one mountain and two tigers

….India China and the High Himalayas

A BOOK REVIEW

I recently I came across a most informative compilation of 14 essays titled One Mountain Two Tigers put together by Shakti Sinha a bureaucrat turned political analyst cum author presently holding charge of Honorary Director Atal Bihari Institute of Policy Research and International Studies. Each essay penned by experts on Indo China Relations covering genesis of Indo China conflict has come up as impromptu response to recent flare up on India China border.The individual essays are capsulation of information covering a very wide canvas on the subject .

The book recalls that while at one juncture the two asian lions appeared to have reconciled to shake hands and focus on peace and economic cooperation leaving the border issues for future generations, the recent border incidents have brought to the forefront the urgency of finding a lasting solutions for settling border issues. It is now an agreed fact that various lines drawn across maps which are relied for defining the border have various deficiencies depending on constraints thrown by such socio economic inter dependance of the two economic giants and issue has been further complicated by the geographically treacherous terrain which constitutes the border..

The region studded with rich cultural legacy and impressive record of human developments is however too large to remain in a state of rest or have everlasting peace. Political changes within China and rest of world including United States and periodic tremors arising out of smoking conflict zones such as Gilgit ,Tibet, Baltistan have by a chain of events kept the region in state of ferment and the dormant volcano starts emitting lava and smoke periodically.The book looks for background for such conflict and to some extent seeks answers to contain such developments within manageable limits.

The Essays in the Compilation recall how historical and religious characteristics of the two civilisations have intertwined the fate of the two giants. The compilation has been prompted by recent disturbances on Indo China Border but an author has also recalled that India and China have remained peaceful neighbours for more than 5000 years. The countrIes have a common platform where they share literature and rituals, languages and scripts to so much extent that certain modern Chinese Scholars have at one stage in recent past even analysed “Indianisation” of China in their writings. Mount Kailash and Mansarovar lake located well inside Chinese territory continue to attract generations of Indians for pilgrimage purposes.

The compilation also vividly brings out the fact of inter dependence of Trade and Commerce related activities between the two countries as well as kingdom of Kashmir.

The compilation covers everything which an ordinary person would like to know about Indo China conflicts.I felt happy that I had with my spouse already extensively toured China three years back, because the Hind Chini Bhai Bhai spirit may remain bottled up for sometime now.

The concluding essay titled “China :Anxiety and Aggression” by Shakti Sinha is itself a masterpiece.It recalls the amazing carelessness shown by China in facilitating spread of Corona Virus to various parts of the world followed up by flaring disputes with multiple countries on issues which had no immediate provocation.China has also initiated verbal disputes with several countries using unparliamentary words which had so far been used for a few chosen enemies like Dalai Lama.The brazen contempt has been linked to meteoric rise of Chinese economy but present day realisation that the growth trajectory is unlikely to continue.On Social development front environmental issues and China’s one child policy have thrown up challenges. According to author the wide range of conflicts with multiplicity of countries makes Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and it’s General Secretary insecure and uncomfortable. Future holds the key to resurgence or decline of China as economic super powers.

The incidents which have occasionally propped up are in-fact not isolated occurrences. Developments on Indo China border including Socio political or Economic Developments and trade related movements are results of a sequence of events prompted by a critical balance of conflicting economic and political forces between asian nation and superpowers including United States of America and Soviet Union.The solutions may be decades away.

Revival of Tourism Industry in Post Covid Scenario……………….there is light at the end of the tunnel

June 27, 2020June 28, 2020 Ajit glowfriend Economy, Port Blair, Public Matters, Tourism, Tsunami Revival of Tourism

Seaview from South Point Circuit House Port Blair Andaman & Nicobar

As the COVID crisis has raised it’s fangs all over the world, different sectors of economy, have started facing survival issues. The stakeholders have been compelled to resort to brainstorming trying to to evolve strategies for revival and survival in Post COVID world.

Amongst the blooming sectors of economy which had to bear the COVID impact the biggest sufferer has been the Tourism industry.

Rural population in North East managing life under COVID norms

In age of social distancing and contactless deliveries, people even in remote places have been confined to securities of respective homes and major tourism related places and streets present deserted looks .The Tourism industry has been in forefront of sufferings and declining incomes.

Beautiful Zuari Bridge in Goa with deserted look

Tourist traffic has been severely restricted due to COVID outbreak as multiple restrictions came into place on movement of people within cities as well outside. Within City the business of all kind of operators whether artisans and transporters or hoteliers connected with tourism is dented by distancing restrictions and diminishing travel facilities. Movement of population from one end to another end within the country or outside the country has also been further adversely impacted by continuous increase in fuel prices which has become a compulsive revenue generation option for Govts. of the day in order to fill up the breach in financial resources created by COVID related expenditure.

