By Our Reporter
Shillong: North East carries so much of traditional knowledge for generations primarily within families which can usher in equitable growth even while keeping the tradition alive. Unfortunately many artisans are now turning to new trades leaving their art and culture behind, Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Agatha Sangma, said while addressing a gathering of IIM students and invitees during the first-ever Entrepreneurial Summit 2012 titled ‘Emerge’ at IIM Shillong here on Friday.
“Artistic textile, bamboo crafts, silk weaving of endi silk, wood carving and other different form of crafts are diminishing day by day,” Sangma rued.
Even though these forms of art may be economically viable in developed markets, Sangma however, stated that “because of skewed and exclusive growth, positive outcomes are not percolating down thereby leading to a sense of helplessness and frustration among the rural populace”.
Outlining the possibilities for leveraging the indigenous knowledge, art and culture for economic growth of the region, Sangma said, “This will not only provide us development with equitable growth but will also help in preserving our traditions and culture.”
Meanwhile, turning to the natural and cultural diversity of the region, the Union Minister said all states in the region could be the hub of eco-tourism activities, but they are lagging behind due to lack of organised tourism infrastructure.
She stated that the region faces many challenges in terms of connectivity and lacks opportunities for growth, adding that this which might be because of various historical and geographical reasons.
“For growth to trickle down in these areas, substantial efforts are required to ensure that new initiatives are taken which are suitable to local conditions even while providing economic opportunities,” she said.
Sangma has also stressed on the need to look at inclusive growth of women especially in the rural hinterlands of the country.
“In some parts of the country, women are excluded from development and are yet to feel even the trickle- down effects as the societies are steeped in patriarchal biases,” she said.
She further stated that in terms of education, health and other social parameters, women are still lagging behind in the national average.
Pointing to the adverse impacts of exclusive growth, Sangma said such examples are seen in cities where slums and high- rises exist side by side.
“The very fact that India is having a high growth rate yet is facing the problems of malnutrition and starvation is due to skewed development,” she said.
Reiterating that inclusive growth is the only antidote, the Union Minister said this model of development provides new opportunities in new, upcoming areas.
Any development which is causing inequalities to increase and results in concentration of wealth in the hands of a few must be discouraged, Sangma said, adding that “A truly inclusive growth is a broad based shared and sustainable growth”.