Tapan Kumar Bose, a renowned documentary filmmaker, human rights advocate and peace activist, passed away on January 30 in New Delhi. He was 79.
Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to fighting for oppressed communities, particularly displaced groups, refugees and victims of violence. His focus was on issues such as the Rohingya and Burmese communities in South Asia.
Bose’s activism began during India’s emergency in the late 1970s, where he highlighted human rights violations. His work covered important events like the Bhagalpur blindings, conflicts in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, and the Bhopal gas tragedy. Through his films, such as An Indian Story (1981), Bhopal: Beyond Genocide (1986), The Vulnerable Road User (1991), Jharkhand (1993) and The Expendable People (2016), he gave a platform to the oppressed and brought attention to systemic injustices.
He was instrumental in establishing and supporting many human rights groups, including the South Asia Forum for Human Rights, the Pakistan-India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy, the Rohingya Human Rights Initiative and others.
His work extended to advocating for refugees and minorities, and supporting communities affected by communal violence, such as Kashmiris, Nagas and groups in Burma and Sri Lanka. He believed in using culture as resistance and promoted unity through figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Bose also opposed militarisation and right-wing extremism, while supporting Gandhian values.
Bose had a passion for music, poetry and cooking, but above all, his dedication to justice and human rights will inspire future generations. His life and work have left a lasting impact on those who fought for marginalised communities, especially the Rohingya.
My mentor
To me, Bose was not just a mentor but a guide, friend and pillar of support throughout my own journey as a human rights activist. My path into activism began in 2008 when I moved to India as a survivor of genocide in Myanmar. I struggled with fear, isolation and trauma from the violence I had experienced. However, in 2012, I began focusing on human rights issues, especially the ongoing Rohingya crisis.
At an event in 2012, I met Bose while raising awareness about the Rohingya crisis. He saw my passion and immediately became my mentor, teaching me everything about advocacy, human rights and activism. His guidance helped me learn how to craft speeches, communicate with diplomats, document atrocities and conduct ethical research. He emphasised the importance of not only raising awareness but taking real action to make a difference.
Bose supported me during difficult times, such as when I was wrongfully detained in Hyderabad. He worked tirelessly for my release, showing his unwavering commitment to human rights. Even during his personal struggles, including his health issues, he was always there for me, offering help and connecting me to new opportunities when I faced hardships.
Tapam Kumar Bose with Sabber Kyaw Min and other activists. Photo: Courtesy Sabber Kyaw Min
Champion of Rohingya cause
Bose was a passionate advocate for the Rohingya people. He recognised the severity of their crisis early and worked relentlessly to draw attention to their plight.
He predicted the 2017 genocide and continued his advocacy even as his health declined. Despite being bedridden during the COVID-19 pandemic, he provided emergency relief to over 7,000 Rohingya refugees in India and organised conferences.
In 2018 and 2024, he helped open an education centre for Rohingya children in Delhi, along with Dr Maung Zarni. He also supported 300 families in Myanmar by sending financial aid to those affected by airstrikes.
Through his efforts, he built networks of support for the Rohingya cause, helping to establish organisations and connect activists like Mohibullah. His influence gave the Rohingya a global voice and played a key role in amplifying their concerns.
Bose’s work was not just about raising awareness but about driving tangible change. He made a real impact on the lives of marginalised communities, especially the Rohingya, Burmese and other oppressed groups.
His passing is a huge loss, not only to me but to marginalised communities worldwide. He was more than just an activist; he was a father figure, mentor and friend. The Rohingya community and the human rights movement have lost a true hero and advocate for justice.
His legacy continues through the Rohingya Human Rights Initiative, which he helped establish, and through the work that continues in his memory.
When we announced that he would receive a humanitarian award for his lifetime of service, he was thrilled. He accepted the recognition, not for himself, but for the cause he devoted his life to.
Rest in peace, Tapan Sir. Your work lives on through us and your spirit will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the fight for justice and peace.
Sabber Kyaw Min is a human rights and peace activist who works for the refugees, stateless and displaced people. The author also runs a human rights organisation, Rohingya Human Rights Initiative (ROHRIngya) based in Delhi.
