Individuals with roots in Assam reside around the world, in tens of countries and territories. There is considerable interest in solidifying and formalizing the rapidly evolving relationship between the Overseas Assamese communities, Assamese individuals residing and prospering in the rest of India, and Assam.
Compared to other NRIs (Non Resident Indians), the Overseas Assamese are only a handful. So, these few hundred or few thousand Assamese working abroad cannot change the face of the state. It may only be possible by the people living in Assam itself. However there is growing involvement of NRIs (Non Resident Indians) with their individual states. Here Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Kerela have achieved significant success. But it will not be easy in Assam as political and social environment is lacking.
Assam, despite its vast potentials in terms of export in tea, reserve of natural gas, petroleum, timber, hydropower, but above all the highly intelligent educated youth of 21st century, is slipping fast down slippery slope. It is a global trend that the modern youth of today will drift to places where there are equal opportunities, places where their human worth is recognized, and environment where they can fulfill their full potentials. In fact right now there is not only brain drain to more affluent nations of Europe, America, Japan and Australia, but to our other neighboring states of India. It was quite extraordinary that medical personnel from Assam been recruited to run Medical Colleges in Nepal. This is called brain drain.
The most powerful and the richest nation in the world, the USA has become rich and strong not because of its natural wealth but because it is the haven for the best brain. In fact Assam can be compared to some of the poorer African states such as Uganda. Uganda like wise is one of the richest and most fertile nations in the African continent, but just like Assam has been ravaged by the political and social turmoil.
Health Care
Despite the fact we have three Medical Colleges in Assam, the people are not satisfied with the standard of health care particularly in specialist care. As a result those who can afford go to places like Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai. We ought to reverse this trend.
Some of our doctors think -- one way to improve the standard of treatment in Medical Colleges and District hospitals is to provide facilities and opportunities to specialist doctors such as Cardiologists, Surgeons and Urologists, etc., from abroad to practice in Assam. I know quite a number of Assamese specialist doctors in UK who given the opportunity are quite keen to offer their services in Assam. A few of them are willing to give their services free. This kind of overseas doctors service is already in practice in other parts of India with great success.
To receive treatment in a private hospital, as we all know is very expensive. As a result patients who cannot afford have to be content with the sub-standard treatment of the State hospitals. One way is to solve this problem (may be in a very small way) is to set up a 'Charity Fund' for these needy patients. The NRA and the wealthy people in Assam could contribute this fund. The committee should consist of people from Assam as well as NRAs.
Tourism
Kaziranga: As we all know nowadays tourism is a big industry. Here, in the UK, we see endless advertisements for tours, tourist spots in other parts of India including wild life sanctuaries dotted all over India. Assam has so much potential where tourism is concerned; this field has not been properly explored. We do not see any mention of Kaziranga, National Park anywhere in the UK. The Government of Assam could put pressure on the Tourism Board of India to give adequate exposure of tourism in Assam in the UK, USA and other European countries.
River Cruise: We have mighty Brahmaputra, to develop with a view to starting a cruise in style of the Nile cruise in Egypt. We could successfully develop this project and advertise in India and abroad, inviting companies like P & O cruise. We should be able to pull in a lot of tourists from home and overseas.
We feel the need for a well-organized Conference of the NRA and the successful Assamese in other states of India, and make it more than a talking shop. It must be the first-step towards securing tangible results. And whatever our role is to be in this great project -- always remember the title "Assam Calling". This conference will be our wake up call.
- by Rini Kakati, London.
- Log in to post comments