Maritime security need of the hour
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India & The Indian Ocean Renewing the Maritime Trade & Civilisational Linkages
Conference Newsletter Saturday, March 21, 2015
Maritime security need of the hour:
A Sushma Swaraj
dvocating deeper economic ties in the
Indian Ocean region and emphasis
on maritime security, Sushma Swaraj,
Minister of External Affairs pitched on
Friday, March 20, 2015, for more robust
important dimension of India’s bilateral
relations with all the Indian Ocean Rim
countries, Swaraj said, “We will prosper
when the seas are safe, secure and free for
all. Those who live in this region have the
cooperation in the region and said the primary responsibility for peace, stability Appreciating the theme of the conference, Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General
geo-strategic importance of the area and prosperity in the Indian Ocean.” Pradhan said that time has come for the of RIS said, “We need to analyse our
cannot be underestimated. The region is witnessing non-traditional countries to collaborate extensively on contemporary challenges emanating
“As focus of global economic growth shifts threats such as natural disasters, piracy, this grave issue facing us and develop from trade, energy and other areas of
to Asia, Indian Ocean has acquired greater terrorism, illegal fishing, oil spills and effective and workable solutions to cooperation. “
salience in our strategic perspective. Our effects of climate change. forecast and cope with sea-borne natural Speaking on the occasion, Arindam
vision for the Indian Ocean Region is to disasters. Mukherjee, Secretary of ISCS said,
“India is looking forward to building closer
build on use of our capabilities for the cooperation in the maritime domain, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, while “this conference will open up scope to
benefit of all in our common maritime regularise bilateral maritime exercises calling for a comprehensive geo-strategic exchange the scholarship view, review
home and assisting our maritime and strengthen the dialogues between policy to promote mutually beneficial the historical facts and revisit virtually
neighbours, island states, in building their the navies and the Coast Guards with engagements on an umbrella of issues the prime period of maritime trade,
maritime security capabilities,” Swaraj said all littoral countries in the Indian Ocean relating to trade, culture, security and analyse cultural linkages, rich heritage and
in her address at the inaugural ceremony Region,” Swaraj said. environment, quoted Alfred Thayer tradition.”
of the conference of Indian Ocean Rim Mahan, an American Geo-strategist and He urged that the region of Indian
Opining that revitalising coastal economy
Countries titled “India and the Indian Navy admiral, who had said “who so Ocean should be developed as zone of
is one of the keys to resurgence of a
Ocean.” ever controls the Indian Ocean in 21st peace by bringing civil societies of the
developed Odisha, Dharmendra Pradhan,
Organised by Research and Information Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Century, will control the destiny of the IORA countries closer to create a strong
System for Developing Countries (RIS), Gas said, “We need to develop modern world.” constituency for closer cooperation on a
New Delhi, and Institute of Social and ports to facilitate trade, set up industries Also present on the occasion, R N Ravi, wide range of issues.
Cultural Studies (ISCS), Kolkata, the theme which can benefit from the state’s representative of the Prime Minister’s Mukherjee also announced launching of
of the three-day conference is ‘Renewing coastline and give impetus to Small and Office said, ‘‘it is time to rediscover our the new chapter of ISCS, the Indian Ocean
the Maritime Trade and Civilisational Medium Entrepreneurs in this region to cultural bonds and rim countries must Research Centre (IORC), the logo of which
Linkages.’ ensure better livelihood for the common trace their linkages of history, culture, was unveiled by the Minister of External
Stressing on maritime security as an person,” Pradhan said. civilisation and art.” Affairs. 
2 March 21, 2015
PERSPECTIVE
The present of our society has its
root in a glorious past: Rituraj Sinha
T he Indian Ocean Rim During my studies, my focus was on to that of ours, we immediately feel achievements? We need to strengthen
international business and trade. a warm connection. But, when a our historical roots and it would
Countries’ conference Even today, the business I am running, foreigner comes to our country and strengthen our future cooperation and
gathers lots of interests among i.e. SIS, is amongst India’s largest has very little or almost nothing rejuvenate the trade linkages,
intellectuals, think-tank employers. I think our growth is similar to us, it takes time to connect which we need to leverage.
directly linked to the trade cooperation with them. So, I think the vast cultural Most other businessmen do not
groups and political as well or development cooperation, general connection of India with the other share similar ideas like you, why?
as diplomatic circles. Rituraj economic cooperation that we Indian Ocean countries should be I studied abroad; I have been travelling
Sinha, a young business leader maintain with our neighbours and rest revived in order to create a long term and spending a lot of time abroad
of the world. and sustaining economic and geo-
of India and the organising political cooperation. We need to
for business and other professional
When I came to know about this purposes. I am the youngest chairman
secretary of the confluence conference and the ideas of Arindam connect by our hearts and to connect of the industry committee of the
“India and The Indian Ocean” (Secretary of the Institute of Social by heart we have to remember our Federation of Indian Chambers of
and Cultural Studies), I got influenced. shared history and shared legacy.
speaks about the relevance Commerce and Industry (FICCI). When
I thought the civilisational linkages If you look back into history, I talk and discuss about business with
of the event to expedite all- between our neighbours and the India was the exporter of many the businessmen of my age group,
round development in the world kept us connected, and we things - not just goods, but also I do not think they forget or skip the
region while strengthening the decided to discuss about trade the philosophy of Buddhism and historical roots of India.
cooperation. This concept altogether even many rulers, what made the The young businessmen have an urge
relationship based on cultural appealed to me and I made up my relationship so dormant through to see India as a global super power
and historical links. mind to support the concept in every these years? and to keep the aspirations up we
possible way. This was because, in this Being an ordinary Indian, I believe, need to expand in areas our country
globalised world and inter-dependent India has treasures of historical and is good at, i.e., trade. I accept the
As we know you are from industry
economies, India must utilise its rich cultural linkages and legacy, but we fact that we have not given enough
and business background, what
culture and civilisational legacy to have never utilised it. importance to our rich heritage as
inspired you to be a part of this
make a place in global economic as many other countries do. But I am
conference that aims at reviving We all know that India has never tried
well as political scenario. That’s why, I sure, the youngsters and aspiring
maritime linkages with faraway to conquer any other country.
got connected with this event. businessmen are going to revitalise
nations on the edge of the Indian It has always tried to connect people
Ocean? What, in your views, can revive through trading, culture, religion and our relationship based on historical
the relationship based on the past philosophy. So, for us, adopting the linkages and heritage.
For any kind of business or economic
linkages with our neighbouring western style of diplomacy, according What are your expectations from the
development, it is very important
countries? to me, is not an ideal move. But upcoming conference?
to see that the macro-economic
environment is favourable. Today, My idea in this regard is bit different. when it comes to the several other ISCS, the organiser of the event, has
in India, industries are flourishing, Before taking any decision in this countries, they may utilise the western been doing good work in Mayanmar
businesses are growing, youth get regard, it is important for both the diplomacy. They, however, and Bangladesh since many years. The
more employment and this has been parties to have an understanding. For do not have any ancient legacy institute is taking another big step
possible because of the favourable any bilateral or multilateral political because they are comparatively through this conference. I strongly
and stable macro-economic as well as economic initiative for new civilisations. But in our case, the believe, this is a good start. The aim of
environment. This can be possible resolution of issues, there should be present of our society has its root in a this conference is to revive our cultural
only in this globalised world, when deep one to one understanding. glorious past. So, why should not we linkages with greater enthusiasm and
the macro-economy of the countries When it comes to one to one discuss about Gautam Buddha and we are going to organise more such
are interdependent. Somewhere, understanding, we need civilisational the kings who have built philosophical events in the coming days. To me, and
our economy and our stability is and emotional linkages as well. and trade connections with others in hopefully to many others who want
connected with our neighbouring While in a foreign country, if we see the Indian Ocean region and beyond? to see India as a global power, this
countries and rest of the world. their lifestyle and thoughts similar Why shouldn’t we celebrate their envisages a new era. 
OFF-BEAT March 21, 2015
3
For overseas participants
Bhubaneswar has many things to offer
T he first day of the conference “India and
The Indian Ocean” witnessed a myriad
of delegates and guests from all around
Bangkok, explained how there has been
a socio-religious connection between
India and South East Asia since ages and
generously. Director of the Bhubaneswar
Centre for National Archives, and Odiya
writer Lalatendu Das Mahapatra narrated
culture for centuries so this conference
will benefit maritime business and
cultural exchange.” Adding on to it he
the world arriving in Bhubaneswar. People credited Emperor Ashoka for spreading how Odisha’s maritime culture dated said that Konark temple and Chilika Lake
from various Asian countries and some Buddhism in the South East. She has back to more than two thousand years. are perfect places to grab the attention of
from even as far as Australia and France come to experience the culture and Stating that Odisha’s temples are a major foreigners.
graced the event as several ministers history of this region. attraction, he recommended the visitors Traditionally known as the City of
and organizers addressed the inaugural “I look forward to something related to to see the Rajarani temple nearby. Temples, Bhubaneswar was named after
ceremony on Friday. the propagation of Buddhism”, she stated. “Bhubaneswar has many things to offer. I Tribhubaneswar, the Lord of the three
This is the first time that Bhubaneswar is Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Chief Executive hope they get the time to tour the place. worlds. Situated sixty kilometres from
hosting such a major international event. of South African Institute of International Udaygiri, Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri are great Puri and Konark, the city has no dearth
Guests arriving at the conference are Affairs, also said that she looked forward heritage sites and one wouldn’t want to of tourist attractions and architectural
also looking forward to experience the to explore India’s maritime culture and miss them while they are here”, he said. wonders and it perfectly exemplifies the
cultural heritage of Odisha and touring specifically that of Odisha. A Biotechnology inventor S.C. Rajesh amalgamation of century old cultural
the city. Residents of the state have also come expressed satisfaction saying, “Oceanic heritage and cutting edge modern
Dr Francis Albert Kornegay, Senior forward and extended their hospitality business has been a part of Odisha’s urbanism.
Research Fellow at the Institute of Global
Dialogue, University of South Africa, feels
that this conference is unique as it has a
cultural dimension.
“This place has quite a heritage which is
something worth knowing,” he said.
While Dennis Rumley, Professor of
Indian Ocean Studies and Distinguished
Research Fellow at Curtin University
Western Australia, feels that Bhubaneswar
is a potential tourist hub, still relatively
unknown to the foreigners.
“Bhubaneswar is an amazing place and I
had never heard of this place before but,
after arriving, it’s a great feeling. It is a
clean city,” Rumley said.
It’s also a first time visit to the city for Jean
Francois Salles of the French National
Council for Scientific Research even
though he had been to India before.
Speaking about his maiden visit to the
city, he hoped to tour it if he gets time
after the conference.
“I have been coming to India for around
fifteen years now. I have colleagues in
Jawaharlal Nehru University and Calcutta
University. So I used to visit Delhi and
Calcutta previously,” Jean said.
Dr. Chotima Chaturawong, assistant
professor of Silapakorn University,
4 March 21, 2015
OP-ED
Beefing up security in Bay of Bengal
Rahman Jahangir
T he international courts’ verdicts over
disputes with India and Myanmar
have made the maritime boundary
crucially vital for Bangladesh, an
overpopulated country with scarce
resources. The Bay of Bengal has now
offered new opportunities for the
country to exploit hitherto unexploited
resources lying in the Bay.
The country, in fact, has gained much
from the verdict over the 25,602 sq
km of disputed Bay area with India.
Foreign firms now have lined up since
tender has been floated for exploration
of Bangladesh’s 10 new sea blocks for
hydro-carbon. An extension of sea
border means Bangladesh’s chances of
exploring the Bay for mineral resource
have now widened. It will also enrich the
fisheries sector.
The massive Bay area is now open to our
fishermen. Even if two fishes are caught
in every square kilometre, our fishermen
will have 40,000 more fishes to sell.
The verdict now allows Bangladesh to
establish its sovereign rights on more
than 118,813 sq km of territorial sea,
200 nautical miles (NM) of exclusive
economic zone and all kinds of living
and non-living resources under the The successful implementation of the into our deep-sea area to catch fishes The Bay coast is set to assume great
continental shelf up to 354 nautical miles project will fulfil the obligations under illegally? importance after a deep seaport
from the Chittagong coast. international conventions by establishing and other ports are built making the
Frequent press reports of illegal
On the other hand, the country has a and operating shore-based facility on sea voyages by trawlers or pirates area a hub of sea-borne ships. The
largely marshy jungle coastline of 710 maritime safety, security, surveillance, kidnapping our fishermen make it urgent Petrobangla is set to float tenders
km on the northern littoral of the Bay of navigational aids and communication for our maritime security guards to be next year to invite international oil
Bengal. system including command and control alert and efficient enough to accomplish companies for hydrocarbon exploration
Against this backdrop, the government centre. the onerous tasks they are assigned with. and exploitation. Precious minerals as
has undertaken a Taka 3.70 billion (One But it is indeed distressing to see our sea This fact has to be taken note of by the well as huge stocks of marine fishes
US$ is equivalent to 78 Taka) project guards still failing to track down boats higher authorities which alone can do abound in the Bay. That is exactly why
for safety and security of our maritime with illegal migrants taking risky sea the needful. maritime security has to be beefed up.
system. Under the project, seven light voyage to Malaysia and Thailand across Kuakata in Patuakhall, Saint Martin’s If needed, technical assistance of the
houses and coastal radio stations will the Bay. It is not really understandable and Kutubdia of Cox’s Bazar, Hatia Indian Ocean Run Association (IORA) of
be established through ‘turn-key why we still see abortive attempts of (Nijhum Dwip) in Noakhali, Dhalchar which Bangladesh is a member, could be
method’ in the coastal areas. Besides, migrants making hazardous sea voyage (Char Fashion) in Bhola and Saran Khola sought in this regard.
one command and control centre will despite the fact that our Navy fleet (Dublar Char) in Patuakhall are major The writer is Editorial Consultant,
be built in Dhaka to maintain 24-hour as well as Coast Guard is having most points of marine fishing. Then there are The Financial Express, Bangladesh,
communication with the ships that will modern equipment to detect such a number of rivers and creeks inside the and is a participant of the conference as a
ensure maritime security and strengthen illegal operation in the Bay. What can vast Sundarbans having huge stocks of Resource Person. He can be contacted at his
surveillance. the country do if foreign trawlers sneak fish. email: arjayster@gmail.com.
History is the answer to questions that the
present brings: Jean Francois Sallas
A historian and archaeologist
by profession, Jean Francois Sallas
of France, a participant resource
that I am not finding much westerners,
I think I am the only one from west, from
France.
had said that history is the answer to
questions that the present brings.
When you want to answer the present you
India had strong relationship with have to go back to history.
person of the conference of IOR
countries in the Indian Ocean region Do you believe, history will repeat?
countries, hopes that such conferences
and beyond. Do you think this Why not! It repeated for thousands of
would certainly revive relationship conference would help reviving such years!
between Indian Ocean countries and relations? How, in your views, this will help
facilitate dialogue. We agree this is very important to bring the other countries? Because many
together all people from the Indian Ocean countries who are part of this
What is your view about this conference Rim. But it is not isolated for the rest of the conference are poor?
of Indian Ocean countries? world because everything is intermingled. They were poor countries, now the
I feel this conference is important because, I am an historian of antiquity and situations are changing firstly because
many people from the Indian Ocean archaeology. Trade relations between they have altogether tried to raise their
countries are visiting, and it’s a good China and Bengal, as we know now, competitiveness, raised their economy
opportunity to meet them. And since started in the second century BC. Trade and so on and so on. But they do not do
I am an academician, an archaeologist relations and intellectual relations it by themselves. They receive helps or
basically, it’s important for me to meet between the west and India started much advices to do it. This process is going on
people and, secondly, to learn a lot of earlier, in the fifth century BC and so on. since thousands of years.
things. Because I am specialised in one Do you hope this conference would Can we say, this conference is going
field of academia, here I will be listening revive the relationship and activities as to expedite the process, facilitate
and learning about other disciplines, India had in the past? dialogue?
which is interesting. And another thing is Well, one of the famous historian of France Most Probably, yes! 
DAILY ROUND UP March 21, 2015
5
Sand art shines at the conclave
O disha’s internationally acclaimed
sand artist Sudarsan Patnaik has
greeted the delegates of the conference
their old bodies and take up new ones,
like the human beings die to be born
again (as per the Hindu belief ).
“I decided to highlight navakalebara
of Lord Jagannath in June through my
art here for two reasons. I wished to
(Car Festival) to offer an opportunity to
those who have not been able to have
a darshan of him inside the temple.
with an imposing sculpture of Lord The renowned artist has put Odisha’s let the huge number of participants I am aware, all the delegates of the
Jagannath highlighting the unique centuries old sand art tradition of this global conference know about conference would not be able to come
navakalebara ceremony of the three of Puri prominently in the global this forthcoming famous rituals to take to Puri to have a darshan of the deities.
deities - Lord Jagannath, his brother platform by participating in more place in my home town of Puri that So, I thought Lord Jagannath, through
Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. than 50 international sand art festivals would be witnessed by several lakhs of this piece of sculpture, could be here
The ritualistic event usually occurs once and by winning championships in pilgrims and tourists. Lord Jagannath to bless the delegates,” revealed
in 12 years during which the deities – international sand art competitions for comes out of His abode – the temple – Sudarshan, who has also been the
regarded as human gods – renounce nearly 30 times. once in a year for the famous Rath Yatra brand ambassador of Odisha Tourism.
Postage Stamp, Books Released
In the inaugural ceremony of the confluence of Indian Ocean countries, held in Bhubaneswar, India Post released a
special postal stamp on ‘Indian Ocean and Rajendra Chola I,’ to commemorate thousand years of coronation of the
Chola ruler.
Also four books including ‘Trade and Investment Prospects of the IORA in the New Millenium,’ written by SK Mohanty
and Priyadarshi Dash, ‘Indian Ocean: Biodiversity and Traditional Medicinal knowledge,’ editored by Ameenah Gurib-
Fakima and K. Ravi Srinivas, ‘Mapping the Indian Ocean,’ by Babul Dey and ‘The Indian Ocean Civilisation,’ written by
Arindam Mukherjee were released on the occasion.
6 March 21, 2015
DAILY ROUND UP
Showcasing Burmese culture TODAY’S EVENTS
PLENARY I
Venue: Central Hall, MayFair
T
Trade
he first day of ‘India and The Indian
Ocean: Renewing the Maritime
& Civilisational Linkages’
The most striking feature of the cultural
evening was a very rare dance form
known as the ‘’Ku she you do mo’’,
The Burmese dances also depicted
fictional stories of two mythical and
auspicious birds, the male called
Convention
9.00 hrs-10.30 hrs:
conference has been a success, whether which is said to be a humorous folk “Kinnara” and the female “Kinnari.” The Session I: Historical Linkages and
it is the case of the formal conference or dance. This dance form received the Bagan period dance was another form Cultural Networks in IORA
the cultural event. maximum applause from the audience of Burmese dance form, which was
influenced by the paintings of that Chair: Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble
With the stage set up in a garden, the and successfully brought a wide smile
on the viewers’ faces. period. Minister of State for Culture and
ambience of the evening grew better
Tourism (Independent Charge) Book
with the first performance, which was a There were dance forms involving The Burmese culture was magnificently
Release
Burmese dance. puppets as well. The astonishing part showcased in the cultural evening.
The dances included dramatic folk and of the dance was that the puppets were It swayed the foreign delegates, PLENARY II
puppet dances, each having distinct not simply used as prop, but they acted making them curious further to visit Venue: Central Hall, MayFair
characteristics. The dance forms as the dance partners. Some of the this country under the Indian ocean Convention
depicted some of the Burmese historical Burmese puppet dance forms involved region.
“Marionettes” that began with the 11.30 hrs-13.00 hrs:
and fiction stories. performances were Probably they would be looking
very fast-paced, and comprised of puppets dancing. There was another forward to such upcoming conferences Session II: Regional Maritime and
energetic movements. The emphasis puppet dance by a single puppet to have another glimpse of the dance Energy Security in Indian Ocean
was more on grace in the pose, not in named “Zoshi,” a lad with supernatural form.
