India brings together SAARC region for deeper integration

India is taking a positive step in building blocks in the SAARC region as students from the South Asian University participated in an event to commemorate the 30th SAARC Charter Day.

To commemorate the 30th SAARC Charter Day the South Asian University organized an event "SAARC in a Globalizing World" at the India International Centre in New Delhi.

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed the event.

It was attended by ambassadors, high commissioners, and heads of international institutions, SAARC organizations, think tanks and many other dignitaries.

Students of South Asian countries enthusiastically participated and looked for deeper integration to eradicate all barriers of mistrust.

The event also focused on remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 18th SAARC Summit about cooperation in energy, trade and connectivity in overcoming common challenges.

"Terrorism is one of the most serious challenges facing the entire South Asian region and it can only be dealt with when each one of us recognizes that there are no good or bad terrorists. They are all the same. As neighbours we must remain sensitive to each other's security concerns and neither encourage nor undertake any activity that might be detrimental to the security and welfare of the neighbour. It is equally to ensure that we fulfill our international and regional obligations in terms of denying sanctuary, funding and training support to non-state actors, terrorists and criminals," said Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj.

India, by sharing education and knowledge, helps in improving economies and resource development in the SAARC region.

"Welfare and policy of life depends on so many things but one of the things that are important is knowledge and overcoming common challenges because these challenges are not confined to political boundaries. So, once you know the common challenges, you have groups of students, teachers and researchers who can find solutions which are applicable to us. Then their implementation to resolve the challenge obviously raises the quality of life of our region", said Dr. Kavita A. Sharma, President, South Asian University.

Omar Sadar a student of international relations said regional integration will eradicate core issues of poverty, illiteracy and terrorism.

Students of SAARC region bond with each other thus raising hopes for a better future for lasting relations between the nations.

"Afghans and Indians, as I have experienced, have friendly relations and they have people to people contact. They share culture and languages and customs. But now we need to push the states for political will and educate in order to integrate the region", said, Omar Sadar Ph.D student in international relations, South Asian University

"The way we are living in the SAARC University and studying together with SAARC nationals, we are hopeful of creating long- lasting bonds. We never had any conflict between the members of different countries. So this gives really a hope for future when these students when they go back and occupy key positions in their country, they will have good memory of living with Indians, Pakistanis, Afghans, Sri Lankans and Bangladeshis all living together as very close friends. In the long run the SAARC University will definitely have its role for deeper peace and understanding among SAARC nations", said Jamal Hamad Mahmood, a student of Masters in Biotechnology, South Asian University.

The significance of education in the SAARC region is that it nurtures bright minds who can play a transformative role in improving the quality of life of the people of the region.