan. Moderated by Stanford sustainability manager Fahmida Ahmed. (Details and speaker bios)

"Amnesty International has recognized the rise of Domestic violence in Bangladesh in its latest country Report of 2008. Amnesty has also been vocal about the increase of sex selective abortion practices in many parts of India in the recent years. In this Forum, participants will listen to activists in the SF Bay area involved in combating domestic violence and sex selective abortion practices among immigrant Bengali population. Participants will also learn about the Stop Violence against Women Campaign launched by Amnesty International in 2004 and its current advocacy issues."