About the Book

The future peace and prosperity of South Asia hinges on various factors, the more significant among which are : a deepening of the process of democratic participation; the spread of the development process to all socio-economic strata; and accelerated regional cooperation bonded to peace. Much thought and action are needed before we can realistically hope to achieve these goals. The papers in this volume are by some of south asia’s leading scholars and activists. They give penetrating insights into the options available, the obstacles that stand in the way, and the strengths on which South Asia can collectively build a viable strategy to tackle some of its endemic and long standing problems. Culture, democracy and development provide the modern paradigm while the region’s durable ageold cultural , social and historical traditions provide the foundation for a viable solution to the problems. There is a general consensus in these papers that South Asia can learn from the experiences of its past and work to create a region in which growth and prosperity characterize a community of peace. This book will be a useful resource for scholars, diplomats, media persons, professionals, businessmen and all those who view with concern the pressing challenges which the region faces.

About Author

N N Vohra was a member of the Indian Administrative Service (1959-94), borne on the Punjab cadre. With the Government of India, Vohra successively served as Secretary Defence Production, Defence Secretary and Home Secretary. On retirement he took over as Director, India International Centre (1995-97, 1998-). In 1997 he was recalled to serve as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India (1997-98). A member of the National Security Advisory Board (1998-99, 2000-) he has been writing on issues relating to security and good governance.

Contents

Introduction. From Reality to Vision. Are Three Alternative Modernities. Developing Alternative Concepts of Modernity. Ethno- Nationalism and Nation Building in South Asia. Nation State Building, Cultural Diversities and a Suicidal Tendency. National Consolidation in South Asian Societies. Culture and Democracy. Culture as a Factor in the Development of South Asia. Culture, Values and Governance. Democracy, Development and the Role of the Marginalised. Culture and Democracy in India.Democratising Culture. Universal Democracy for Global Sustainability. Democracy and Peace in South Asia. The Role of Literacy in the Culture of Democratic Participation and Development : The State and Civil Society. Open and Distance Learning in the SAARC Region : Frameworks for Cooperation and Collaboration. Forging a New Partnership in South Asia : Role of Think-Tank Networks.Need for a New Social Contract for Democracy and development in South Asia. Values, Development and Democracy : Dynamics of the South Asian Poor. Pro Poor Growth and Self-Reliance at the Micro Level : The Case of Ranna in Southern Sri Lanka. Social Mobilization, Development and Democracy. The State of Governance in Bhutan. Essentialising the Images of Asian Culture. Index. List of Contributors

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