Development discourse has never been restricted to scientific research, however, it is usually the case that development practitioners, fiction writers and artists work in their own separate spaces. The most important issues of sustainable development are discussed on both platforms engendering debate and discussion on pivotal issues , yet their two worlds often seem apart. The purpose of this panel is to try and find ways to bridge that gap, to find ways that fiction writers and development practitioners can work together by joining hands in the quest for sustainable development. Today writers such as Mohammad Hanif and Nadeem Aslam are talking about exactly the same issues that are the focus of discussion in development sector forums, such as peace, security, the issue of religious minorities and above all their work is an indictment on the atrocities that continue to prevail in South Asia and indeed in many other parts of the world causing insecurity at all levels and increased disparities in societies. It is imperative for the world of “art” and the world of scientific research work to form strong links and together create awareness on concerns of such great gravity.

As a writer and editor for the development sector and as a fiction writer I too am deeply committed to these issues and through my work wish to reach out to wider audiences which is why I chose this forum to read out excerpts from my work of fiction titled ‘Blue Dust’ at my panel last year on the issue of religious minorities. ‘Blue Dust’ addresses crucial development issues such as religious discrimination, social inequality and class discrimination. I will be reading relevant excerpts from Blue Dust, which is forthcoming (Publisher, Roli Books India) in January 2012, and through the voice of my novel I will support the speakers in shedding light on the most pivotal development issues that South Asia faces today and show how fiction can indeed reach the widest audiences to change ideas, create new policies and offer new perspectives on how the two worlds can work together to act as catalysts for positive change.