The Final Plenary Conference of South Asia Together was held from 13-15th November 2005. The Conference focused on the issue of Human Freedoms in South Asia as a binding theme and a background paper on ‘Human Freedoms: The South Asian Problematic’ jointly authored by Dr. V. A. Pai Panadikar and Dr Rahul Tripathi, was circulated to the participants in advance. The participation this time was widened to include youth with experience as several eminent South Asians with illustrious background in policymaking, academia, non governmental sector and media were invited to share their thoughts and experiences with the younger delegates who were recommended by institutions of repute.

The three-day conference was divided into different thematic sessions with the focus on the issues of Human freedoms- cultural, social, political and economic, Peace and Security and Regional Cooperation in South Asia. With the background paper as the reference point, the discussions were held in an unstructured format with the participants expressing their views on the key problems in ensuring human freedoms, peace and cooperation in the South Asian Region. The need for focus on the people of South Asia rather than the state was maintained-as emphasized during the earlier two dialogues. The participants came out with some very important recommendations to create a better South Asia and expressed keen interest in continuation of the activities of South Asia Together in the next phase.

In light of this, the project has been able to so far create a community of younger people within the south Asian region who share their views and vision for a secure and a prosperous South Asia. There is a desire within this community to broaden and deepen the level of interaction as expressed at the conclusion of the Final Plenary Conference. Viewed in its entirety, it is felt that the project has been able to maintain the focus on youth guided by the wisdom and experience of some of the eminent South Asians. In this regard, we note with deep satisfaction that former Prime Minister of India Shri Inder Kumar Gujral, who has been the architect of India’s beneficial interaction with our neighbours and was the Chief Guest in the Final Plenary Conference, took a very keen interest in the deliberations and assured continued involvement.