South Asian society-Its strengths and weaknesses...

South Asia covers a large geographical area and comprises of a large population. This population comprises of people belonging to different religion and ethnicities.  It is a diverse and multicultural region, with a variety of different cultures. Geographically, and economically also this area is of immense importance, but many people do not realize this and so have negative views about this region.  I think that this area has its set of strengths and weaknesses like all the other areas of the world. Many people live in this area and they are mostly hard working. Keeping in mind, the other areas of the world I think that the South Asian people are extremely ambitious and hardworking. There is always this zeal and determination that is seen in these people, in whatever they are doing, however, there is an absence of unity among them. I think that the principles of unity, faith and discipline are not being followed by the people. There is always this division among religious and political lines and this is why it there is a sense of hostility that people have for each other.

Ecomonically also this region has a vast potential for growth, as it consists of a wide variety of mineral resources and other commodities that can be exported to other countries. This shows that trade can be carried on an extensive scale, earning a considerable amount of foreign exchange for the region. The countries in this region possess nuclear bombs which are seen as a symbol of strength; other countries however, see it as a threat. I think that there is a great potential for growth in this region, only if something is done about the drawbacks that exist in this region. The illiteracy rate in this region is extremely high and so many people remain unemployed. Poverty and inflation levels are rising, combined with an increase in population on a daily basis. The rate of poverty is so high that many people resort to criminal activities in order to earn a living for themselves. This, in turn increases the crime rate in the region. Combined with this, many people and countries also do not have the vision to achieve something for the region and work hard, to promote prosperity. They are involved in a blame game where the countries continue to blame each other, which in turn destroys harmony and disturbs unity.

I think that this region has great prospects for growth, only if the people and countries realize that they need to be united on a common platform. Organizations should be formed where all the South Asian countries could unite on a common platform. If this becomes possible then South Asia could progress politically, economically, socially and culturally.

Anika Kamran Dyer

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