As friends, colleagues, mentees, and admirers gathered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to celebrate her 80th birthday in November 2025, what became clear was that the accolades tell only part of the story and don’t explain why a roomful of people from across the world came to honour her.
The exhibition also sits in conversation with an earlier project co-curated by Hashmi and Walia, exploring the creative and political possibilities of South Asia through art and film. That curatorial lineage expands the meaning of this library project, situating it within a broader feminist and regional tradition of asking uncomfortable questions.
Mamdani represents a different era — one less interested in fitting in, and more in standing firm. Obama deflected when his middle name became a slur in the mouths of opponents. Mamdani pronounces his own name slowly until others get it right. Obama avoided being read through a Muslim lens. Mamdani says being Muslim, African-born, and South Asian is the story — not a liability.
Mamdani’s performance becomes even more striking when the kind of coalition he built in the world’s most multicultural and multilingual city is brought into consideration. Early analysis shows that apart from South Asian American voters, including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Afghan, Sri Lankan and Nepalese, he also won over White, Black and Latino voters in excess of expectations. He did particularly well in the demographic below 45 years in age
Artists from India and Bangladesh displayed their printmaking creativity despite India witnessing nationwide protests against CAA, NRC. The exhibition was organised to make people aware of printmaking and to further elevate the concept and application of this medium. They also shared rich heritage through their masterpieces at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi January 23-31.
