PROMOTION OF CULTURAL INTEGRITY WITH ASEAN COUNTRIES : TRIPURA AS A GATEWAY

PROMOTION OF CULTURAL INTEGRITY WITH ASEAN COUNTRIES : TRIPURA AS A GATEWAY

Asokananda Raybardhan. ( An eminent writer of Tripura )

Abstruct : The paper analysed India's policy towards its relation with Southeast Asian countries and tries to draw relevant inferences from India's recent afort to build peace in  Southeast Asia.  In this  study India's immediate neighbourhood refers to ASEAN members state and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy laid strong Emphasis of 'Act East" and the "Neighbourhood First' policy that priorities strengthening India's relation with its immediate neighbours.

Tripura is a hilly state in North East India. Tripura as a geographical entity has a unique character.  It is bounded on three side by Bangladesh which is nearest to Myanmar( former Burma ) a member of Asian countries. This can be linked with our state as well as North East India making Bangladesh as a corridor. Tripura has also an ancient history of relation with ASEAN countries.

This paper addresses the evolution of India's neighbourhood policies over the years specially emphasizing on Cultural Relation. The paper puts forth a new prospects of integration and offers a set of recommendation based on cultural approaches for sustained engagement between India and ASEAN in order to build peace, stability, and prosperity in the region making Tripura as a gateway.

Key words :-Southeast Asia, ASEAN, INDO-ASEAN,  North East india, Act East, Neighbour First, Culture.

Introduction

India had a a glorious history of enormous influence of the civilization of south east asia for centuries. Indian influence spread through Southeast Asia by Indian traders and missionaries, about the beginning of common era. Indian merchants may have settled there bringing brahmins and Buddhist monks with them. Today the geographical and globalisation have changed the Dynamics of Indian subcontinent as well as of Southeast Asia with the growing economic aspiration of these countries, India could sink its trade interest with them by taking advantage of the already established firm cultural and Civilization Foundation by our forefathers. To promote Government of India's "Act East" and the "Neighbour first" policies and becoming a sectoral dialogue  partner of Association of Southeast Asian Nation's are a step toward the enhencement of this friendship and impact with member countries with similar culture, artistic tradition, family values and customs.

The association of Southeast Asian nations ( ASEAN)

The association of Southeast Asian nations ( ASEAN ) is an international organisation brings together ten Southeast Asian States Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and recently added timor Easte into one organisation. ASEAN is an economic  Union comprising 1o+1 members states in Southeast Asia, which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilities economic, political, security, military, educational, and socio-cultural integration between its members and other countries in Asia, ASEAN's primary objective was to accelerate economic growth and through the social progress and cultural development and also to keep regional peace and prosperity and its uniquely placed to address critical issues. ASEAN-led architecture provides a framework of a regular dialogue and cooperation that underpin peace and stability in south east asia.

ASEAN-Indian cultural links:

Through the centuries India's civilization and cultural values are spread across the globe but was firmly accepted by the South East Asian countries  (ASEAN ). 

Tamples :  In Cambodia , Thailand and Indonesia or Barma today, many symbolic remnants of India's influence are clearly visible in their art, culture and civilization. Temples of Angkor Wat , Pagan, BoroBudur and Prambanan bear evidence to the deep penetration of Indian art and architecture forms in these famous south east asian monuments. Some of these monuments surpass the grandeur of Indian temples from the same period because of their scale extensive stone based relief carvings and expenses. 

Trade : the marcantilr people in the past used to visit Southeast Asia region for trade. The king of palaces even wore Indian clothes and jewellery etc.some historians argue that during the era of Hindu Buddhist religious establishments of Southeast Asia came to be associated with economic activity and Commerce as petron  entrusted large funds which would later be used to benefit local economy by estate management, craftsmanship and promotion of trading activities. Buddhism, in particular, travelled alongside the maritime trade, promoting coinage, art and literacy.

 Literature : The south east Asia also created many literary works based on Ramayana but with something distinctively their own being discussable in them.

 Almost every country accepted Ramayana because it is easy to retell, understand , modify and apply to contemporary culture. 

Art Forms : Folk lore singers and artist played a very important role in popularising and modifying Indian literary works in South East Asia and it has the most popular and effective way to propagating Indian culture. Through retelling of stories from generation to generation the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata could be edited and retold to attract bigger and bigger audiences. The artist who popularized this were called 'Dalangs' and contributed to the process of adaption of these epic works originating outside their country by adding or changing them to make them more contextual and localized. This was the beginning of the formation of new text like *Seri Rama* (Malaysian adaption of Ramayana) and *Ramker* (Ramayana khmer) in Cambodia. These are regarded as some of the highest literary works of south east Asia.

Architecture : Similarly, sculptures and artists copied and combined original Indian motifs with local artistic motifs to arrive at something distinctively south east Asian and produced stylist masterpieces of their own. Modelled after Gupta period icons, the Cambodian (khmer) sculptures of 8th to 13th centuries are very different in appearance and form, yet their beautiful creation representing stylish figures of Gods and Goddesses , Buddha, Apsaras and demons with south east Asian features.

