South Asia Foundation (SAF) is a secular, non-profit and non-political organization, founded in 2000 by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh. The complete text of the legal document giving the vision and aims of the foundation is as below:
SAF Charter
Article I: Preamble South Asia Foundation (SAF) is a secular, non-profit and non-political organization, founded in 2000 by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Madanjeet Singh. The cardinal objective of the organization is to sustain a movement, in particular involving youth, to promote regional cooperation and peace through education, cultural interaction and mutual understanding among the people of South Asia. SAF has been admitted into official relationship with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and recognized as an Apex Body of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The aims, objectives and activities of SAF are in conformity with the spirit, purpose and principles of the two international organizations. Article II: Regional Cooperation Projects Among the important SAF projects that promote regional cooperation include the jointly designed courses by open universities in SAARC region; the SAF Scouts Friendship Camps; the SAF SOS Environmental Camps: the establishment of the institutions of excellence in SAARC countries, affiliated to the proposed South Asian University; and group scholarships to enable students from the eight SAARC countries to study together.
The main objective is to persuade SAARC member states to adopt a common currency. Article III: Organization
South Asia Foundation (SAF) has eight autonomous chapters — SAF - Afghanistan, SAF - Bangladesh, SAF - Bhutan, SAF - India, SAF - Maldives, SAF - Nepal, SAF - Pakistan and SAF - Sri Lanka. South Asia Foundation (SAF) and its eight autonomous chapters have entered into an agreement setting out their relationship and modalities of cooperation.
The Governing Council comprises of eight chairpersons of SAF chapters: Afghanistan: Hon. Dr. Sayed M. Raheen, former Minister of Culture, Information, Kabul;
Bangladesh: Dr. Kamal Hossain, former Minister of Law, Foreign Affairs, Dhaka;
Bhutan: Hon. Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup, Minister of Agriculture, Thimphu;
India: Hon. Mani Shankar Aiyar, Minister, Panchayati Raj, Youth, Sports, New Delhi;
Maldives: Hon. Ahmed Shaheed, Foreign Minister, Malé;
Nepal: Dr. Rita Thapa, Senior Advisor to the Nepal Ministry of Health, Kathmandu;
Pakistan: Prof. Salima Hashmi, Dean, School of Visual Arts, BNU, Lahore;
Sri Lanka: Hon. Chandrika B. Kumaratunga, former President of Sri Lanka, Colombo. In case of demise or incapacitation of a Chairperson, the SAF Advisory Board of that chapter will propose the replacement for consideration by SAF Governing Council in consultation with Madanjeet Singh (SAF Founder) or his successor. The SAF Board of Trustees: Madanjeet Singh, Dr. Kamal Hossain, France Marquet, Mohini Kent Noon and Narasimha Ram. The Trustes have designated their successors in case of resignation,
incapacitation, or death: Madanjeet Singh - Mani Shankar Aiyar; Dr. Kamal Hossain - Ms Sara Hossain; France Marquet - Dhooleka Raj; Mohini Kent Noon - G. K. Noon and Narasimha Ram - Vidya Ram. After the demise of Madanjeet Singh, all his SAF constitutional responsibilities shall be taken over by Narasimha Ram, as chairman of the Board of Trustees. In the event of Narasimha Ram’s resignation, incapacitation or demise, his successor shall be elected by consensus from amongst the Board of Trustees. Article IV: Administration The manner of the administration and investment of the SAF assets is the responsibility of the SAF Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees will ensure that SAF funds are allotted only to projects that promote regional cooperation. Each of the eight chairpersons, may, at an annual meeting of the Governing Council or at any other special meeting, present a proposal to the Board of Trustees for the funds needed for projects and activities that promote regional cooperation. A decision to accept or reject a project will be taken by unanimity. In case any chairperson is unable to attend a meeting, the proposal will be sent to him for decision. A quorum for a meeting of the Board of Trustees will be three fourths of the total number. The responsibility for implementing the approved projects is entirely that of the Chairpersons and their Advisory Board members in conformity with the general principle that a chapter with a project funded by SAF would bear at least half the costs, either in funds or in kind. Each chapter will conduct its own auditing of SAF accounts and submit its annual report to the Board of Trustees for approval and record. | 
