Content:
- Many images
- The sorry state of South Asian economic integration
Many images
Context:
The Kerala Governor’s use of a Bharat Mata image with a lion and saffron flag during official events triggered backlash from the ruling state government, alleging it reflected a sectarian political message.
Relevance : GS 2(Federalism, Role of Governor, Secularism )
Practice Question : In a pluralistic democracy like India, what are the constitutional and ethical responsibilities of high public functionaries when engaging with culturally or politically charged symbols? (250 words)
Nature of the Image:
- The specific image used aligns with a vision of Akhand Bharat (Undivided India), often associated with certain ideological narratives.
- Though Bharat Mata as a symbol is historically rooted, its interpretation has evolved in multiple, and often contested, directions.
Historical Evolution of the Symbol:
- Originated in Anandamath (late 19th century), portraying the nation as a Hindu goddess.
- Gained patriotic fervor through the song Vande Mataram, yet faced criticism for potential communal undertones.
- Artists like Abanindranath Tagore reimagined her with secular-emotional appeal — as a nurturing, symbolic mother.
- Cinema, calendar art, and literature further diversified the representation, from devotional to critical portrayals.
Symbolic Ambiguity:
- The image lacks a universally accepted visual form.
- While some see it as cultural heritage, others view certain versions as exclusive or majoritarian.
- Its depiction varies by context — political, religious, or artistic.
Role of the Governor:
- As a constitutional authority, the Governor is expected to maintain political neutrality and uphold secular democratic norms.
- Using contested symbols in official events may be seen as breaching the non-partisan spirit of the office.
Impact on Governance:
- Escalation of tensions between State and Raj Bhavan can hamper cooperative federalism.
- Street-level confrontations following the incident underscore the sensitivity around public symbolism.
Conclusion:
- In a plural society, public figures must exercise caution in using culturally charged imagery.
- Respecting symbolic diversity helps preserve institutional neutrality and democratic harmony.
Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes.
The sorry state of South Asian economic integration
Context and Importance
- South Asia is one of the least economically integrated regions in the world.
- Economic instability and national security threats are deeply interconnected in the region.
- The region continues to face low intra-regional trade despite having shared history, borders, and a large consumer base.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations )
Practice Question : “Despite shared geography and historical ties, South Asia remains one of the least economically integrated regions in the world. Examine the reasons for this low intra-regional trade and suggest measures to enhance economic cooperation among SAARC countries.”
(250 words)
Current Status of Integration
- Intra-SAARC trade accounts for only 5–7% of total trade, far below EU (45%), ASEAN (22%), and NAFTA (25%).
- Trade between SAARC nations is $23 billion, while potential is estimated to be $67–172 billion.
- South Asia’s combined GDP ($5 trillion) is underwhelming given it hosts 25% of the world’s population, indicating untapped capacity.
Trade Deficit & Decline
- South Asia’s trade-to-GDP ratio fell from 47.3% (2022) to 42.94% (2024).
- The region’s trade deficit widened from $204.1 billion (2015) to $339 billion (2022).
- Bilateral India–Pakistan trade fell from $2.41 billion (2018) to $1.2 billion (2024), showing fallout from political tensions.
Trade Costs & Inefficiencies
- High intra-regional trade cost: 114% of goods’ value, compared to 109% with the U.S.
- India–Pakistan trade is 20% more expensive than trade with distant Brazil.
- Lack of regional value chains due to trust issues, red tape, and poor connectivity.
Key Obstacles
- Trust deficit, border disputes, and terrorism derail cooperation.
- Ineffective SAFTA implementation due to politicisation and lack of strategic vision.
- Political fragmentation and bilateral tensions prevent collective economic growth.
Opportunities and Solutions
- Lowering trade barriers and boosting trade in services can unlock regional synergies.
- Strengthening infrastructure, digital connectivity, and dispute resolution mechanisms is essential.
- Economic cooperation must be decoupled from political disputes to build resilient regional value chains.
Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes.
