Sorry state of India and its implications on Nepal

There have been a buzz of India regarding its health issues, poverty and sanitation problems even though it is one of the rising economic powers in the current time. Following highlights the state of India.

Literacy: 74%

Life expectancy : 68%

Most Polluted City in the world : New Delhi

Open Defecation : 50 % (620 million)

                              more than the population of Europe or twice that of USA

Poor people : 179.6 million  in 2013

                      (20.6% share of world's poor but 17.5%  share  of global population )

It is often compared that  India has more poor people than that of  all the African countries combined. The sorry state of environment are due to unplanned industrialization, illegal mining and waste mismanagement are some of the burning issues of India. In addition to these, the rampant open defection (50%)  has not only posed environmental problem but also have created the situation of cholera, dysentery and many more. To compare this Bangladesh has only 3%  open defecation and China just 1%. In spite of the fact that there is increased calorie intake than the previous time, the defecation has increased the exposure to the diseases thereby not only causing  death but also making stunting and intelligence problems in children thereby continuing the vicious cycle of poverty. The track record on public funding for the sanitation is just 1 (($400 million)   compared to 60 ($26 billion)  for food and job sectors. This has huge repercussions to the Indian society as sick society can not prosper in long run. According to the research recently reported in New York Times, INDIA HAS BECOME RISKY PLACE TO RAISE  CHILDREN.

It is great concern to Nepal (population just 26 million) because it has free entry system with India. Millions of people cross the border for education, shopping, medicine and tourism. Moreover, being a big neighbor its impact is obviously high. Any untoward incident in India has sever repercussions in Nepal. It is hoped that: More the India prosper the more the Nepal will prosper. As development is contagious and in fact the trickling effect of prosperity will benefit Nepal too. In this context the poor and sick states of India (Bimaru states in Hindi) are Bihar, UP and Bengal which are the biggest population bases  (more than 400 million ) of India are the border of Nepal. It is high time that Indian society and government should come forward in sanitation culture and bring the clean and hygiene society not only for its benefit but also for the global health concerns. All countries including Japan (which has severe obsession on cleanliness and sanitation) should help India. Even Nepal should help India in by sharing its positive experiences (like Attitude and Practice) in sanitation and health sectors.

For the India-Nepal Goodwill

India in Numbers 

Size: 3,287,590  km  ( 7th Largest in World)

Population ( 2011 census)  1.21 Billion (2nd Biggest in World)

GDP: $ 2 Trillion (10th Biggest in World)

Borders by land: 6 countries

                             (Nepal, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma and Bhutan)

Territorial Issues: 5 countries 

                            (Nepal, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Srilanka)

Territorial issues between China and India comes from the  Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1950s and with Pakistan from the Jammu and Kashmir. Since Bangladesh was East Pakistan it has some issues from the very birth of India and Pakistan.

But it is interesting to note about the territorial issues between India and Nepal. It is to be noted that India is about 22 times larger than Nepal. Given the friendly past it seems unnatural that both Hindu majority nations have border issues. However, it is the fact that there are border issues including Kalapani (source of Mahakali river in the Western boundary of Nepal), Susta in Nawalparasi district. Kalapani is in Indian occupation in 1960s (after the Sino-India war in 1962 where India was defeated with humility from China). Nepal has border accord with China in the 1960s but with India it was set up to complete in 1980s but is yet to complete . The main reason is India wants to sign the strip maps excluding the Kalapani and Susta. Nepal of course denies this. It is to be noted that after British India and Nepal had broadly defined the area during the Junga Bahardur Rana premiership. There were appropriate pillars (Junge pillars) along the border maintaining the good border environment. The friendship treaty and recognition of sovereign state in 1923 made further bonding between two nations. But Indian state mechanism  with colonial mentality and narrow heart started problem once India got independence in 1947. Many reports have emerged that Indian SSB force along the Indo-Nepal border has harassed  the Nepali people crossing India and asking for bribe. Those who are challenging are tortured and severely beaten. The No Man's Land (Dash or 10 gaja) is severely encroached by Indian side and is supported by inactions from SSB (border force of India). This has increased the bad image of India among the Nepali citizens.

           After the economic liberalization in 1990s India has progressed a lot and even aspired to be a permanent member in security council of the United Nations citing its area and population. But there are serious objections from its own neighboring nations because of its dismal record as a BIG BROTHER. Many experts opine that- If India seriously wants to have goodwill in aspiring to be a global player it must stop hegemony to small neighboring states and resolve the international border issues as soon as possible. It should start from Nepal as it is the most friendly of all of its neighbors as evident from the fact that she is providing her great manpower (more than 50,000) in its security forces maintaining law and order securing the frontiers. Big country will be great by its virtues not by size and population. Let it be followed in action.

            Narendra Modi, current prime minister of India who has shown acumen in diplomacy by inviting high dignitaries in his oath ceremony, while visiting Nepal this year for SAARC summit must ensure that any in-differences between India and Nepal must be resolved quickly and peacefully. More sooner the better. 

Day in Photo- 31

Alien Robot by Pranjal Uprety
(Photo Dr Pralhad Uprety)

Day in Photo- 30

Creativity has no bound.
 Pranjal Uprety s using iphone for his Robot.
(Photo Dr Pralhad Uprety)

Day in Photo- 29



 Wishing the cold from winter in summer