My Entry for Neothesis (St. Xaviers, Mumbai) Conference

35 people are selected across India for the First round in the Undergraduate Level Conference, 24 among these will qualify for the second round

TOPIC: Sustainable Globalization for Inclusive Development: Challenges and Opportunities

Background:
Globalization is a process of interaction and integration of all stakeholders in a global village having significant effects on the environment, culture, political systems, economic development and prosperity, as well as on the human well-being in the society. Though, the oft glamorized concept of globalization has attracted the attention of intellectuals all over the world, a comprehensive assessment of its impact on all stakeholders still awaits concerted effort. The paper is an attempt to explicate the real dynamics associated with the globalization process and its potential loopholes.

Issues and Concerns:
Myrdal’s theory explicitly highlights the imbalanced economic stature among the countries due to a mismatch between the fast backwash and slow trickle-down effect of globalization. This has resulted in the skewed growth rate between developed and developing countries and also unequal distribution of income affecting in turn other social sectors like education, health facilities, etc. Though potentially helpful, a deeper situational probing reveals us a picture of concentration of wealth in the hands of few, and a parasitic growth trend of few countries at the cost of others. However, one of the main reasons behind a lag is that third world countries are trying to imitate the growth pattern of developed countries.

Proposed Solutions: As a solution to lingering issue attempt is made to propose a model of Inclusive and Sustainable Globalization. Though, here mention will be made of India time and again, the model possesses enormous applicability to all the developing countries. One of the assured ways of reaching this position is the optimal use of technologies while recognizing that technology can act as a MAGNIFIER ONLY. Government schools should train children in vocational skills like computing, etc. for making students employable rather than focusing on formal education only. Internet, technology, TVs, DVDs and mobile phones can be used for accelerating community growth in villages.

Community radios are local radios broadcasting local programs managed by village community which can be used for announcements in the village regarding Panchayat meetings, school homework for kids, spreading awareness on severe issues and available Government facilities for AIDS, polio drops etc. These radios have numerous positive impacts. As mostly operated by women, such radios can act as a milestone in women empowerment scheme besides informing the whole community. Mobile phones can act as a boon for the villagers. Creation of employment opportunities in rural areas will reduce the urban migration and help crating a more balanced and effective resource distribution. Indian cities are no better than rural areas; rather give a sight of living hell of slums being victims of fruits of globalization. We need to learn from the rise of Japan in late 1970s which made their cultural and collective approach as their basic forte for growth. An Internal effort to grow by making self sustainable economy is definitely the need of the hour, rather than following the developed countries, and in this regard the economic policies followed by China are a lesson for everyone.

This is just an abstract, I am looking forward to your extensive comments on this, as it would help me to write the final paper (last date - 20th Oct'10)