Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In speaker Sheba Saeed's talk, she explores the complexity of begging in Lahore, Pakistan, delving into the typology, demographic, reasons, reality and fieldwork insights of the topic. Her talk exemplifies to the audience the importance of nuance in widely controversial topics, and to solidify the idea that change begins with discussion. Dr. Sheba Saeed is an interdisciplinary academic whose journey spans history, law, journalism, and film. Beginning with a degree in East Mediterranean history, she later qualified as a solicitor in crime and children’s law before pursuing an MPhil in the History of Film and Television at the University of Birmingham, U.K. Her PhD research culminated in the book Begging, Street Politics and Power: Religious and Secular Laws (Routledge, 2023), exploring begging in India and Pakistan. Her debut documentary Beggars of Lahore (2010) was screened internationally and accompanied by UK exhibitions.
Dr. Saeed is currently completing a book about trans women in the context of Pakistan. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx
In speaker Sheba Saeed's talk, she explores the complexity of begging in Lahore, Pakistan, delving into the typology, demographic, reasons, reality and fieldwork insights of the topic. Her talk exemplifies to the audience the importance of nuance in widely controversial topics, and to solidify the idea that change begins with discussion. Dr. Sheba Saeed is an interdisciplinary academic whose journey spans history, law, journalism, and film. Beginning with a degree in East Mediterranean history, she later qualified as a solicitor in crime and children’s law before pursuing an MPhil in the History of Film and Television at the University of Birmingham, U.K. Her PhD research culminated in the book Begging, Street Politics and Power: Religious and Secular Laws (Routledge, 2023), exploring begging in India and Pakistan. Her debut documentary Beggars of Lahore (2010) was screened internationally and accompanied by UK exhibitions.
Dr. Saeed is currently completing a book about trans women in the context of Pakistan. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx
