*THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS :: ISSUE 04 :: 4 FEB 2008*
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*VISION 2050: Envisioning Tomorrow*
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*"If we are to reach real peace in this world… we shall have to begin with
the young." – Mahatma Gandhi*

* By Zubair Ahmed*

Vision outlines where you want to be in the future. It's all about one's
future envisaged today, the realistic aspirations that will set a bright
future for the coming generations. About 200 years ago, these Islands saw
the beginning of settlement. The British wanted these to be a penal colony
and developed it accordingly. The roads, jetties, bridges and even the kind
of buildings that came up during that era remind us about their vision. The
buildings were unique, mostly built using indigenous materials on stilts
without disturbing the topography of the Islands. It withstood earthquakes
and other natural calamities. We still use this entire infrastructure today,
with a few modifications here and there.
But a major change in our perspective came after independence. Without any
vision, we blindly began aping the developmental pattern of mainland India.
We have the same type of buildings, drains and other infrastructure as in
the mainland, which does not suit the climate as well as the landscape of
these Islands. Our roads cannot withstand the rains here. Our concrete
buildings need roofs that can protect them from the kind of rains we
receive.
Same is the case with other infrastructures too. We stopped applying our
brain locally. Even thinking for us was done in the mainland. It has
severely affected our lifestyle. We need to put a stop to this trend and
think about our future locally. That's why we need to have a vision, a broad
vision for the Islands.
Another pressing issue is the lack of awareness and activeness among our
youth. We're constantly complaining of the apathy and lethargy of the
administration and of those in power, and this very same youth, who are
today's students, will be tomorrow's leaders. Tomorrow they will occupy the
seats of the administration and be in power. If they are not aware, and if
they are not active, then our future will be one lacking in awareness and
filled with more apathy and lethargy.
The Light of Andamans in this endeavour wants the youngsters to do the
thinking. They should visualize their requirements for the next 50 years.
Vision 2050 is a stepping stone towards that goal. Twelve participants from
four reputed educational institutions will present their vision for the
Islands on 7th of this month at JNRM auditorium.


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