Caught between the two lands (Part 2)
In order to develop a dynamic and vibrant community, it is imperative that we take bold steps.
By Shafaat Shahbandari | Bhatkallys.com | 02-Nov-2016
An old adage goes that every problem has a solution. But for a problem as grave as the one we are discussing, there can neither be a single solution, nor could it be overcome immediately.
The first step in finding a solution to every problem is to acknowledge that there is a problem. If a person is unaware of the problem, he will not look for a solution.
As a community, we have to first realise and acknowledge that the lifestyle we are leading right now is neither practical, nor sustainable.
The next step is for us to decide for how long we are going to lead this purgatory living, with more than half of our population caught between the two lands. Once we do these, the rest will follow and it wil
l be easier for us to take necessary steps in finding the solution.
Before anyone jumps to a conclusion, let me be clear that I am not asking overseas Bhatkalis to return home enmasse immediately. Nor am I suggesting that we should stop our youngsters from seeking jobs abroad.
For generations that have been fed and groomed on overseas remittances, charting an alternative course immediately with no imminent results won't be easy. And urging them to look for alternatives without clearing any ground for them would be fruitless.
So, from the outset it should be clear to us that we are bracing up for a long-drawn battle to reverse the trend, if at all we want to bring such a change.
Economy is the lifeline of every society. The more solid its foundations, greater the chances of the society's prosperity.
With our current sources of income, limited to NRI remittances and a few small scale retail establishments, we should not be under the impression that our town and its periphery are on any solid economic footing.
The tree might look green, but its roots are not deep and God forbid, one small storm could be enough to uproot it.
Yes, we have many wealthy individuals, but wealth is of no value if it doesn’t circulate and create more wealth, not just for the individuals but for the society as a whole.
What I am trying to suggest is that it is high time we started making bigger investments back home that could create good jobs for at least some sections of the society.
While, there could be many ways through which we can trigger a positive economic and social revival, I feel investment into small scale industries could be the first step towards building a more secure future.
Apart from creating jobs, the idea is to give our future generations a better alternative that will not only help them earn a decent livelihood, but will also make them important contributors in the development of our beloved nation and the world.
While, at the same time our future generations should be able to preserve our unique traditions, culture and identity. This is our collective responsibility, which we can only ignore at a great peril.
The world around us is changing at a rapid pace and those communities who don't keep up, struggle to survive.
The task before us is enormous and the road steep, but if we have a clear and realistic vision about our future and if we develop a practical programme to realise that vision then together we can certainly achieve the goal.
Our millionaires have a major role to play in this struggle. Rather than letting their wealth rot in the vaults they should start considering industries, taping into local resources like fisheries, plantation and agriculture as well as manufacturing and ICT.
Pooling together funds, small and medium scale entrepreneurship should be encouraged among young professionals who might have smart ideas, but might be reluctant to open up due to lack of encouragement and support.
We have a solid educational infrastructure, which should be utilised towards developing leaders, entrepreneurs, inventors, writers, thinkers, and industrialists, rather than just churning out average degree-holders.
Our institutions should focus on transforming into knowledge laboratories where ideas are germinated and innovation is encouraged.
We churn out an army of engineers, accountants and management professionals every year, but we don’t have a single professional on a national stage. This is not due to a lack of talent, but a lack of direction and an absence of any higher purpose in life.
Our institutions should work towards instilling the confidence in our youth that they are here to make a telling contribution to the nation and the world, and their goal is not just to earn a living.
Hundreds of our engineers and management professionals have proven their worth working for some of the best companies in the world. Why can’t they think of setting up creative platforms of innovation and research in their respective fields, rather than just earning their living in the confines of their office cubicles?
Our parents, especially our mothers, have a great role to play in moulding our future. They should instill a sense of purpose among our children from an early age, and that purpose is not to merely grow up and make money.
We have to sell a new, more enlightened dream to our children, which is to be the benefactors and not just beneficiaries, making us indispensable to the nation and the world.
The best way to etch a point in the psyche of a people is to keep repeating it at every platform, from home and school to clubs and playgrounds.
I believe overseas Bhatkalis and their representative bodies are in an ideal position to be the catalyst of change and they should take a lead in this endeavour.
With their considerable economic clout, overseas Bhatkalis are known to influence decisions back home. I urge the representatives of Bhatkali NRIs to use this power more judiciously, in offering the vision, in setting the agenda and developing programmes of change and action.
In order to develop a dynamic and vibrant community, it is imperative that we take bold steps.
