A memorable jubilee

The 16th SAARC Summit meets today in picturesque Thimphu, capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The Summit will also mark the 25th anniversary of its founding.

Anniversaries generally are times of introspection and resolve. When it is the 25th there is all the more reason to do so.

SAARC has come a long way since its inception. Though it may not be able to match the record of the EU in terms of economic and fiscal integration the results achieved are remarkable. This is especially so in view of the strained relations between its two giant members - India and Pakistan. Actually the unresolved problem between them has been the single most deterrent to its rapid progress. However, that the South Asian nations have been able to achieve significant economic integration despite that divide is a sign of the maturity of its leaders including those of India and Pakistan.

By now SAARC has the institutional mechanisms to further strengthen its diverse unifying mechanisms. The South Asian agreement of cooperation in fighting terrorism is a case in point.

During the past few years much progress has been achieved. For example the SAARC Food Bank has already amassed 486,000 metric tonnes of food grains. The Thimpu Summit is expected to double this reserve quantity.

The South Asian University will begin its first academic sessions this year with a student intake of 5,000 drawn from member countries.

Sri Lanka has played a pivotal role in the development of economic integration of the region. Actually it pioneered the signing of bilateral and multilateral free trade blocs in South Asia. The SAFTA which became operational in 2006 has progressed satisfactorily so far. Its total trade volume has now reached US $ 689 million.

The Fifteenth Summit held in Colombo in 2008 was a turning point in the history of SAARC. It focused more on implementation of accords. The SAARC Development Fund set up at that Summit will be operationalized in Thimpu. Member nations could draw funds from it for various initiatives.

The current Summit will also issue a Thimpu Silver Jubilee Declaration under the theme "Towards a Green and Happy South Asia." Bhutan has selected climate change as the theme of the current summit. Bhutan Prime Minister Jigme Y Thinley has called upon the South Asian nations to take the lead in reversing adverse effects of climate change.

South Asia is a victim of climate change. For example there is a real threat of the Himalayan glaciers melting. This would cause destruction of vast areas of South Asia and the ruin of agriculture and livelihood of many peoples. The rising sea levels threaten the Maldives with submergence in the Indian Ocean. Already changed weather patterns and atmospheric disturbances are causing frequent floods, hurricanes and tornados affecting many South Asian nations.

SAARC had many detractors. The West which resented south - south economic integration foresaw no future for it. Political tensions among its members will not allow it to take off they prophesied. Yet SAARC has lived for 25 years and is going strong.

The current Summit, no doubt will be another milestone in its journey towards total integration of South Asian nations. It is only regional unity that could guarantee South Asia a stronger voice at various international fora including those of the United Nations.

New dynamism

It is pleasant to hear and see new Ministers assuming duties at auspicious times and making sweeping statements about subjects which were hitherto outside the domain of their intimate intercourse. Even the worst cynic is sure to be convinced of their ability and suitability for the posts given.

Some could, of course, differ. They would say there is nothing beyond rhetoric for new brooms sweep well. It is, however, unfair to compare the ministerial angels to brooms that are only inanimate objects for they are as animate as anybody else and are full of emotion.

They have taken to their new subjects with emotion and passion that resemble the new found emotion and passion of grooms who had found their wives through arranged marriages.

How fine it would be for the country if they retain the same enthusiasm for their new love for the next six years (or six months?) and deliver.