Stories about South Asia from July, 2006
The unshackling of Bangladesh
Tasneem Khalil reports that Bangladesh is the cover theme for August 2006 issue of Himal Southasian, South Asia's first and only regional magazine. The magazine's introspective comment: "Bangladesh is set to become a powerful member of the world community, once it deals with its difficult issues of mal governance and confrontational politics".
Old dating practice
Cigay of Bhutan Weblog writes about an age old tradition of Bhutan. Young men used to visit a girl's house discreetly at night, to let her know of his feelings and his intention to marry her and have children with her. With the passage of time, this rural practice has been misunderstood and grossly abused by those who are richer or more powerful.
Saving Nature
KO criticizes the corruption ridden Pakistani politicians for supporting the Pakistan Air Force to acquire land to establish a weapons trial range in the Hingol National Park, the largest National Park in Pakistan. This will drive away the wildlife from the park and the temple of Hinglaj, one of the holiest sites of the Hindus located there will be off limit for the devotees.
Power of Blogs
Desipundit on the global impact of the Indian blogosphere: "while it is true that it’s only a small part of Indian population that is online, and even smaller number accesses blogs, when it comes to the online world, Indian blogs are windows, potholes and doors into India."
Tour Nepal, save Nepal
South Asia Biz tells why the tourists around the world should travel Nepal. With the restoration of a democratic government and the end of Maoist insurgency, there are plenty of reasons to visit this land of happiness.
Bangladesh blog buzz
The latest happenings in Bangladesh related blogs around the world:
India: First a blackboard, then the laptop
Atanu Dey on why One Laptop Per Child isn't the right solution to India's education issues. “Attention and funds need to be directed to those issues first before one starts buying laptops by the millions. Fact is that we need basic education (literacy, numeracy, etc) and secondary education.”
India: At the Haji Ali Dargah
Ultrabrown has a wonderful photo-post on one of the landmarks in Mumbai, the Haji Ali Dargah.
India: The terrorists within
Gaurav comments on one of the sentiments in the Indian blogosphere which appears to celebrate Israel's hardline approach in Lebanon. He reminds us that the terrorism within the country is of far more importance. “But until that day, make your peace with the fact that on an average, the most...
Pakistan: What Musharraf should do
All Things Pakistan on political advice to Musharraf and sensing the pulse of the blog's readers through a little vote. “It seems like everyone has an opinion on what Gen. Musharraf should do about the 2007 elections and the question of ‘removing’ his uniform.”
Bangladesh: Persecution of the Sufis
Sadiq Alam on why the Sufis were persecuted through history. “Because sufis often speak against injustice in the name of religion, they often speak against unjust rulers, they often speak against the unjust social practices.”
Nepal: Another Round Of Talks
The seven party alliance in power and the Maoists are gearing for yet another round of peace talks. Their last round that resulted in an eight point agreement came under much fire from various quarters.
India: The hundred dollar laptop
The Nanopolitan comments on the government deciding not to go ahead with the hundred dollar laptop.
India: A brief history of censorship
Mitesh Vasa compiles information on what got censored in India over the last fifteen years. “Nonetheless, what I present is a compilation of raw facts about the history of State-ordered bans by India. And do let me know if you know any event that I missed here. “
Nepal: Dark days ahead?
Blogdai makes some dark predictions for Nepal. Who'll die over the next year, and who will be allies with the Maoists.
Bangladesh: The crisis in Lebanon
How Bangladesh is responding to the crisis in Lebanon at imperfect world 2006.
India: Open source and the Allahabad High Court
Thejesh links to High Court Allahabad's website, which comes across as rather user friendly and promotes the use of open-source, and reflects on open standards and the public sector.
Pakistan: Blog-o-punishment
So, there you have it! “Collective punishment” is the new black of fashionable excuses used by governments world wide. Whether it be banning blogs or bombing to the hell out of innocent civilians, “collective punishment” pretty much is the “choice” tool of the tools in power. Following suit (of this...
India: Ismat Chugtai
Amardeep Singh profiles Ismat Chugtai, a female writer who broke many rules and challenged boundaries. “The anecdotes she tells and her style of telling them reinforces the sense one has of Chughtai as someone with a quick wit with an extraordinary ability to use humor to point out the truth...
Sri Lanka: Trade Unions and Development
Land Like No Other discusses trade unions in Sri LankaS, and if the comparison with developed countries accurately presents the case of trade unions and development. “Privatization is not a devil as these labour unions trying to emphasize. All they worry is, that they can't misuse the properties of these...
Sri Lanka: The implications of leaving Lebanon
Even as evacuation drives intensify in Lebanon, Moju explores the implications of Sri Lankans who will find themselves jobless and will need financial assistance. “This sudden stoppage of the funds could economically weaken many families making them vulnerable. Secondly these workers will be literally ‘jobless’ in Sri Lanka.”
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