The Centre for Afghanistan Studies hosted a public lecture by senior journalist Nayanima Basu on 10 March 2025. In her lecture, Nayanima Basu shared her experiences reporting from Kabul during the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Her presentation moved beyond headlines, offering a deeply human account of Afghanistan’s collapse. She criticised India’s foreign policy for being overly elite-driven and disconnected from people on the ground. Through vivid photographs and personal stories, she portrayed scenes from Kabul’s final days, including deserted salons, panic at the airport, and the fading hope among civilians. Her interview with Gulbuddin Hekmatyar revealed how the Taliban manipulate language and social media to appear reformed while continuing their oppressive ideology. She condemned discriminatory evacuation policies that excluded Afghan minorities and students. The lecture challenged listeners to question India’s silence and disengagement in its own neighbourhood. Basu emphasised that foreign policy must be rooted in empathy, accountability, and presence rather than bureaucracy and distance. Her talk served as both witness and warning, reminding the audience that diplomacy is meaningful only when it recognises the suffering and aspirations of real people. The session reflected the Centre’s dedication to amplifying first-hand perspectives and encouraging responsible regional engagement grounded in compassion and truth.