'South Asia Voice' magazine launched

New Delhi, Mar 29 (UNI) A new international monthly magazine - South Asia Voice - focusing on the issues affecting the eight countries of the region, has been launched with the objective of giving a platform to the people and decision-makers to articulate their viewpoints.

Claiming to be the only magazine of its kind that is exclusively devoted to the South Asian region, the magazine was formally launched by Mizoram Governor Lt Gen (retd) M M Lakhera at a function here yesterday, attended by a high-profile gathering which included Sri Lanka High Commissioner to India Chrysantha Romesh Jayasinghe and Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed Abdel Hamid Higazy.

Among the other Guests of Honour were Mr B V Selvaraj, the Lakshadweep Administrator Mohammed Ali Patankar, Member on the GCC Panel of Doctors and Dr D Y Patil, Founder Chancellor, Vidyapeeth (Deemed University), Mumbai.

In his address, Lt Gen Lakhera said South Asia offered tremendous potential for development, but it had remained largely untapped.

''Such a phenomenon can be attributed partly to the Indian policies but mostly to the mistrust of countries of the region against India. We need to have a grouping like the European Union to forge a better understanding among the people of the region and harness their immense potential,'' he observed.

''World is a global village now. Close interaction and co-operation are imperative for the speedy development of this village. Media provides a common platform for it,'' he said.

Lt Gen Lakhera said countries in South Asia suffer common problems like poverty, under-development, unemployment and terrorism.

''As a fourth pillar of democracy, media of these countries should focus on these issues. I hope 'South Asia Voice' will speak the aspirations of the people of these countries and will become a bridge between them,'' he added.

The Mizoram Governor also hoped that the magazine would provide an effective platform to the people of the South Asian countries for articulating their viewpoints and strengthening their bonding.

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