I have received one of these emails that we are used to get on these days. On it, the author tries to convince us that we, in the advanced world, shouldn’t complain so much when others are a lot worse off in many parts of the World. I know this and I also know that we don’t have to go very far to see distressing cases out of our front door. 

The email, which is a Power Point presentation, shows me photographs of people and children dying of hunger, playing on the ground with stones and weeds… It is distressing view, of course.

But here on the western world, we aren’t better off. Everyday, when I go out, I see people begging. Some of them have most probably lost their jobs. Many have been evicted from their homes, because they lost their jobs and couldn’t pay up their rents or mortgages. Other thought that by emigrating to other lands could have a better living, but have found the opposite.

Rather than words I prefer actions on what little one can possibly help.

I do praise what organizations such as Doctors Without Frontiers do in less fortunate countries. They have launched a sort of tablets, which in fact are sweets, and they are sold in chemists at one euro a box. This is to help them cope with so much distress where they are. These doctors could be comfortably in their hometowns working as GP’s or specialists. They could be among their friends and relatives. Yet, they have chosen to live and work far away from their homelands to try to relieve those people from pain and diseases. 

A couple of years ago, I read about an English organization that required school material to send in third world countries over the Christmas period. I really like this initiative, because I have always thought that education as it is written on the blackboard above equals to future. 

What we get in childhood will decide on our future lives in adulthood. That is why here in developed countries we are opposed to governmental plans to privatise or cut on public education and health expenditure.

Take children to school to learn to read and write and they will have a chance in the future. It is what it is commonly said teach them to fish rather than give them a fish.

There is money worldwide, but the trouble is that it is in few and wrong hands.

            In 1988, at the 12th Scientific Conference of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, over 60 countries voted unanimously against the use of genetically modified organisms in food production or agriculture.  This was due to the concern that there may be threats to human health, a negative and irreversible environmental impact, incompatibility with sustainable agriculture, and a violation of rights for both farmers and consumers caused by these organisms (IFOAM, 1988).  Yet by 2010, 93% of planted soybeans, 86% of corn, 93% of cotton, and 80% of Hawaiian papaya grown in the United States were genetically modified organisms (Manshardt, 1999).  Clearly the United States didn’t grow these massive proportions of genetically modified crops just in order to defy Europe’s 2006 ban on American exports of rice with engineered genes (Charles, 2007).  Rather, these organisms must provide some form of tangible benefit that farmers wish to continue to receive. 

            Though a study performed in 1999 by the Chief Scientist of the Organic Center found that genetically modified soybeans did not increase crop yield and a 2008 Soil Association Report claimed that no genetically engineered plant produces a higher crop yield than any ordinary plant, the most recent research says otherwise (Benbrook, 1998).  A 2009 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists determined that engineered crops increased net yields in all cases and the United States Department of Agriculture records a 28% increase in maize yield since genetically modified maize was introduced to the market.  A 2010 summary of 49 studies showed that in underdeveloped countries, these crops increased yield by 29% and reduced insecticide application by up to 76% (Carpenter, 2010).  So what do all these numbers and figures tell us?  The same study found an increased crop yield in developed countries, but only by 6%.  Though this is still a considerable increase when considered on a national level, the fact that underdeveloped countries were affected with more potency reveals a potential to change world problems.  If genetically modified foods are more successful in nations where many people experience hunger, then this opens a door to a solution for feeding the ever growing human population.

            Yet before there is a rush to cure world hunger with genetic engineering, bioethical issues presented by opponents must be considered with caution.  Critics claim that GM foods present an environmental hazard, potentially harming other organisms, mainly supported by a 1999 study of caterpillar larvae affected by affected by pollen blown from modified corn, though the EPA has reexamined this study and found that it may have been flawed (Nature Biotechnology, 1999).  Yet studies show that genetically modified crops reduce the use of pesticides and reduce tillage, therefore improving eater quality and reducing erosion.  Also, many claim that there is a possibility that introducing a gene into a crop may create a new allergen to susceptible individuals, but testing of GM food would help prevent this.  Yet others argue on an economic basis, stating that patented modified seeds may raise the price of seeds so high that third world countries and small farmers will not be able to afford GM crops.  Yet these crops have been used for two decades now and currently the use of GM seeds results in either lower production costs or higher yields, either way raising the farmer’s benefits compared to cost.  When crop yield is not raised, farmers are granted greater freedom in the application of pesticides and herbicides, and the safety of workers is increased due to less exposure to chemicals, thus saving money.  Essentially, genetically modified organisms are efficient environmentally, economically, and do not pose a significant threat to humans.

