Hyderabad: Recent Gen-Z upsurges in our neighbouring countries indicates aspirational youth discontent over lack of good governance and concentration of powers, observes several speakers at a seminar on “Overthrow of governments in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal- Lessons for Democratic Republic in India”, organised on Sunday at Gallerina Mall, Madhapur by Social Cause, a civil social think tank, on Sunday.
R Radhakrishnan, OSD to Chairman, Telangana Council of Higher Education, said the absence of good government is leading youth to raise their voices purely on economic issues. He cautioned that weakening of institutions, ignoring concerns of different groups of society and apathy towards basic needs of people are resulting in unrest among youth.
Moreover, he said questioning of great repression, absence of democratic debate and concentration of decision making also contributing to such aggressive reactions, which are mostly spontaneous and may not survive for a long.
He expressed concern that religious revivalism in our neighbouring countries also leading to concern for India. He also said declining minority population in Pakistan and Bangladesh bringing problems to India.
Stating that always a safe neighbourhood ensure stability for India, he said Chinese attempt to encircle India attempting to enhance their imprint in those countries contributing to challenges to our national security.
Though India always seeking friendly relations with neighbouring countries, Radhakrishnan said fear of `big brother’ creating insecurity at some time for those countries. Referring to India’s attempt to multilateral engagement in foreign policy, he asserted need for autonomy in foreign policy.
Suggesting for democratization of education, he said that education should be affordable to all sections of people, should not be confined to some affluent sections of society.
Dr. Sanjay Pulipaka, Chairperson, Politeia Research Foundation (PRF), said that South Asian nations have been facing identity crisis from the very beginning and political centralization leading to unrest among several sections within their own country.
As India is the common neighbour to all of them and except all those countries facing problems of political stability from time to time, naturally causing concern to India’s security. Those countries are failing to address concerns of some sections their population, he said. He also said foreign powers were at play and they will continue to play their games.
Though India has been contributing for their development immensely, he said it is unable to demonstrate its liberal assistance. He recalled that after Covid 19, when Sri Lanka was in deep financial crisis, it was India provided a liberal assistance of 4 million dollars, whereas the World Bank only provided half of it, that too after a long negotiations and many condition.
Dr. Ramesh Kanneganti, Director, Center for Human Security Studies (CHSS) said wherever human security is neglected challenges national security. If local voices are not heard properly, he cautioned that leads to unrest.
He stressed for a harmonious and audios India to advance a Raj in our own way. He pointed out focus on trade, technology, talent and tourism to determinate terrorism.
Ch.V. Sai Prasad, Former Director, Indirect Taxes & Central Expenditure Audit (CAG), presiding over the meeting, cautioned that present generation is not in a position tolerate autocratic governance, when institutions are weakened. Social Cause President Dr Dinesh Kumar also spoke.
