New Delhi: Be it navigating the complexities of India-Nepal relations, or the “cartographic anxieties” emanating out of the Durand Line, a group of diplomats recently gathered at the South Asian University agreed that empathy must become the cornerstone of diplomacy when it came to understanding India’s neighbours.
The university hosted the two-day South Asian Festival of Arts and Literature on 24 and 25 October. The festival featured notable diplomats, former ambassadors, columnists, and other respected voices from the region, contributing to a wide-ranging exploration of South Asian identities, cultural connections, and diplomatic challenges. Multiple sessions were organised within the span of two days.
The festival was hosted to foster greater empathy and understanding across the region. These sessions delved into topics such as the cultural bonds connecting different South Asian nations, the impact of historical events like Partition on identity, and the role of diplomacy in easing regional tensions. Three of these sessions, which focused on India-Nepal relations, the cultural legacy of Bengal, and the geopolitical implications of the Durand Line, stood out as central to the festival’s goal. Each provided a platform for intellectual exchange and dialogue, reinforcing how art and cultural discussions can bridge divides and build connections across borders.
Also read: ADHD to anxiety—Bengaluru’s mental health festival destigmatises disorders, diseases
Understanding Nepal
In a compelling session titled Strengthening A Friendship: Cultural Connect and Political Contests Between India and Nepal, experts explored the complexities of the bilateral ties. Moderated by the director of Vivekananda International Foundation, Arvind Gupta, the discussion emphasised the importance of cultural ties and mutual understanding.
Former Ambassador KV Rajan highlighted the need for introspection, stating, “There are various factors that have complicated the relationship, and it is essential for both sides to engage in deep reflection to address these issues to address ongoing challenges.”
The session underscored the significant role of Nepalis in India, particularly in Sikkim. “Nepalis are a very strong political constituency in Sikkim, the Nepalese control Sikkim,” said Gupta.
A central theme underlying the discussion that lasted for around 60 minutes was the necessity of empathy in diplomacy. “Indians are unable to realise or appreciate what it is like to be a Nepali citizen,” remarked Rajan, pointing to the need for greater understanding between the two nations.
The call for empathy was echoed throughout the session, with speakers like Rajan and Gupta emphasising that both countries must recognise each other’s perspectives. Gupta mentioned how economic ties and people-to-people links between India and Nepal could be leveraged for mutual benefit, highlighting past initiatives in trade and cultural exchange. Audience engagement was high as participants asked questions and shared their own experiences, underscoring the relevance of empathy in India-Nepal relations. The session was well-attended and sparked an animated dialogue on diplomacy and cross-border relations.
The discussion concluded with a call for fostering friendship and cooperation, recognising that “cultural connections help resolve specific issues in a timely manner, preventing them from completely damaging the relationship”.
Many partitions of Bengal
The session titled ‘One Poet — Two Anthems’ focused on the complex history of Bengal’s partitions.
Curated by the Institute of South Asian Studies and Value World International Arts and Literature Festival, the discussion aimed to present “some very deep, unheard, often unspoken narratives concerning human civilisation”. Debashish Mitra, entrepreneur and author, and Amna Mirza, associate professor of Political Studies, University of Delhi, were part of this discussion.
The discussion highlighted the role of language in identity, particularly during the partition of Bengal.
“One of the key factors was language; the people of East Pakistan wanted to protect their identity and did not want any imposition upon them,” said Mitra, who was born in Bengal. This emphasis on language underscored the cultural tensions that have shaped the region’s history.
The session also explored the broader implications of historical narratives, with a reminder that “it is not just about politics but has deeper cultural implications”.
Participants were encouraged to engage with the past to better understand the present, emphasising the need for the next generation to “get as much of the truth as well”.
The discussion was enriched by references to poems that have become anthems in Bangladesh, such as Rabindranath Tagore’s Amar Sonar Bangla, which highlights unity and resilience amidst partition-related trauma.
The session concluded with a call to explore the complexities of identity, as Mitra remarked, “the very idea of now has to be explored”.
This interactive dialogue not only celebrated the literary heritage of Bengal but also fostered a deeper understanding of the region’s complex identity, making it a significant highlight of the festival.
‘Durand’s curse’ and South Asian tensions
In the session titled ‘Durand’s Curse’, diplomat Rajiv Dogra and Tilak Devasher, an author and a former special secretary in India’s Cabinet Secretariat, examined the lasting impact of the colonial boundary drawn in 1893 by British India between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Dogra remarked that the line has created “formidable mental borders”, sparking what he called “cartographic anxieties” that still ripple through South Asia. While Pakistan relies on this line as an official boundary, Afghanistan rejects it, viewing the line as a colonial imposition that divides communities.
The discussion extended beyond the Durand Line, addressing the current situations in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Balochistan. The event drew a large student audience, and by the end, many hands were raised with questions about India’s neighbouring countries. Participants found the discussion highly informative, noting that it raised numerous critical questions, leaving the students with much to ponder.
“Afghanistan was a cursed land,” mired in conflict largely due to external influences, said Dev.
He highlighted that the British, concerned about a unified, powerful India, manipulated borders to create divisions. “The British didn’t want to be too powerful in India,” implying a deliberate legacy of instability.
The session also brought attention to Pakistan’s vulnerabilities, with Dogra introducing the WEEK factor — Water, Education, Economy, and Knowledge — as critical issue. He observed that “Pakistan is literally on a ventilator”, noting its limited resources and strained infrastructure, particularly in the face of growing population pressures and environmental challenges.
The diplomats concluded by urging a more empathetic approach to diplomacy in the region. “If we do not return to human cultural geography…we are likely to misunderstand our neighbour rather than understand it,” said Dogra.
(Edited by Humra Laeeq)