Creating ambassadors of peace

Smita Sharma

FRENCH Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler travelled to Kashmir and Ladakh to explore areas of collaboration in times of conflict and grim headlines. 

On his first visit to Srinagar, Ziegler met with representatives from business community, local authorities as well as Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. “Good interaction with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Srinagar, exploring opportunities for further economic cooperation,” the envoy tweeted.

The Ambassador enjoyed a home stay experience in Sonamarg and a gondola ride in Gulmarg. Incidentally, French firm Poma Ropeways has built the highest gondola in the world at a height of 4,200 metres. 

Zeigler also travelled to Ladakh where French tourists account for over 50 per cent of all foreign visitors. When a cloudburst in 2010 devastated scenic Leh, many of the visiting foreigners extended their stay to lend a hand in rebuilding one of their favourite destinations. 

Alliance Francaise that promotes French language and culture operates its highest centre in the world in Leh. In times of violence in the state, hopefully such visits can boost confidence of foreign tourists to travel to ‘paradise on Earth’.

Meanwhile, as India and Pakistan remain at loggerheads, the South Asian University (SAU) hopes to create ambassadors of peace. Five Pakistani students this year graduated from the university established in New Delhi following a 14th SAARC summit decision in 2007. This year, a total of 161 students received their master’s degrees, while 10 got M.Phil and 4 PhD.

Nepalese Minister for Education, Science and Technology Gariraj Mani Pokhrel as well as SAARC secretary general Amjad Hussain B. Sial attended the convocation ceremony along with several South Asian envoys. Pakistan has 10 per cent quota of total seats in the university. 

On the occasion, Pakistan High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood hoped that SAARC, a symbol of hope and collective aspirations for South Asias, would make progress as an effective instrument of regional cooperation and promote the goals of socio-economic development.