JALUKBARI, Oct 23 - A 32-member group from the State that included senior academicians, artistes and NGO workers, called on Anil Rai, India�s Consul General in Shanghai, at the latter�s office in Shanghai earlier this month, according to a delayed press release issued here.
Taking questions from the visiting group, the diplomat threw light on why India cannot be cast in the same mould as China and conversely how India has its own intrinsic strengths that are incomparable.�
Hailing China�s ability to carry out the vision and plans laid out by its top political brass with single minded, undiluted and unquestioning zeal, Rai said that India with its democratic ethos, high level of intellect and strong presence of both the public and private sectors along with civil society, makes implementation across the board complex. To be aware of these realities would be important as the present generation pushes its agenda forward, he said.
He shared the success of a record-selling Chinese iced tea that was launched recently with imports of Assamese tea leaf. A major breakthrough, this would boost foreign trade from the State, he added.
The Consul General provided valuable insight on China�s education system, job market, economic and industrial climate and ways in which India, particularly the North East could look at tapping opportunities in the education space with countries like Bangladesh and Nepal which may be better aligned with India�s education systems.
The group members comprised among others, Prof Jogen Ch Kalita and Prof Gayatree Goswamee of Gauhati University; Prof Manoranjan Kalita of Assam Don Bosco University; Dr Ratul Ch Rajkhowa and Dr Gautam Sarmah, both retired professors of Cotton University; Dr Hiranya Kr Sarmah, Principal of Suren Das College, Hajo; Surjya Hazarika; Dr Gautam Goswami retired professor of Gauhati Medical College and Sangita Goswami.
The personalised interaction ended on a very positive note with the Consul General also announcing a grant to Assam�s NGO Saatsori which was represented by its president Mandira Baruah, general secretary Manjula Bhattacharyya and a few other members.
The educational exposure trip from Assam to three cities of China (Beijing, Shanghai and Kunming) was organised by Taru Bahl, co-founder of the QUEST, New Delhi, the release added.
