THE NORTHEAST & THE REST OF INDIA-A DIVIDE THAT NEEDS TO BE BRIDGED

NorthEast India is desperately in need of empathy and holistic development to mend the current alarming situation. It has numerous issues to be addressed and more challenges to be overcome than any other part of the country.

Let us know some of the lesser-known facts of this region before we understand what ails this part of India.

Who else could describe it better than a blue-blooded proud Assamese-girl, and that’s me!

Things you SHOULD know about NorthEast

The North-East region is a land rich in natural beauty and scenic views. It comprises of 8 states in total, the 7 states including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur called ‘Seven Sisters’ of India; and Sikkim as their brother state. It is home to various tribes and about 220 languages are spoken in the entire North East. The beautiful combination of Tibetan, South-East Asian, and East-Indian culture enhances the beauty of this region and describes its unity in diversity.

You would be surprised to know that both of the world’s largest and smallest river islands are located in the North-East region, in Assam, known as ‘Majuli’ and ‘Umananda’ formed by the Mighty Brahmaputra.

Assam, the oldest among the eight states, holds the history of the longest unbroken dynasty ruled in the state – the Ahom Dynasty, which defeated the Mughals 17 times. The Ahom dynasty was in power for nearly about 600 years. Interestingly, the North East is the only part of India that the Mughal Empire could never conquer.

Meghalaya, the hub to the tribes and orchids, catches the attention of many tourists every year. Shillong, in Meghalaya, is considered as the Scotland of the East or the Rock Capital of India. Also, the village Mawsynram holds the Guinness World Record for being the ‘wettest’ place on Earth.

We are sometimes labeled as ‘chinki’, uneducated, and whatnot, but you would be amazed to know the fact that North East is the only DOWRY FREE area in the entire country.

Lack of Developmental Projects

The North East was never fully considered as a part of mainland India.  There is a very poor understanding of ground realities (especially from central governments) when we talk about the North East and its problems. First and foremost, the entire region has very poor connectivity to mainland India. The reason can be its border to many countries, as the region is surrounded by Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, China, and Bangladesh. This region does not get the attention it deserves on developmental projects from the central government.

Racism and Discrimination

Very unfortunately, every day, people from the North-East face a great deal of discrimination in the other parts of India. They’re being bullied, badly beaten up, and are discriminated against on many fronts because of their mongoloid looks, and more importantly ignorance and stereotyping.

Inadequate Media Coverage

Assam, in the North-East, is the worst flood-affected area in the country, but the media does not highlight developmental and infrastructural issues crucial to this region.

Illegal Immigration & Demographic Changes

Illegal immigration to the North East from neighboring countries like Bangladesh is an alarming issue and a danger to the indigenous community’s identity. Unfortunately, the information is not being sufficiently analyzed, communicated, and acted upon both by the regional and central governments.

A Ray of Hope

Sports achievers like Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, and the U20 world champion Hima Das, have brought about some visibility and awareness about the North East people.

The Way Forward

The central and respective state governments should do all that they can to harness the true potential of this region by bringing about all-round development but keeping in mind the ethnic, political, religious, and environmental uniqueness of this area. Mainstream English, Hindi, and vernacular media should showcase and highlight the rich cultural diversity and heritage of this region.  Shows and documentaries highlighting cultural ambassadors of this area would be a step in the right direction.

There is a long way to go before we as people of this country get the due recognition and respect each citizen of this country is entitled to.  I am hoping we will.

Let us know what you think in the comment section below