            Though some people would like you to believe that genetically modified crops are produced with dangerous genes that hold the potential to destroy innocent life, damage the environment, and destabilize the economy, these misconceptions are simply untrue and do not hold up to scientific studies.  Any risk that is yet unknown will be identified by the excessive regulation that is currently presented to genetically modified foods.  The EPA analyzes plants for environmental safety, the USDA determines if it is safe to grow, and the FDA decides whether it can be eaten or not.  This triumvirate of government agencies holds the potential to limit genetically modified organisms to only those safe for human production and consumption. Genetically modified foods can possibly aid in curing world hunger, increase the economic benefits of farmers, reduce use of dangerous pesticides and herbicides, reduce vulnerability of plants to disease, increase the nutritional content of some crops, and potentially create edible vaccines for those in third world countries, so why should all these benefits be nullified if they are regulated by three government agencies?  Despite public misconceptions, genetically modified foods hold the power to change this world.

Works Cited

EPA. (2010). Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved May 5, 2011, from http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/otherdocs/bt_corn_ltr.htm

GE. (2005). Yield Drag.

IFOAM. (1999). Mar del Plata declaration. Retrieved May 3, 2011, from IFOAM.

Manshardt, R. M. (1999, July). Retrieved from ‘UH Rainbow Papaya’.

NPR. (1998).

Registrants, B. C. (2001). Oral immunization with hepatitis B surface antigen expressed in transgenic plants. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , 11539-11544.

It is this society in which cultural, family and traditional values are most honored and valued. It is this society in which people are so closely knitted to each other than the pain of one becomes the pain of many. Happiness is spread and sorrows are shared. Even though this society has been a recent target to claims such as terrorism but this society has survived with great love and care that fills every other heart that beats in these nations.

Even though Pakistan has had recent setbacks of terror attacks and natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes on its land but it has survived for 65 years and with the heart and prayer of its people it will carry on to not only live but prosper. India is the fasting growing economy and the next “soft power” rising shoulder to shoulder with china, one of the most dominant economic and cultural nations of the world. These two nations have had their differences in the past and might be having them forever but great hope is being put together and talks have been channeled so that better for both nations could be sought out.

Like every society, even this society is been dismembered by forces that have been either created or fed by them. The serious lack of unity due to multi-cultures’ and different ethnic backgrounds has divided this society to extremes that the interaction of poles have rather become not impossible but improbable. The society faces diseases such as crime, corruption, inflational practices, overpopulation and the worst bad governance. These add onto make the society so weak that it is been looked down on by the western culture, and the worst that could happen to this society was the push by religious extremism.

Even though the society is weak, but is full of beautiful people with beautiful hearts, which is why it has the ever knowing ability to prosper. 

South Asian countries which include Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are unique in many aspects. Though still developing nations, they are abundant in natural resources. The subcontinent region has been claimed to have the likelihood of oil reserves. These countries are also sprinkled with cave mines which contain valuable minerals. By the western world, they are viewed as the ‘other’ region, and yet their geographical location allows them to administer several trade routes connecting different regions of the world. Pakistan particularly is said to have position on the globe that can serve as a route linking the east to the west. South Asian countries are over populated, but the populace of this region is rich in its diversity. These countries have a rich heritage and a rich cultural diversity with several different ethnicities and languages. Pakistan alone has four provincial languages along with a national and an official language; each province has also has its own culture and set of traditions. For all their strengths, the population of these nations is not united. Their multi-ethnic and multi-lingual state which should be a cause of pride and a means of strengthening their internal ties is actually the source of their differences and feuds. Instead of working united for the benefit of their state, the minorities have been fighting for separation, such as Tamil tigers in Sri Lanka, Sikhs in India and the Pakhtuns in Pakistan. The divided people coupled with ineffective corrupt government’s forms the major reason of the under-development of this region. The governments that these poor countries have are usually ill suited to the task of running a country, and are also dishonest and disloyal towards their nation. Instead of tapping the resources of the country and develop it to its potential, these politicians and leaders busy themselves in filling their own pocket and turning a blind eye and a deaf ear towards the people and the problems of the country. The corrupt government is the reason for corruption being present in most institutes of these countries and as well as it seems a characteristic present in a great portion of the local people. South Asian countries have their irreplaceable place in the history and the geography of the world. This region has a great potential to improve, if only it is properly worked for.

Trade can be used by a country to help economic growth; increasing the number of exports produced from a country boosts income. If a company is exporting more and making higher profits, this could enable them to hire more workers, thus giving more members of the society more money. If in turn they spend this extra money into other companies, then the same effect happens and the community as a whole can become wealthier – otherwise known as the “trickle down” effect. This effect can also lead to new industry and resources being developed, further enhancing the country’s ability to trade and export. This idea is supported by the growth of NICs such as Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea. In 1980, the GDP of Singapore was $25,117 million, whilst in 2008 it was $235, 632 million. This rapid growth in output has been achieved by following the strategy of promoting exports. The link to trade assisting development can be shown by the simultaneous increase in life expectancy in Singapore – in 1980 it stood at 70 years, whilst today it is 82 years.