movements. powers and the Royal Page Boy. Chair: Mr. Saurabh Chandra,
Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum &
Natural Gas
PARALLEL SESSION I
14.30 hrs-16.00hrs:
IA : Trade Linkages: Routes,
Commodities and Merchants
Venue: Board Room, MayFair
Convention
IB: Religion and Literature: Buddhism,
Brahmanism, Epics and Secular
Literature in Sanskrit
Venue: Orchid, MayFair Lagoon
IC: Migration and Diaspora in the
Indian Ocean Realm
Venue: Camellia, MayFair Lagoon
19.30 hrs: Cultural Programme
(Venue: Rani Gumpha, Udayagiri)
CULTURE March 21, 2015
7
CANVAS OF CULTURE AND COMMERCE
F or any visitor to the exhibition of
panels of photographs, sketches
and illustrations on display, it has been
popular in the dance traditions of Bali
(Indonesia). An exhibit reveals a war
scene from The Ramayana in form of
Abalokiteswara and Tara – the most
favoured deities protecting the seas
– have been of much interest for any
goods like ivory, pearl, spices, dyes and
cotton but they treasured Indian spices
with more care than the rest of the
a journey back in time revisiting the a painting on the walls of Emerald visitor having interest in India’s shared goods!
shared history of more than a thousand Buddha in Thailand. Another piece of past with the world. The other exhibits in the trade link
years of the nations and civilizations of art on a temple in Laos carries stories A very rare revelation in the exhibition segment shows how Sri Lanka had
the Indian Ocean region. from The Ramayana. The oldest version has been the story about the Socotra assumed much significance as the
The exhibition, aptly titled - Indian of Ramayana in Java was scripted in 856 Island. Situated at a distance of 320 main centre of trade by 5th century CE.
Ocean: The Seafaring Legacy – and CE. The puppetry tradition of Malaysia kilometres off African coast, Brahmi Further, one comes across the cotton
curetted carefully by ISCS Secretary has also been replete with influence of inscriptions have been discovered route – the next important route to the
Arindam Mukherjee, the brain behind The Ramayana. Similarly, the stucco while in the ancient Qana city of Yemen, silk route and the spice route – that was
the global convention, was inaugurated art of Thailand and the stone craft of Indian bronze figures dating back to established during the 1st century CE
by host Odisha’s Minister of Tourism Indonesia also bear such traces of the 3rd century CE have been traced. in the Indian Ocean.
and Culture Mr. Ashok Chandra Panda epic. The exhibition further reveals how How was the science of navigation
on Friday. The exhibition reveals As one moves forward, one comes Afghanistan and Tajikistan were under during those ancient times? A section
India’s indelible influences – cultural, across the description and photographs Kushan Empire during 50 CE to 200 in the exhibition enlightens about
civilisational, commercial, linguistic, of the remains of a port city in ruins – CE. Similarly, the range of Roman coins the shipping navigation – how stars,
literary, diplomatic - over these nations Oc Eo in Vietnam – where an ancient indicate about the trade commenced the moon and the sun were the
and regions. Hindu temple exists amidst hillocks under Augustus III. A number of guiding factors for the sailors. Mapping
While the vast Ocean has been named where Buddhists come to pray. The indigenous Indian ceramic products Indian Ocean – though a technical
after India that speaks volumes of India’s port city was flourishing during 1st to have also been discovered from the explanation – offers an idea about the
centuries old dignified leadership over 6th century CE. In Laos, the statues of Roman empire giving ample evidence science and technique of measuring
the region, its amazingly deep-rooted the Indian gods of Brahma, Vishnu and of Indo-Roman maritime trade links. the sea.
cultural bonds with the nations tell Shiva are found in Champasak temple. Like culture and religion, trade and Maritime trade tradition can never
a thousand tales of India’s cultural Similarly, another panel reveals that commerce also strengthened the be traced without the role of boats
conquest of the region. the stories from The Ramayan and bond between India and the countries and over the centuries boats have
The Mahabharat are being heard on in the Indian Ocean region. A very undergone massive transformations –
Garuda is the national symbol of
Prambanan temple in Indonesia. interesting revelation in the exhibition from a bundle of logs floating in the
Thailand. Indonesia’s official language
is Bhasa. Words like Vidyalaya, Devalaya, The majestic Hindu temple of Angkor has been the passion of the Roman river to the majestic ships of modern
Prem, Karuna, Sagar and Sraddha are Wat in Cambodia, the Jataka stories of women towards gold, pearl and times ferrying across the seven seas.
