Entrepreneurs from the Northeast can play a vital role in connecting markets and producers of South Asia and Southeast Asia
For centuries, way before the Look East Policy was even envisioned, India’s Northeast was the country’s connect to Southeast Asia. In fact, maps dating just a hundred years before India’s Independence show a region completely integrated with South Asia and Southeast Asia – which today constitute India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Southeast Asia was even known as ‘Farther India’ not too long ago. There were intermarriages between clans and royal families of these regions and there was a continuous exchange of knowledge, culture and trade. And, India’s Northeast served as the bridge between these civilisations and nations.
India’s partition in 1947, and its border issues with earlier East Pakistan and then Bangladesh and the long military rule in Myanmar hampered the seamless connectivity that India’s Northeast enjoyed with mainland India and Southeast Asia. Now with the resolution of almost all border issues with Bangladesh via the BIMSTEC agreement, a more democratic atmosphere in Myanmar and the Act East policy of the Union Government in Delhi; the nature of peopleto-people exchange in the region is drastically shifting. And, it is heralding a time of great opportunity for India’s Northeast to once again become the bridge between India and Southeast Asia.
A Time for New Opportunities
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Time For Home Improvement!
Here are some home improvement projects that even absolute beginners will get right
Coping With Anxiety
Here are a few ways that you can deal with anxiety that you may be feeling because of the on-going pandemic
The Spread Continues
According to official reports, African Swine Fever has killed more than 1,700 pigs in Mizoram
Take the Unexplored Path
If you are looking for an underrated destination to explore this year, plan a trip to the charming town of Likabali
The Lotus Blooms Again
The Congress-led grand alliance bites dust in Assam as BJP retains power again in 2021
Painting Heritage
An up-and-coming artist from Nagaland wants to share his culture and heritage through works of art
MUSINGS OF A SOLDIER: TIT-BITS
People often ask me about my life out of uniform. Honestly, I have had no problems. Not so far. Instead, I find it quite refreshing. No routine, no parades, no briefing, no impending operations. Having donned the uniform since the age of thirteen until I hung up my boots last year, could I ever visualize life out of uniform? Not really. But, as I said, the transition has been quite smooth–no hang-overs, no regrets. People have been very positive in their interactions. Government departments have been responsive whenever I have approached for assistance.The genuine respect for the uniform is quite evident and it makes my heart swell with pride. Arunachal, to that extent, is the most nationalistic state in the country, I daresay. It has been kind of a revelation for me to experience the freedom of being a common man in an environment of positivity!
Look Good, Feel Good!
Here are four cruelty-free makeup brands that deserve a spot in your vanity bag
Face-to-Face With Conflict
In ‘Bulletproof: A Journalist’s Notebook on Reporting Conflict’, award winning journalist and author Teresa Rehman shares her experience of reporting from a conflict-ridden region
Bringing the Family Together
Tabletop games will encourage your family to take some time away from the screen and reconnect with each other