However, the effectiveness of trade as a method to increase development depends on a variety of factors. Firstly, the extent to which the country enjoys free trade – if there are significant barriers affecting the country’s exports to large markets (such as tariffs imposed on outside imports by the EU) then trade can have limited success in bringing in revenue. This especially true for countries who rely on exports of agricultural goods, of which guarantee of production is low and barriers to entering markets are high. Agricultural goods are incredibly susceptible to outside shocks – for example disease or natural disasters which can ruin yields and mean no income for an entire season. Protectionist measures put in place (again, for example by the EU) to protect domestic farmers most often affect the prices that farmers in developing countries can receive for their produce.

The discussed topic, we elaborate Individually on the pro’s and con’s of the south Asian society.

As strengths;

The south Asian society is well hardworking. There is good potential in talents, just the inner core distracts them from focussing that makes them derail. However, south asian, have made their name in well rebound places because of potential.

Tenacious.

Nuclear power. The positive aspect to this situation is that the countries with such power automatically have a say in  un, and other world affairs. Having nuclear power gives them the advantage to having their voice heard.

Resources. in terms of human resource, the south asian community have a great density of population, and thus makes outsourcing work to them a good advantage. Agriculture and resources makes them wanted by the west n developed countries…this brings prosperous future to them.

Geographical location. The geographical location is helpful as the seasons, and all environments for agricultural growth is available to nourish and promote growth. Politically, having trading neighbors and the relations also helps the south asian countries, also their close proximity with russia, a strong backing.

Diversity. The ethnic diversity, shows the fusion of vast cultures, making south asian culture stronger and more attractive. This interests tourism and history.

Food, culture hospitality.

while, looking at the back hand, the con’s they face are;

 no unity. The fusion of ethnicity and culture along with western influence makes it difficult the citizens and tribes within.

 no vision. The main vision of creating independence was lost, thus the aim and interest of different state actors is different leading to utter chaos.

 Poverty, an issue every region from globally leading economies to the aid required problem childs have. The main idea behind each of these issues are the job delegation, and the strategies used to distrubute wealth and income. So far our nation has’nt done much of a good job of it. As the rich keep getting richer and the pr keep getting poorer.

 Blame game, the easiest way to shift eyes of media and authority when a decision is made wrong. Every stake and share holder would look for the culprit to skin alive at the mistakes and not focus on how the situation could be made better. Thus it’s important to switch from the balme game strategy to solving the main issue.

 Literacy. The official UNICEF rates state an average of 70% of the population is literate. Average of 80 males and 60 females (each to a percent). However, the standard of literacy is reading and writting their name alone, thus reading the newspaper or anything else would have an issue as it’s excluded. Being illiterate to the schooling education and basing knowlegde just on experiences, makes it difficult to give an accurate view of the political, economic situation. Thus, benifits are disregarded unless there is self inerest. This causes the consumers and producers attitude making it more difficult to unite the population into a class or two.

Economically challenged, as mentioned above, the lack of education and basis of experiences gives biased opinions. However, there are individuals that are well trained in the field of economics, but prefer to stay in a state where their gains are higher. Playing an economist here in Pakistan has to be a selflss nature, as to benifit would be well difficult.

Intolerant. The Nation over a period of suffering and pessimism have to some extent adopted an intolerant attitude. This has indeed caused a lack of risk takers in society and therefore brought about the difficulty of trust in the nations population.

Like all other places in the world, South Asia has its own set of pros and cons; being a large combined continent has innumerable amounts of advantages and disadvantages both. We often focus on the cons and the bad parts of South Asia, especially if someone has a more westernized thought process, they think of South Asians as being backwards. However this is untrue, and one of the more pressing issues of South Asians is that they lack self-confidence and have a sense of inferiority because  they have been colonized and are still indirectly controlled by the West.

However, let’s take a look at the weaknesses of South Asia first. The main clichéd, yet extremely huge disadvantage is the overpopulation and poverty. This problem also relates to the problem of poverty in the sub continent, when there are so many people in a country so economically challenged, poverty streams from such a nation. The vicious cycle between overpopulation, poverty and a failed economy acts as an ever constant bane adding to the problems of this society. This is because when a whole subcontinent is deprived of the basic necessities of life, how can you expect it to survive in other aspects of the way a subcontinent is supposed to be.

Also, the South Asian sub-continent lacks unity, faith or discipline. The same traits our leaders hoped we would acquire and use in our daily lives. Unfortunately the leaders South Asia has seen over the years following its inception have left the area with no vision and have made us a corrupt nation starving for our own selfish interests.

