As an ethnic group the community of Gorkhas are in stark contrast to the majority population of Bengalis who have a tradition, culture totally different from the gorkhas. Not to mention difference in language & we know how Linguistic differences have driven a wedge through the heart of a once combined Himachal pradesh, haryana & punjab that split into a triad.
And yes, the Telengana tussle. Wait, an entire new country forced its way out of Pakistan based on linguistic aspirations. Bangladesh is the only country born out of linguistic needs.
So it comes as no surprise that wherever a community is made to feel marginalized, a breaking away tendency takes root.
Why have we allowed the Gorkhas to feel like a different community. Paschim Banga needs to integrate them into the mainstream bengal ethos. Just building a plush Gorkha Bhavan in an equally plush salt lake area is no solution except for trying to pacify the leaders of the Gorkha movement.
Education & healthcare are the 2 most important factors on which development banks heavily. No harm in reserving seats of Gorkhas of WB in the good schools in West Bengal. Sponsor their travel from darjeeling to the capital where just dont secure them assured seats but continue to provide scholarships for them to sustain their education.
Hold regular reviews to monitor their progress & prevent them from laundering away their scholarship booty on non academic pursuits.
But just shoving education is not enough. One needs to make them feel like a part of the big family. Inclusive growth is based on including them in all the cultural events & making it mandatory for them to showcase their own unique culture, songs, folk dance, holding handicrafts fair for them.
Encouraging them to put up food stalls where the other ethnic group-the bengalis who can patronize the art, culture, poetry of the Gorkhas.
Inter marriage is only a matter of time, if the two communities start living together...that in itself would blur the lines of separation & bring in parity.
Job reservation for them is necessary...we must not forget, the rays of strong educational & technical skill training never percolated to them. It will take atleast the first 2-3 generations to receive & feel the full benefit of studies.
Setting up IT parks in Darjeeling which would generation employment & tap tourism in a more brisk manner.
Primary Health Centre establishment at the isolated areas of Darjeeling. Sending good doctors on mandatory 2-3 year service to darjeeling.
Setting up strong law & order enforcement agencies where the gorkhas should be engaged-as they are closest to the ground realities of the malaises that affect them.
Let us not forget Gorkhas are a martial race...they can be trained to be exceptional atheletes who can represent us at the Olympics. Not to mention, be a part of the coveted defence forces-army, navy, airforce.
If all the youth get employment according to their aspirations. Their ageing parents' health & law+order issue taken care of, by the above mentioned steps. What more can a community ask for?
Monday, February 28, 2011
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