From The Editor’s Desk

Recently a few encouraging signs have been observed in Assam. In particular, I am very
excited by the initiative to encourage students for better performance on All India Civil
Services Examinations and to give government grants to schools that have shown good
results in examinations such as the HSLC. I have also observed activities of the Self-Help
Groups (SHG) in many parts of Assam. During the last two years, SHGs have contributed
significantly to Assam’s economy. They not only help generate employment, but also open many options to the educated youth.
These are positive and forward-looking steps. Assam needs to cultivate ideas of self-help and entrepreneurship among its populace, starting from childhood. It is necessary that the textbooks used in schools, the teaching methodologies employed at all levels, and the basic outlook to life and living undergo drastic changes if Assam is to see the face of prosperity. Otherwise, there are signs of grave danger everywhere for the coming generations. The Government should focus on being an engine of economic change in addition to working on social upliftment of the downtrodden and the unfortunate.
NRAs can play a significant role in changing the face of Assam. Obviously it is not necessary to mention that the people of Assam have great expectations from this group of people. The tourism sector, in particular, has great potential for growth, NRAs along with many others can play role in it. There can be many big players in this sector. Schools and colleges can play a vital role. Schools and colleges should start Departments of Tourism Studies. Not only that, a novel collaborative approach among the various academic departments such as education and tourism should be developed. Tourism should be developed at all levels to draw visitors not only from other states of India, but also from the neighboring counties like Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand. Wellplanned tourism initiatives by the Government along with help from academia and the private sector will lead to improvements in roads, communications, security and other related infrastructure needs.
More SHGs also need to be involved in marrying the education sector and tourism in Assam. A more systematic, scientific and well-managed approach needs to be developed similar to the ASTC or otherwise with a visionary leader.
-by Vavani Sarmah (June-12-2004)