often found in Thai vocabulary while Buddha in wood carving in a temple perfume from India. Romans had an A section in the exhibition tells us the
mythological names like Subhadra, of Thailand and the presence of insatiable appetite for Indian luxury tale of Indian boat designing tradition
Rukmini and Padma can be heard in in its wide variety. The ancient cave art
Vietnam. Dingo, the Australian dog of Ajanta, the temple of Jagannath in
in demand world-wide, is believed to the ancient town of Puri in Odisha, the
have an Indian origin. All such startling Buddhist stupas of Sanchi also bear
facts come to the fore as one strolls images of boats.
through the tastefully mounted For those who take keen interest in
exhibition at the sprawling lawns of culinary culture, the section on the
the Mayfair Lagoon – the venue of culinary habits in Maldives reveals how
the conference in the temple city of fish, food and coconut oil of Kerala had
Bhubaneswar. much influence.
The most moving section of the Finally, one is amused to learn from the
exhibition has been the panels exhibits that banana reached Africa
showing the influence of Ramayana from India in the 2nd millennium BCE
on the art, dance and sculpture of while the giraffe in stone shown on
several countries. Often episodes from the spectacular Sun temple of Konark
The Ramayana are being enacted in in Odisha establishes the Indo-African
the classical dance style of Thailand. links centuries ago.
The Indian epic also continues to be SHYAMHARI CHAKRA
8 March 21, 2015
FOCUS
India and The Indian Ocean: the relevance
Salim Jumaya Suleiman Alsenaidi, Manager Deputy, Oman Chamber of Commerce
and Industry, Branch in Sharqiyya South Governorate
Trade between India and Oman has a history of several thousand years. Exports from India to Oman
are on the rise as Indian products are achieving a brand name across the globe. Close cultural
relations between the two countries are among other driving forces, which are contributing to the
increase in the commercial engagements between the two countries. This conference is an ideal
interactive platform for entrepreneurs from Oman who look for fresh openings to do business with
India and vice versa.
Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Chief Executive, South African Institute of International Affairs
In the contemporary era it is necessary to talk about regions since there is so much of connectivity
among various nations. This connectivity has negative as well as positive effects. On the negative front,
phenomenon like terrorism is being witnessed from South East Asia, Middle East to Africa. On the
positive side, there is connectivity in maritime sphere right from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific.
Hence, it becomes imperative to know and learn from experiences of various regions.
One of the global tension is that of human security. Even though we claim that globalisation has
created a global culture, yet the issues of identity still remain pervasive across the world.
In times of crisis, identity often becomes the rallying cry for mobilisation.
I am also looking forward to explore India’s maritime culture and history as well.
Dr. Chotima Chaturawong, Assistant Professor, Silapakorn University, Bangkok
I have come to experience the culture and history of this country. And I look forward to something
related to the propagation of Buddhism. There has been a connection between India and the South
East Asia since the days of Ashoka, who spread Buddhism in South East Asia.
Dr. Francis Albert Kornegay, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Global Dialogue,
University of South Africa
I am here mainly to exchange thoughts and ideas with other people in the conference and the Indian
Ocean. The key here is networking with like-minded people.
I think the conference will increase awareness. Indian ocean is the centre actually, where there is
energy trapped and, in fact, it is the world’s main quarter.
This place has quite a heritage which is something worth knowing. And the best part of the conference
is, it has a cultural dimension, which a lot of conferences do not have.
Dennis Rumley, Professor of Indian Ocean Studies and Distinguished Research Fellow,
Curtin University Western Australia. He has been appointed Australia’s focal point in the
Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group
Well, there are quite a few people with whom I had interacted in some previous conferences, and
we have been doing research for about seven years dealing with Indian Ocean cooperation - be it
educational, energy or security. About security, I do not mean the traditional security but the whole
range and aspect of security including the environmental security, human security, economic security,
energy security etc. Over the last two or three years, Blue economy seems to have been the norm
but nobody seems to be knowing about it. Some are not interested. We need greater cooperation to
sustainably exploit the resources of the Ocean. This conference will help in building cooperation.
Dr. Monika Chansoria, Senior Fellow and Head, Asian Security Programme,
Think-tank of the Indian Army, Delhi
It should be interesting to see the importance of regional peace and security and the dialogue
between different countries. The most important threat to security and peace in this region is maritime
terrorism and there needs to be greater collaboration between nations and stakeholders.
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