Recently while searching the net for tourism related material I came across a video on a virtual meet of Ex Tourism Secretaries namely S/Sh. SK Mishra Chairman ITHRD, MP Bezbaruah and Vinod Zutshi all distinguished ex Civil Servants. who have been connected to Tourism in senior positions.It can be viewed on you tube at link given (https://youtu.be/iEKI_QOK8Gk).

It came out that the meet was hosted by an organisation called Total Synergy and Consultants Ltd. (TSCPL). The meet organised by M/s TSCPL offered an enlightening discussion which could come out with useful conclusions on issues and challenges with reference to some major Tourism hotspots in the Country.It was felt that for planning for future there will have to be a dynamic and flexible approach if we want to give a new life with added survival strength to the Tourism industry.

An important strategic change which emerged concerns promotion of tourism based on cluster approach. This would mean covering all nearby tourism related facilities connected with an important tourist place in a particular area. The authorities would have to interlink the spots and major attractions. The transport and stay arrangements , even upto level of guides can be managed by a common agency.This will have added benefit for promotion of cottage industries and the ancillaries for overall promotion of tourism.

It can be expected that such an approach will empower even the smaller players in the field. Connectivity and synergising through all stake holders would act as a comprehensive cover against short term setbacks. This will insulate the industry against similar suffering related to short term ups and downs.With the increased connectivity and sharing of resources the industry would be insulated from shocks which are now becoming more frequent due to globalisation of our economies .

At this juncture the need of the day is to devise a long term plan for good of the Tourism Industry and stay confident about future.The Industry has weathered many such storms at the times of war, pandemic and natural calamities.

Having once worked in Andaman & Nicobar Islands I can recall experience of Andaman & Nicobar Islands after Tsunami (in 2004). The Islands a treasure house of unique bio diversity offered captivating exposure to natural beauty for the visiting tourists.

However the scenario was completely changed after the Tsunami struck in December 2003.The tourist were hastily collected and packed off in first available flights . There was massive damage to Power houses, Communication networks and habitations.For some days everything appeared to have been lost.

At one stage after Tsunami the Tourism Industry in Andamans appeared to have totally collapsed.The visitors avoided the Islands for fear of repeat Tsunami. But such feeling got dissipated later.The repair to Jetties and docks was taken up on war footing.Normal flights resumed very soon.

a plane poised for landing at Port Blair

The subsequent relief and reconstruction activities had also exposed the Islands to the entire world.The increased footfalls acted as catalysts for publicity.Numerous new projects came up later for growth of Tourism.It was not long before normal activities resumed.The Islands now have a flourishing tourism industry and has advanced to higher levels with introduction of new world class facilities and infrastructure for inter island tourists.

Taking lessons from Andamans we may wish good luck to one and all and to the Tourists And Operators, wishing for speedy recovery .

बहारें फिर भी आती हैं बहारें फिर भी आयेंगी

Memories of Arunachal Pradesh and Commemoration of War Heroes

June 23, 2020June 24, 2020 Ajit glowfriend Border Dispute, Indo China Dispute, Indo China Disputer, Public Matters Arunachal Pradesh, Border Row., China Dispute, China War, Indo China Border Dispute, War Memorial

After the recent skirmishes on China border I was compelled to search through my collection of Arunachal Pradesh photographs and located some iconic memories of the place for the places connected with Indo China War in 1962.

State of Arunachal Pradesh touches the International Border with China. During my posting at Arunachal Pradesh in (2010-12) I was looking after Social Welfare and Women & Child Development Departments,and for some time Public Works Departments .

At least two times in a month I would go out along with personal staff for trips stretching to all corners of the State .Each trip could be of 3-5 days duration.

Travelling to distant locations for inspections of Schools, Anganwadis, Dispensaries and construction of roads was a regular activity.

Travel by road is the most preferred mode of travel. It is so because the Chopper services were limited to select destinations.The Road journey itself was a bonus as it offered opportunities for collecting numerous pictures of the most beautiful mountains and serpentine flow of rivers. falling enroute.

There is a protocol for travelling by road. The District Magistrates of the District through which travel is to take place had to be informed in writing in advance. This is because of the fact that breakdown in the roads due to avalanche and falling of large stones is not infrequent. Persons caught on road during such natural calamities got trapped for hours and had to be evacuated with huge efforts.

One most endearing feature of the State is that the local people, the as well as the Govt. staff are very warm hearted and helpful as well as great hosts.

Subordinate staff posted in various districts has very large percentage of female employees who share the responsibilities along with their Male counterparts.They leave no stone unturned to assist the visiting officials.

Arunachal has a matriarchal society and females are very bold as well as hardworking.The are usually well dressed and smartly turned out.Being proud of their State and it’s traditions of valour they sometimes very sportingly insist for photographs.

One of the visits to Tawang was exclusively reserved for visiting the places connected with 1962 war.

The State has witnessed some important battles between Chinese Army and the Indian Army during the 62 WAr.The Army has commemorated the sacrifices of it’s bravehearts in style at War Memorial at Tawang.