Talking now about the good parts of the South Asian society, one such important trait that we posses is our rich culture and diversity. Though people can also consider multiculturalism as a negative trait for our nation, I believe that our multiculturalism can also be our strength, if we make it that way. If we become tolerant and start looking at unity within the diversity, we are actually a nation of many hidden talents. And our hardworking nature complements this very factor perfectly, only if we let ourselves shine.

South Asia also has tangible advantages; it is rich in resources and has strategic geographical locations with both land and water access that makes other countries clamoring for a place in its industries. Also, we are a growing nation of nuclear powers.

Lastly, South-Asians are extremely good hosts and the fact is, that they are an extremely strong society of people. They know how to make it when they have nothing or they will die trying. 

            To conclude, South Asia is a society full of hidden treasures, but we are not standing up to our true potentials because of unrest, intolerance and our lack of faith within ourselves. We have idolized the West for too long, and indirectly believe them to be our masters, who makes us forget our sense of independence and makes us dependent upon the others, and it restricts us from reaching the level that we could reach if we had the right mindsets.

South Asian society, often deem to be the third world countries include Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. The region flourishes many religions including Islam, Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism. South Asian society comprises population greater than one fifth of the world’s population hence, consisting 1.3 billion people.

South Asian society is enriched with multicultural traditions and values. The region is culturally diverse as, different communities live together and each represents the roots of its origin. Added to this, the cultural diversity among the inhabitants of the society has led to the growth of new trends even in the fashion lines, no other society around the world could be as multi cultured as the south Asian bloc. People in this region are extremely hospitable and have high morals for their norms and values. They have high respect for their culture and trends moreover; they give extreme reverence to their religion.

Due to the large population of the South Asian bloc, people are seemingly more hard working and ambitious. The labors from the Asian bloc are preferred over any other man power from all over the world. Furthermore, it is a fact that Asians are far better in math and other academic courses than Europeans. It’s the students from Asia, who ace their exams.

South Asian society is rich in natural resources. We have crops, minerals, and gas, oil and water resources which vastly interests the Europeans. This adds value to the trade industry of the region. The geopolitical location of this region is also attractive and we have the important landmarks adding scenic beauty to the region. India and Pakistan are the two countries in this bloc with the nuclear power; this adds to the strength of the society and explains the potential this region holds.

On the contrary, it is a pity that the south Asian society has no unity and strength among its neighboring countries. The region is highly fragmented and thus it also lacks a vision of brotherhood, strength and unity. Each country ascertained to achieve higher than the other. Each is indulged in the blame game and trying to pull other’s leg down.

The society is highly populated with ever increasing rate of inflation and poverty rate. The region is economically challenged. Illiteracy is a major drawback of the society and it is a shame that crime rate is also very high. People are intolerant and it is a common sight to see the tragic terrorist activities.

Hence, the society with all its strengths and weaknesses has managed to survive and it is indeed flourishing.

South Asia covers a large geographical area and comprises of a large population. This population comprises of people belonging to different religion and ethnicities.  It is a diverse and multicultural region, with a variety of different cultures. Geographically, and economically also this area is of immense importance, but many people do not realize this and so have negative views about this region.  I think that this area has its set of strengths and weaknesses like all the other areas of the world. Many people live in this area and they are mostly hard working. Keeping in mind, the other areas of the world I think that the South Asian people are extremely ambitious and hardworking. There is always this zeal and determination that is seen in these people, in whatever they are doing, however, there is an absence of unity among them. I think that the principles of unity, faith and discipline are not being followed by the people. There is always this division among religious and political lines and this is why it there is a sense of hostility that people have for each other.

Ecomonically also this region has a vast potential for growth, as it consists of a wide variety of mineral resources and other commodities that can be exported to other countries. This shows that trade can be carried on an extensive scale, earning a considerable amount of foreign exchange for the region. The countries in this region possess nuclear bombs which are seen as a symbol of strength; other countries however, see it as a threat. I think that there is a great potential for growth in this region, only if something is done about the drawbacks that exist in this region. The illiteracy rate in this region is extremely high and so many people remain unemployed. Poverty and inflation levels are rising, combined with an increase in population on a daily basis. The rate of poverty is so high that many people resort to criminal activities in order to earn a living for themselves. This, in turn increases the crime rate in the region. Combined with this, many people and countries also do not have the vision to achieve something for the region and work hard, to promote prosperity. They are involved in a blame game where the countries continue to blame each other, which in turn destroys harmony and disturbs unity.

I think that this region has great prospects for growth, only if the people and countries realize that they need to be united on a common platform. Organizations should be formed where all the South Asian countries could unite on a common platform. If this becomes possible then South Asia could progress politically, economically, socially and culturally.