(Shafaat Shahbandari is a Dubai based journalist)
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. Bhatkallys.com is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Bhatkallys.com and Bhatkallys.com does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
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By Shafaat Shahbandari | Bhatkallys.com | 02-Nov-2016
An old adage goes that every problem has a solution. But for a problem as grave as the one we are discussing, there can neither be a single solution, nor could it be overcome immediately.
The first step in finding a solution to every problem is to acknowledge that there is a problem. If a person is unaware of the problem, he will not look for a solution.
As a community, we have to first realise and acknowledge that the lifestyle we are leading right now is neither practical, nor sustainable.
The next step is for us to decide for how long we are going to lead this purgatory living, with more than half of our population caught between the two lands. Once we do these, the rest will follow and it wil
l be easier for us to take necessary steps in finding the solution.
Before anyone jumps to a conclusion, let me be clear that I am not asking overseas Bhatkalis to return home enmasse immediately. Nor am I suggesting that we should stop our youngsters from seeking jobs abroad.
For generations that have been fed and groomed on overseas remittances, charting an alternative course immediately with no imminent results won't be easy. And urging them to look for alternatives without clearing any ground for them would be fruitless.
So, from the outset it should be clear to us that we are bracing up for a long-drawn battle to reverse the trend, if at all we want to bring such a change.
Economy is the lifeline of every society. The more solid its foundations, greater the chances of the society's prosperity.
With our current sources of income, limited to NRI remittances and a few small scale retail establishments, we should not be under the impression that our town and its periphery are on any solid economic footing.
The tree might look green, but its roots are not deep and God forbid, one small storm could be enough to uproot it.
Yes, we have many wealthy individuals, but wealth is of no value if it doesn’t circulate and create more wealth, not just for the individuals but for the society as a whole.
What I am trying to suggest is that it is high time we started making bigger investments back home that could create good jobs for at least some sections of the society.
While, there could be many ways through which we can trigger a positive economic and social revival, I feel investment into small scale industries could be the first step towards building a more secure future.
Apart from creating jobs, the idea is to give our future generations a better alternative that will not only help them earn a decent livelihood, but will also make them important contributors in the development of our beloved nation and the world.
While, at the same time our future generations should be able to preserve our unique traditions, culture and identity. This is our collective responsibility, which we can only ignore at a great peril.
The world around us is changing at a rapid pace and those communities who don't keep up, struggle to survive.
The task before us is enormous and the road steep, but if we have a clear and realistic vision about our future and if we develop a practical programme to realise that vision then together we can certainly achieve the goal.
Our millionaires have a major role to play in this struggle. Rather than letting their wealth rot in the vaults they should start considering industries, taping into local resources like fisheries, plantation and agriculture as well as manufacturing and ICT.
Pooling together funds, small and medium scale entrepreneurship should be encouraged among young professionals who might have smart ideas, but might be reluctant to open up due to lack of encouragement and support.
We have a solid educational infrastructure, which should be utilised towards developing leaders, entrepreneurs, inventors, writers, thinkers, and industrialists, rather than just churning out average degree-holders.
Our institutions should focus on transforming into knowledge laboratories where ideas are germinated and innovation is encouraged.
We churn out an army of engineers, accountants and management professionals every year, but we don’t have a single professional on a national stage. This is not due to a lack of talent, but a lack of direction and an absence of any higher purpose in life.
Our institutions should work towards instilling the confidence in our youth that they are here to make a telling contribution to the nation and the world, and their goal is not just to earn a living.
Hundreds of our engineers and management professionals have proven their worth working for some of the best companies in the world. Why can’t they think of setting up creative platforms of innovation and research in their respective fields, rather than just earning their living in the confines of their office cubicles?
Our parents, especially our mothers, have a great role to play in moulding our future. They should instill a sense of purpose among our children from an early age, and that purpose is not to merely grow up and make money.
We have to sell a new, more enlightened dream to our children, which is to be the benefactors and not just beneficiaries, making us indispensable to the nation and the world.
The best way to etch a point in the psyche of a people is to keep repeating it at every platform, from home and school to clubs and playgrounds.
I believe overseas Bhatkalis and their representative bodies are in an ideal position to be the catalyst of change and they should take a lead in this endeavour.
With their considerable economic clout, overseas Bhatkalis are known to influence decisions back home. I urge the representatives of Bhatkali NRIs to use this power more judiciously, in offering the vision, in setting the agenda and developing programmes of change and action.
In order to develop a dynamic and vibrant community, it is imperative that we take bold steps.
(Shafaat Shahbandari is a Dubai based journalist)
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. Bhatkallys.com is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Bhatkallys.com and Bhatkallys.com does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
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