One of the most important challenges for Indian diplomacy in the subcontinent is to persuade its neighbours that India is an opportunity, not a threat. Far from feeling in any way besieged by India, they should be able to see it as offering access to a vast market and to a dynamic, growing economy which would provide their own economies with far greater opportunities than more distant partners (or even their own domestic markets) could provide. This would go beyond economic benefits: as David Malone argues, “Economic cooperation represents the easiest ‘sell’ to various constituencies within the countries of the region. Were this to prove successful, cooperation on more divisive and sensitive issues, such as terrorism, separatism, insurgency, religious fundamentalism, and ethnic strife, could be attempted with greater chances of success.” Winds of change are blowing in South Asia. There is a definite consolidation of democracy in all the countries of the region, every one of which has held elections within the last three years. Some of our neighbours have made significant strides in surmounting internal conflict and others are in the process of doing so. If India has to fulfil its potential in the world, we have no choice but to live in peace with our neighbours, in mutual security, harmony and cooperation. Just as Nehru left Robert Frost’s immortal lines “Miles to go before I sleep” on his bedside table when he died, Shastri kept some lines of the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak, on his desk. When translated into English they read: “O Nanak! Be tiny like the grass, for other plants will wither away, but grass will remain ever green.” Shastri was seen by many Indians of exalted ambition as a tiny man, but he had the mind and heart of a giant. His vision of peaceful coexistence with our neighbours, through adopting the demeanour, the modesty and the freshness of grass, may well be the best way for India to ensure that its dreams remain evergreen in its own backyard.
Which of the following is the central theme of the above passage?
Correct Answer :
The objective of attaining peaceful co-existence and cooperation with the neighbours.
Solution :
The correct answer is: The objective of attaining peaceful co-existence and cooperation with the neighbours.
Step-by-Step Explanation and Analysis:
1. Understanding the Core Message:
The passage emphasizes that a primary diplomatic challenge for India is convincing its neighboring nations that it represents an opportunity rather than a threat. It outlines how economic cooperation can act as a stepping stone toward resolving more sensitive political, ethnic, and security challenges in South Asia.
2. Analyzing Key Quotes and Arguments:
- "If India has to fulfil its potential in the world, we have no choice but to live in peace with our neighbours, in mutual security, harmony and cooperation."
- The reference to Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri keeping Guru Nanak's lines highlights the virtue of modesty, non-dominance, and peaceful coexistence ("adopting the demeanour, the modesty and the freshness of grass").
3. Evaluating the Options:
- Option 1 ("The objective of attaining peaceful co-existence and cooperation with the neighbours."): This aligns directly with the overall premise and concluding thoughts of the passage, which advocate for harmony, mutual benefit, and peaceful relations with surrounding nations.
- Option 2 ("The dominance of India on its neighbouring countries."): Incorrect, as the text explicitly advises India to adopt modesty ("like the grass") rather than imposing dominance or acting as a threat.
- Option 3 ("Emergence of India as a global power."): Incorrect, because global power status is mentioned only in passing regarding fulfilling potential, whereas the primary focus remains on regional diplomatic harmony.
- Option 4 ("Prioritising the economic opportunities for India."): Incorrect, as economic opportunities are discussed as a tool for regional cooperation and mutual benefit, not as a single selfish priority for India alone.
Thus, the central theme of the passage is the vital necessity for India to foster peaceful coexistence and mutual cooperation with its neighboring countries.
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