Eastern South Asia Today: Issues of Diplomacy and Peace

On February 7, 2025, Semester III and Semester VI students from the Department of Political Science at Loreto College, Kolkata participated in an event hosted at Scottish Church College, Kolkata. Titled "Eastern South Asia Today: Issues of Diplomacy and Peace," the seminar was jointly organised by the Peace Studies Cell in collaboration with the Departments of History, Philosophy, and Political Science. This interdisciplinary gathering attracted students from numerous colleges across the city.

The seminar focused on unravelling the intricate factors disrupting peace in the Eastern South Asian region, encompassing Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and the eastern and north-eastern states of India. It commenced with an introductory overview of the region, emphasising its diversity and multifaceted nature.

The keynote address was delivered by Sri Deep Halder, a noted journalist and author, who shared insights gleaned during his research for the book Being Hindu in Bangladesh: The Untold Story. His discourse illuminated prevalent issues such as religious fundamentalism and anti-India sentiments among the Bangladeshi populace, largely attributed to perceptions of India's paternalistic stance.

Subsequently, Dr. Pratip Chattopadhyay, Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science, University of Kalyani, provided a scholarly analysis delving deeper into the regional intricacies. Dr. Chattopadhyay underscored India's imperative to engage with neighbouring countries on equitable terms, advocating for a cooperative framework akin to the European Union. He highlighted the potential benefits of initiatives like the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) Motor Vehicle Agreement, emphasising the positive outcomes of regional cooperation.

The seminar was moderated by Dr. Shantanu Chakrabarti, who facilitated a thought-provoking discussion and an interactive question-and-answer session, stimulating insightful discourse among participants.

In conclusion, the seminar offered invaluable insights into the complexities of the Eastern South Asian region, stressing the imperatives of cooperation, mutual understanding, and equality to sustain peace and stability within the global order. Participants gained a nuanced understanding of the region's challenges and opportunities. The event served as a platform for students to engage with eminent experts and peers from diverse academic backgrounds, fostering a sense of intellectual community and collaboration.