A Complete Taste of South Asia   

                Edited by Mithila Rajagopal and Mahvish Qureshi                          

                                                                                            May 2008      

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       This month's issue is filled with interesting details and uncovered truths. Read about Burma's political state and the voices of the Burmese lost in the loud din of a manipulative government. In the wake of Saturday's cyclone that has ravaged the country and killed more than 22,000 people, (as of May 6th 2008), this article brings much needed attention to Burma at an opportune time.

India's lost talent is returning to its homeland celebrating and being celebrated in the glory of her successes in the global context. Read also about Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia who left India during the height of its migration to make it big in Silicon Valley.

Critically acclaimed Nadeem Aslam also finds a place in this month's issue with his book - Maps for Lost Lovers - find out if you would like to spend your valuable summer reading this novel.

Don't miss out on the list of popular South Asian restaurants and some everyday diet tips, Indian style.

            Feel free to contact either mrajagopal@brynmawr.edu or mqureshi@brynmawr.edu with article ideas, written articles, or questions about anything and everything!

South Asia in The Global Context

Mahvish Qureshi & Mithila Rajagopal

          Today the world is a global village and South Asia has an important part to play. Rich in diversity and culture, India is rising as new economic power. The most popular stock index, BSE SENSEX has seen a steady rise through the years crossing the 21,000 mark in January of this year. Fast growth in India's economy coming along with the slowing down of the US economy is now making India one of the most important contenders in the global horizon. All attention is focused on how the markets are going to play in the coming years and how such growth would affect important trading relations, and the economic power play that now holds the world in a delicate balance. With oil prices rising, such consideration hold a lot of significance worldwide. Migration from India is dropping as more and more people want to stay in India to make use of the glowing opportunities available there now. The Indian diaspora however, is still widespread and is an important consideration for both India and its host countries . Whether economically or culturally, Indians everywhere are making their mark.

The recent elections in Pakistan and accusations of terrorism is making it an important player in diplomatic relations. The world is now watching closely to see how Pakistan's current government is going to respond and maintain international relations. The election in Pakistan is not the only election results that are keeping the south asian atmosphere tense. The election results in Nepal show that people have voted for a change but where it will lead still has to be seen and at the present we hope for the best. How Saturday's catastrophic cyclone in Burma is going to affect the constitutional referendum still remains to be seen. Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are still emerging as countries with internal conflicts. It is up to the global powers to decide whether to impose international standards and step in to look for a solution that will restore these countries to their peace and unimpeded economic development. The consequences of the Iraq war reminds us what an important and heavy decision this is to make.

Whatever be the reason, South Asia is gaining importance in the global context and we are all eagerly watching its progress through time.

The content of this and subsuming pages is determined solely by the author. The presence of this page or subsuming pages on the Bryn Mawr College server does not imply endorsement by Bryn Mawr College. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.