Women without Borders's video: Witness of History Shyam Singh

Through the ‘Witness of History’ film series project, Women without Borders (WwB) collected audio-visual testimony from a wide range of eyewitnesses to the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks in order to provide current and future generations with alternative narratives that favour constructive strategies in combating violent extremism, encourage reconciliatory rather than polarising discussions of events, and shine a light on those who often face neglect in the aftermath of atrocities—survivors and the family members who are left behind. Shyam Singh was a sportsman, he used to play district-level cricket and handball. He was also a 100 and 400 meters. Shyam survived the 2008 Mehrauli blast in New Delhi, however, he lost one of his closest friends that day... Because of his injuries, Shyam can no longer run, however, he says he is not angry, and believes the Indian government is doing everything it can to solve the terrorism problem. Violent extremism and terrorism have taken the lives of thousands and changed the lives of millions of innocent people across the world. Violent extremism is not a domestic issue, but international linkages now ensure that it is of global concern. Terrorist recruiters seem to be successful because their ideologies and actions resonate especially among youth. The absence of counter-narratives has created a void in the lives of young people, who often look to the wrong sources for direction. SAVE has a vision of bringing together victims of and those affected by violent extremism. As witnesses of history, their voices can and should carry credible weight in developing new strategies to combat radical ideologies and consolidate peace and security in war-torn and unstable regions. This film was funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection.