TRADITION OR GLOBALIZATION : NORTH EAST AT CROSS ROADS

L . ANAND, Lecturer, College of Nursing, NEIGRIHMS (Govt.of India), Shillong, Megalaya.

Introduction: Any discussion on Indias North East as available in any print or electronic media deals with its typical geo-political location and accompanying characteristics. But the real issue is how different is this difference. Some critics start with the very assertion that the nomenclature itself is sufficient to explain its uniqueness. It is a universal truth that any given state in the

contemporary world is normally divided into four primary regions like that of north, south, east and west. India as a state cant be described in this

manner. It has to be stated in terms of five distinct regions such as all four mentioned above and the north-east which cant be equated nor grouped with any other region. Characteristics of North Eastern region the era of Globalization: For the vast majority of the people from other regions of India, the north east still remains a distant land and an unexplored paradise. Inversely, the people of the north-eastern states are still identified instantly as foreigners, or country cousins of their more famous and familiar international neighbours and 96 per cent of the borders of the North Eastern Region constituting international boundaries. This communication gap based on ethnocentric

features is successfully manipulated by the forces who are working overtime

to prevent any kind of cultural and emotional integration of the people from the rest of India with those from the north eastern states. Now let us come to another very significant aspect of the north east India that has almost become a hallmark of the north east, i.e. terrorism or militancy. A large number of militant groups and outfits operate in the region. Some of the large groups have international connections and presence. Some of these groups have international connections and presence. These groups, like their counterparts in any part of the world, are engaged in armed conflicts with the state, army, para-military forces; collect money and resources; establish training camps; sabotage developmental activities; plant bombs and explosive devices in public places; use landmines; kill security personnel as well as innocent and unarmed civilians; occassionally declare ceasefire; and, sometimes come to the negotiating table and even talk peace, only to backout and return to their hideouts. This list is not at all exhaustive. It is only

indicative. In one sentence it may be said that these groups are engaged in low-intensity conflict that has become a part and parcel of the life of the people of the north east. After discussing these general trends and features of the militant groups and outfits operating in the north east, let us discuss some of the unique features of these groups which are so typical in nature of which we may not find any parallel instances any where in the world. First, most of these groups are alleged receive logical support from socio-political groups of the region. In most parts of the world, such groups are totally opposed to the very political system, even all political parties in general. Next, most of the militant groups in the northeast also interested in social, cultural, economic

and developmental activities in the region which are not found in similar groups in other parts of the world. Another aspect of the prevailing situation in the north east India is its strike culture. One never knows, when, where and for how long a general strike or total bandh would come into force in the region. On one particular day, Assam was virtually paralyzed by four such strikes organized by four separate groups on four different issues. Now, we may talk about the practical implications and impacts of such strikes. A few years back, according to newspaper reports, during a particular calendar year, the educational institutions located in particular state were open for forty three days only. This incident is only the tip of the ice-berg. It is just a sample case. Such strikes are organized in hundreds throughout the year in different parts of the north east which cripples the development the region.

Impact of globalization on regional development: Another very significant aspect of the ground reality in the region refers to a very peculiar but pertinent issue of interface between tradition and globalization. Sikkim now boasts of a vibrant hand-made paper industry, a traditional house-hold industry, which is both eco-friendly and economically viable option for the hill state. At the same time, the state has acquired a unique place in the field of mobile or cell-phone density in the whole country. Anthurium flowers are now produced commercially and are exported to many foreign destinations from Mizoram, Manipur, which at times shows zerotolerance to outsiders, can boast of a number of prominent sports personalities who are well-known internationally for their individual as well as

group achievements. Meghalaya and Nagaland have established a few rock bands that have created ripples in the global music arena. And one should not forget the shillong-connection of Mr.Algore, the noble laureate, in the fight against global warming and climate change. Tripura is perhaps the only state in the region to introduce pollution-free transport system in the region. Issues related to higher education in the era globalization: With special reference to Nursing EducationAnother very significant factor which requires attention at this juncture refers to the juxtaposition of tradition and globalization in the region. There is a great demand for professional education in the region. The number of institutions available for higher education and professional education in the north eastern region was very limited in the context of population. The students of NE region like other states have strong thirst towards professional education especially nursing education, for instance College of Nursing, NEIGRIHMS,Shillong receives thousands of applications every year merely for 50 seats. The possible explanation may be that of unemployment widely prevailing in this region force them to choose most lucrative profession. They are forced to migrate to other states merely for higher education which causes an impact on economy of the region. Many institutes need to be set up to overcome this burning issue.

Total Number of Medical ,Nursing and other Colleges In NE Region

Medical colleges

Nursing colleges

Other colleges

Arunachalpradesh Assam Manipur Megalaya Mizoram Nagaland Sikkim Tripura

13.82 lac 3.6 crore 27.21 lac 29.64 lac 10.91 lac 19.81 lac 6.1 lac 36.71 lac

0 5 2 1 0 0 1 2

0 6 5 2 2 0 2 2

2 189 59 8 27 35 15 17

Discussion and Implications: Now is the turn of the vital question. Is there any way out or why is the situation so precarious in the north east? The answer to the question would have to be complex, composite and even to some extent confusing too. The governance of north eastern states has a vested interest in the instability, turmoil and under development of the region. The quest for ethnic and cultural identities has sowed the seeds, frustration and dissatisfaction from seclusion, backwardness, remoteness and problems of governance have provided fertile ground for breeding armed insurgencies. If one looks at the present complex socio-cultural matrix of the north east where there is co-existence of conflict and peace; deprivation and development; or frustration and dream, one comes close to the stark reality on the ground. Any attempt at peace and stability in the region has to deal with the ground reality. Granting of the sixth schedule status and the establishment of autonomous district councils in some of the states have resulted in the

partial fulfillment of aspirations of the tribal groups in some pockets of the region. Development is a journey in the realm of dynamism. It has no fixed course; nor a designated destination. It is the other name of evolution.

Neither the states of the north east nor their issues and problems have come into existence overnight. So, as a matter of natural justice, their possible solutions would have to be found out in a similar fashion over a long period of time. For instance, the issues and problems relating to ethnicity, language, lack of tolerance, migration, displacement, territoriality, education and economic underdevelopment would require a considerable time span to arrive at some acceptable solution. Another very significant factor which requires attention at this juncture refers to the juxtaposition of tradition and globalization in the region. There is a great demand for internet connectivity, mobile telephony, air connectivity and professional education in the region. Conclusion: To conclude, let us quote the very opening lines from the NER Vision Statement, released by the Prime Minister of India on July 2, 2008 which states: At Independence, the North-Eastern Region was among the most prosperous regions of India. Sixty years on, the Region as a whole, and the States that comprise it, are lagging far behind the rest of the country in most important parameters of growth. representing tradition. People of the region have an ambitious vision: by 2020, they aspire to see their region emerge peaceful, strong, confident, and ready to engage with This statement may be taken as one

the global economy. They would like to march on the path of economic, social and cultural progress towards prosperity and well-being, to participate in governance and determine the allocation of public resources and public services they receive. Political empowerment in evolving responsive governance would help to achieve social and economic empowerment as well. They want to banish poverty and illiteracy and ensure that every family in the region has the opportunity to live a healthy and secure life with dignity and self-respect. Moving away from the dependency syndrome, people in the region would like to acquire the capability and self-confidence to shape their own destinies. They would like to enjoy their freedoms freedom from hunger and poverty, the freedom to exercise choice in their avocations, incomeearning and spending decisions, and political, economic and social freedoms without fear. They would like to enjoy peace and achieve sustainable progress and prosperity in the era of globalization. References: 1. North Eastern Region Vision 2020,New Delhi; MDNER&NEC, July 2,2008. 2. Alkoesh, Baruva,ed.,Indias North East: Development issues in a historical perspective, New Delhi;, Manohar publications.2005 3. Report of the Committee on Grass-roots Planning, New Delhi: Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, 2006. 4. Report (Shukla Commission Report): Transforming the North East, New Delhi: Planning Commission of India, 1997. 5. Gulshan Sachdeva, Economy of the North East: Policy, Present conditions and Future Possibilities, New Delhi: Konark Publishers, 2000.