[Assam] A chance interaction with Shashi Tharoor

[barua25]

Good!
That itself makes another good speech.
Barua
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ram Sarangapani 
  To: ASSAMNET 
  Sent: Sunday, August 26, 2007 4:56 PM
  Subject: [Assam] A chance interaction with Shashi Tharoor


  Yesterday, we had the good fortune to listen to Shashi Tharoor speak. Most of us know that Tharoor was formerly a UN undersecrectary, and also ran an unsuccessful campaign to win th UN Secy Gen post. He is also the author of a number of books The event drew (I would guess) a couple of 1000 people) - packed. It was also attended by Congressman Lampson, the Indian Ambassador, Sen, the mayor etc etec. 

  Anyway, Tharoor talked about (excellent speaker) "India's Soft Power in the 21st Century World"

  He spoke at length of both India's successes and also of its failures, He talked about space, of IT, of growth rates, literature, and of the Indian spirit, And he also talked about poverty (something like 30-40% below poverty level), of the wide disparities within the country. He spoke about the "Indian Democracy" and of how there is still the "you cast your vote, and vote your cast" - but he mentions how at times the democractic system struggles & totters, and yet manages to survive and come out triumphant. 

  He advocates "Soft Power" (SP)India which India practices very well - bothe within & outside the country. He advocates this power of persuassion as opposed to arms etc. SP can of course be in many forms - from Bollywood to literature, from our engineers to software developers. He mentioned that India was like a"Thali dinner". All different, items, some complementary, while others not - but they all belonged to the same thali. 

  I sort of took advantage of the Q & A session, hesitated, but asked him a question about Assam & NE.

  My question (based on some of the queries we often get in the net here) was what kind of Soft Power would Tharoor advocate the central Govt. take toward Assam in particular and the NE in general. I referred to the insurgency, the lack of development and wanted to know what steps Delhi ought to take to make Assam and NE inclusive and share and share equally in the overall Indian experiment. 

  Tharoor, basically responded and told the audience that India's overall success also depended on how well the all states were treated and how Delhi should take proactive steps to ensure that Assam(NE) is not left out etc. etc and that it was important development and growth efforts in Assam be given a priority. 

  He also mentioned that he would be visiting Assam, and that he has had a long discussion with the CM, Assam. He seemed genuinely interested and even referred to the situation in Assam a couple of times in other discussions. Afterwards, I even got a chance of chatting with him for a few minutes. 

  My reasons were very simplistic in asking the question. I did not expect that there would be any overnight change in attitude or perceptions toward Assam/NE or that Tharror could do on a personal basis. - but I thought I would atleast plant the idea, or notion that Delhi cannot just keep thinking that India is just made up of a few states and cities. I wanted to bring this up in front of many  American invitees, Ambassador Sen, Consul Gen. of India, and others like the mayor etc. Good or bad, I wanted to show that Assam/NE is/was being neglected in many ways - and I got to get that message about Assam across in the forum. 

  I have experimented this in a number of other forums too. I often raise concerns about Assam and let often let NGOs and others to also pay interest to states like Assam. Don't know if this works, but intend to keep trying. 

  I also DO NOT think those of us interested in Assam ought to just lay back and expect others to take interest. Today, there are many people both here and in Assam, who are trying to make things happen.

  Today, because of the leadership of Hiren da & Usha (Hiren Sarma of Houston), the Houston Assamese community was fortunate to be invited to a presentation of Pratham USA by Mr. Yogi Patel. Pratham, as some of you know is a non-profit organization and focusses on basic education for poor children. The organization has done wonderfull things and made huge strides in many parts of the country. 
  They now have a presence in Assam as well. 

  I think, it is important for each of us to contribute what we can. Pratham, from what I understand, will be able to match funds thru various sources. Further, contributions can be earmarked specifically to Assam. I am sure Hiren da can provide more information on Pratham if anyone wants further information. 

  --Ram







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