In mediaval times from 6th to 14th century there existed a great maritime empire based in the Indonesian Islands of Java and Sumatra. Many Indian artisans came to work temporarily in the coasts and were from Kalinga (modern day Odisha). They helped in building great temples and monuments. Many of the motifs on the walls of Barabudar and Angkor Wat resemble carrying of Konark and other mediaval temples of eastern India.   

Sanskritisation : Sanskrit scripts are the first form of writing known to have reached south east Asia. Similar alphabets were adopted for local languages as well. The alphabets used today for Burmese , Thai , Laos and Cambodia derive originally from Indian prototype. A large number of ancient inscriptions which have been discovered are in Sanskrit. 

Many ancient writings and inscriptions  have found in anskrit language showing Indian influence. Sanskrit terminology was used in all legal aspects of court procedures and only the factual aspects were described in vernacular. The use of Indian framework of court of law and public administration especially the concept of "God King" was adopted by many kings of south east Asia. They considered themselves to be incarnation or a descendent of one of the Hindu Deities. Later when Buddhism came , this view was modified. The king of Cambodia , Jaya Varman VII ( the founder of Angkor) and his successors were addressed by the people as king of the mountains and they built their palaces and temples on the hill peaks. (Bayon temple. )

Mythical Creation : The syncretic culture of south east Asia is evident in Buddhism being practiced in Hindu Temples in Cambodia , muslim wedding rituals and dress in Malaysia which are based on Hindu ritual and attire, Garuda–the bird-like vehicle of hindu god Vishnu is the name of Indonesian airlines and Naga,the snake-like mythical creature of indonesian mythology and Kuber which were prevalent in both Hindu and Buddhist culture can be seen curved in many places. A Mahabharata monument depicting Krishna and Arjun riding chariot pulled by eleven horses is placed prominently in a park in central Jakarta. South East Asia absorbed and retained it's past Indian influence in a very distinctive manner over the centuries and today it has melded into south east Asian culture.  

Exchange of Culture : In Indonesian shadow play involving leather puppets with movable arms and legs on a screen narrating scenes from Ramayana is very popular even today. It is also a popular art form of Odisha.  

 Reverse exchange is also seen regarding ideas and artistic techniques in the last century when Rabindranath Tagore travelled to south east Asia and brought the art of batik from Indonesia to India and taught it to the students of Shantiniketan. 

Food and Medicine : The influence of India , can also be felt in the food and flavours of south east Asia. There are many spices in common between Indian and south east Asian foods. Nearly, all the people of southeast Asian region eat rice and curry like the people of eastern India with many common ingredients. Indian herbal medicines also reached south east Asia from ancient times and are used even today in many countries.  Closer links with the south east Asian regions is thus a natural outcome for India and it's 'act east' policy.

*India as a dialogue partner of ASEAN*

Keeping in mind the glorious history of ancient India-South East Asia relation since the start of the partnership between India and the association of south east Asia has been developing quite a fast. India became a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992. Mutual interest led ASEAN to invite India to become it's full dialogue partner during the 5th ASEAN summit in Bangkok in 1995. India also became a member of ASEAN regional forum (ARF) in 1996. India and ASEAN have been holding summit level meeting on an annual basis since 2002. 

In August 2009, India signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the ASEAn members in Thailand. Under the ASEAN India FTA, ASEAN members countries and India will lift Important tariffs on more than 80% of trade products between 2013 to 2016 according to a release by ministry and commerce and industry.

Our commitment to promote the ASEAN-India strategic partnership guided by fundamental principles, shared values and norms that have steared the ASEAN- India dialogue relations since  its establishment in 1992,  including those enshrined in ASEAN charter, the Treaty of Amity and operation in Southeast Asia ( TAC ),The Asian community vision-2025, The Asian outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP ) The master plan on ASEAN connectivity ( MPAC ) 2025, The initiative for ASEAN integration ( IAI ) workplans, The declaration of the east Asia Summit ( EAS ) on the principles formutually beneficial relations ( 2011 ) The vision statement o the 20th anniversary ASEAN-india dialogue relation (2012 ) and the Delhi declaration of the ASEAN-India dialogue relation-2018

The 18th ASEAN-India Summit was held on 28th October 2021 virtually with Prime Minister Narendra Modi representing India to exercise the progress of India as on strategic partnership and the direction it needs to take.  Prime Minister Modi remarks at the India-ASEAN Summit were brief and to the point. At the very outset,  he mentioned the challenges posed by Covid-19 and how "this challenging time in a way was also the tast of India-ASEAN friendship.

He also referred to:-

 1). The shared values and history of India and Southeast Asia.

2).  The unity and integrity of ASEAN

3). India's Act East policy ( AEP ) and its security and for all in region ( Sagar ) policy.

