Author Ratul Chakraborty has emphasized the role of people-to-people contact in cementing India-Cambodia relations. He says that only travel can give a fillip that is needed to give a boost to these cultural ties. Chakraborty said that tourism provides the bedrock for any serious attempt at cultural revival between the two countries.
Chakraborty said the large consumer class in India provided a considerable opportunity for any form of cultural exchange. “Travel is an imperative,” he explained. “For any cultural rejuvenation to occur, the starting point has to be people-to-people contact. India’s huge consumer class is on the lookout for experiences unique and different. Effective curation of tours and adherence to tourist etiquette will be key challenges,” he said.
He further said that personal interactions often lead to business relationships and business opportunities that bring in growth. “Historically, wherever Indian consumers have been engaging with other cultures, the connections have prospered. The trend is not very different from Europe or anywhere else in the world,” added Chakraborty.
Ratul Chakraborty has compiled a set of short stories dealing with the cultural and historical relationship between India and Cambodia. Seven contributors tell tales that arise from the deep-rooted connections that have been there, shaping both nations.
The first direct flight between New Delhi and Phnom Penh began this year. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savouen and India’s Ambassador to Cambodia Devyani Khobragade joined in the joy. “The direct flight marks a new chapter in our relations,” said Chakraborty.
Chakraborty’s book talks about how so many familiar cultural elements are singularly adapted in Cambodia: “Hinduism has influenced Cambodian culture, yet it has taken on local forms. This is a testament to the cultural exchange between our nations.” He describes that sort of blending as “beautiful magic” that must be recognized and understood in more detail.
On the effects of the new flight that may bring tourism, Chakraborty pointed out well-curated tours. He admitted there would be hiccups in these initial stages, such as managing large volumes of tourists and adjustments on both cultural sides. “These are growth pains,” he said. “Once the system stabilizes, there will be significant potential for growth.”
Chakraborty also cited geopolitical hurdles, especially with China. He did add that language barriers, given Cambodia’s legacy of French colonialism, could pose a hurdle. “These are fundamental issues,” he conceded. “But once the demand increases, solutions will show up. The language and cultural barriers will disappear once more and more people start traveling and speaking to each other.”
India has provided support to Cambodia in all areas for a long time. The government of India funded the conservation and restoration of two ancient Cambodian Temples- Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm. Besides that, India provides capacity-building assistance through training slots under ITEC and scholarships under ICCR.
This UNESCO World Heritage site represents one of the largest religious monuments in the world and a cornerstone for continuous restoration processes. India’s involvement underlines its interest in the conservation of this important cultural heritage.
To sum up, Chakraborty underlines that the secret to reinforcing the Indo-Cambodian relationship lies in increasing people-to-people contact through travel and cultural exchange. It would make the relationship between the two countries closer with more understanding.
ANI