IMPHAL, Nov 29: A one-day international conference on the theme, ‘Thailand and North East India: Issues on Sustainable Development,’ has been held at Manipur University MIMS Hall, Canchipur with the aim of generating ideas on sustainable development and strengthen social, cultural and economic ties between Thailand and North East so that areas of common interest could be explored and understood.
13 members from Thailand participated in the conference which was jointly organized by Surindra Rajabhat University of Thailand and Manipur University, Canchipur.
Dr Achra Phanurat, President of Surin International Folklore Foundation, Surindra Rajabhat University of Thailand graced the occasion as the Chief Guest while Professor H Nandakumar Sarma, Vice Chancellor of Manipur University was the President of the function.
Dr Achara Phanurat highlighted Surin as a small state in the border of Thailand like Manipur which lies at the border of India and added that people of both places shared similar looks and interest too.
He expressed his keen desire to seriously do research work in the field of cultural exchange, trade and commerce linkage, geographical explorations and many other aspects between the two regions. He remarked the hospitality and welcoming attitude of the state as a good sign.
Commenting that monks and traditional practitioner of health and teachers are taking immense role in creating dynamic for peace in the border of Thailand and Cambodia, he expressed his hope of creating such ambience in the case of Manipur and Thailand.
H Nandakumar said that linkage of the two regions will enrich sharing of culture and trades and described the day’s programme as the beginning to a promising future adding that .a course on Thai language has found many students that have prompted to introduce a diploma course next year.He said that transport and communication being the force for development, geographical exclusion of Manipur hill’s rich horticultural products find no proper market and termed it as ‘Prisoners of Geography’.
He further pointed out that without knowing the sentiments, needs and peripheral of an area, there won’t be actual development and added that planners in New Delhi do not know the actual scenario. Planning should be realistic, he said.
He also pointed out the need for modern technologies and adaptation of indigenous knowledge to follow a harmonious blend that would finally culminate in creating sustainable development in South East Asia.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/relations-between-thailand-and-manipur/