4). The convergence between India's Indo-Pacific Ocean initiative and Asian Outlook for the indo-pacific

Importance of Indo-ASEAN Cultural Relation

Celebrating the rich cultural diversity and heritage of Asian remains an important driver of the culture and art sector. Culture and arts cooperation servs as an engine for economic growth and sustainable development, a building block for social Cohesion and transformation, an asset for regional Pride as well as a vehicle for foregoing closer friendship and understanding.

 In a world of prevailing cultural passimism our culture sector continuous to play a leading role to fostering a culture of peace, tolerance and mutual understanding. Longstanding aforts to mainstream the role of culture and arts in achieving peace and progress in the region are  evident with multitude of policy and project initiative put in place yearly. Flagship initiatives included the ASEAN city of culture, and the best of ASEAN performing arts, other activities and cultural showcases, preservation  on conservation of tangible and intangible heritatage, support and promotion of Creative and cultural industry ( SEMECs )arts exhibitions, capacity building for Museum professionals, music, literature, performing arts, Contemporary Arts, food in cultural festivals and cultural Policy dialogues.

 Going forward the culture sector is spearheading the development of the narrative of ASEAN identity, as part of the the continuing efforts to promote awareness and Foster a shared identity.  To further celebrate the cultural dynamism and vibrancy of the region, story are under way to promote and develop our small and medium cultural Enterprises   ( SMCES ) to bolstar regional development of the digital and creative economy. ASEAN culture and arts sector is committed to advancement of culture as in important foundation for building the ASEAN community. The culture sector collaborates with dialogue partners and various stakeholders to raise awareness and celebrate the reach histories, cultures, arts, traditions and values of ASEAN region.

Tripura as a Gateway :

The International border between India and Myanmar ( formerly Burma ) one of the the ASEAN countries i 1,643 kilometre( 912 mile )  in length and  runs from the the tripoint with China in the north to the tripoint with Bangladesh. Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Mizoram of lndia share their boundaries with neighbouring country Mayanmar. Geographically close to India Myanmar was a vital link between India and Southeast Asia. Therefore, the region was impacted by Northeast India and Southeast  Asia the most and in terned developed a close rapport with Northeast India. Tripura is a hilly state in northeast India bordered on three sides by Bangladesh which is nearest neighbour to Mayanmar ( Former Burma ).Through the centuries there was a political and cultural relation between Tripura and Mayanmar. Pilak a place of southern part of Tripura was renouned for education and culture. Students from Mayanmar ( former Arakan ) would come Pulak for studies. They would travelled to through Bangladesh. According to oral history, it is said that the two tribal groups of Tripura Chakmas and Mogs are migrated from Myanmar ( former Burma ). So their religious customery,traditional and linguistic commonalities are found with arakanese ( Burmese ). Moreover some groups of Asiatic race of Southeast Asia i.e. Santhals, Mundas, hoes etc. are also have migrated to Tripura from time to time. 

Recommendations :

In this context, I am convinced that the following steps may be taken in Tripura to enhance Cultural Relation between ASEAN and India as a part of "Act East" and  "Neighbour First" policy.

I). To open cultural and study centres by each of the Asian countries and to promote and the nature creative and cultural activities 

Ii). To open Institutions of Higher Education where the students from ASEAN  countries and India may admit and render their studies and research works on Southeast Asian language,literature, history and culture.

Iii). To construct a Trans-Asia highway from Tripura to Myanmar the nearest Southeast Asian country making Bangladesh as a corridor.  It is to be mentioned here that, newly constructed Bridge on Feni river in sabroom town of South Tripura will bring a new era in "Neighbour First"policy.

Iv). As a step of "Neighbourhood First" policy the railway connection may extend from Sa room, the last station of South Tripura to Nazir haat of Bangladesh. This will create a new connection with Tran-Asian Railway.

v)  In reference to the above, there is a scope of Tourism Development through the Highway which will lead to visit our historical places and also to revive the ancient relation of transition of pilgrims and other tourists.

Vi) To  organise food and costume festival and trade fair where the representatives from Asian countries will participate 

Vii) To construct International Standard hospital and medical educational institution to render facilities of international level nursing and treatment as well as encourage institutional and Technical innovation in the provision of Healthcare and study.

Viii) Organise Cultural Summit periodically to share the views of  each other regarding cultural development of Southeast Asia and India.

Ix).  To start the function of ICP at Shabroom of South Tripura district as early as possible and also open to all categories of international travelers with valid documents and Visa as a part of Act East as well as "Neighbourhood First" policy.

Hope that, above mentioned steps will energize our joint effort to deepen the ASEAN-India relation through sharing knowledge, practice and providing valuable inputs and initiatives to strengthening and caltural Heritage, peace, stability and prosperity as well as a Trade and Maritime cooperation between Southeast Asia and India using Tripura as a gateway.

 Wish you all health and happiness   in the new year of 2022.

                  THANK YOU🙏🏼