I was just watching these pictures in the newspaper, that how the hungry people in earthquake-devastated Haiti are fighting with one another for the food items being taken there as part of relief packages. They are also trying to snatch money and other valuables from one another, not always out of criminal psyche or greed, but to overcome the ruinous loss (of money, home, etc.) that they have suffered.
Actually such things happen in every place after it gets affected by a devastating calamity – flood, earthquake, tsunami, etc. I can still remember that few years back there was flood somewhere in India, and I was watching a TV news clipping that Indian Air Force planes were air-dropping food baskets there. I still remember that I was both shocked and moved by the scene of how people were fighting with each other for those food packets, despite the fact that all of them were seemingly from good families.
A thought has been there in my mind for quite some time, and I will love to share it today.
Why do we keep the victims of a calamity in the affected region itself, without evacuating them from the same? (I have noticed that the evacuation usually takes place only if there is any threat of further calamity). Isn’t it better to take them away to a place where they can have a more-or-less normal life, only to bring them back when the restoration process has brought back the affected region into normal condition?
It must be remembered that the survivors of a calamity experience a horrific time in the affected place, surrounded by a mount of dead bodies (and the foul smell emitted by them), shattered houses and buildings (such as in the case of an earthquake), acute lawlessness in the absence of police and other law enforcement agencies, etc. Restoration of normalcy takes time. And till then these survivors go through an ultra-harrowing time, sometimes even falling to death due to factors like hunger, thirst, contagious disease, brawl over relief, etc. And when somebody dies of such factors, it actually adds to the toll caused by the actual devastation.
So I have a humble suggestion for the Government of India. I feel it should identify 3 to 4 spots in India, scattered over various parts of the country and are uninhabited or sparsely inhabited. Now the government should develop those spots into temporary shelters for the survivors of calamities like flood, earthquake etc., the survivors whose city or village has been devastated by the calamity. The government can set up small houses or tents with all the basic arrangements that we need for our daily life, medical centers with doctors and nurses, a community kitchen with cooks, an adequate stock of food grains, etc.
Now, the moment a place in India gets devastated by a calamity, the government should evacuate the survivors from that place, and take them by air (or whatever) to any such “shelter spot” which is nearer to that calamity-affected region. The survivors will have a ready and easy access to a normal life, with food, a roof over head, medical infrastructure, etc. On one hand the government work on restoring normal condition in the affected region. And till that happens, the survivors will enjoy a normal life elsewhere, without suffering from a nightmarish experience that can haunt them for the rest of their lives. In fact, a quick escape from that affected place will help them overcome the trauma more easily, while a stay in that place amidst the destructions caused by the calamity will leave them with a permanent memory that they will fail to shed off in future. The government may be unable to save its citizens from the devastations of a calamity, as it is sometimes difficult to detect its arrival beforehand and evacuate the people from that place. But it can certainly save us from experiencing the post-devastation trauma that inevitably follows every calamity.
Bringing the survivors to a “shelter spot” will also ensure that a seriously injured or otherwise ill person gets a proper medical attention. It is very difficult to offer proper medical treatment to people in the makeshift hospitals in calamity-affected regions. Rather it is significantly easier to look after such people in a proper medical centre in a “shelter spot” that is in perfect condition.
The “shelter spots” should also ideally have psychologists and trauma counselors, who will help the survivors to overcome the terrible shock of losing everything overnight. There should also be some arrangements of entertainment, like music, which will also play some role in helping the hapless people forget or absorb their shock.
It is ridiculous that the people of a calamity-affected region will spend their nights under open sky, with hungry stomachs and among foul smell emitted by dead bodies lying around them. And their fellow citizens from other regions will watch their plight on TV, while having dinner in their cozy and comfortable drawing rooms.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Need Of The Time – Environmental Diplomats
There was a time when a country’s diplomats were mainly focused on political and military relationships with other countries, like pitching for either military co-operation (for example in a case of a possible war with another country) or voice of support on international podia while discussing an international issue (for example the Kashmir issue for India and Pakistan).
Yes, bilateral trade and commerce also played a crucial role in diplomatic negotiations. In fact, that aspect of diplomatic negotiation has been there for several hundreds of years. The Consulates of a country (like the US and British Consulates located in various Indian cities) are actually focused on fostering business prospects of their country in the “host country”.
However, the liberalization and globalization of the world resulted in the emergence of a special breed of diplomats, named “Economic Diplomats”. They are the diplomats exclusively focused on all the economic aspects of diplomacy and foreign relations, such as pitching for funds and aids from international organizations (WTO, IMF, etc.), identifying their respective countries’ business opportunities in other countries and charting out necessary roadmaps to tap the same, etc. Economic diplomacy is now a specialized wing of Statecraft, with almost every nation having a pool of expert Economic Diplomats.
The emergence of Economic Diplomats was the result of the dynamic character of Diplomacy, which is understandably very receptive to the changes in world affairs. And it is this dynamic characteristic of Diplomacy that is today signaling the need of another specialized wing of Diplomacy – Environmental Diplomacy.
The global warming has become a hot issue, highlighting the necessity to reduce greenhouse gas emission. This has subsequently resulted in a “national compulsion” for every country to explain its stand/problem/view on climate change and emission issues. And this has further resulted in the need to develop a pool of efficient and expert Environmental Diplomats, who are able to present their respective countries’ views on international podia.
And I suppose that India is at least somewhat lagging behind on this score. I think this came into light during the recent Copenhagen Summit, where the India delegation was sometimes failing to present its views effectively (though of course there were stiff and shameless opposition from the developed nations). I also feel that India failed to develop a united stand with other like-minded developing nations, thereby creating a strong pressure on the developed nations.
And the reason behind India’s not-so-effective Environmental Diplomacy is probably the Indian government is not precisely considering the domain expertise while selecting its Environmental Diplomats. There have been a number of IFS and IAS officers who are responsible for defending India’s environmental views and policies on the international arena. Unfortunately, many of them are not that expert in the field as they are supposed to be to effectively executive their responsibility.
Just one example is enough to establish that the Indian government has been unnecessarily biased to the bureaucratic community while choosing “members” of its Environmental Diplomacy team. Who is our Chief Climate Negotiator? Mr. Shyam Saran, our former Foreign Secretary.
There is no doubt that Mr Saran is a brilliant and talented person, who unarguably deserves crucial positions in the Government. But does he hold that level of expertise in Climate Change issues, which our Chief Climate Negotiator is expected to have? Well, I do not think I am sure.
I hope the Indian government is aware of the fact that Environmental Diplomacy is a specialized wing that should be handled only by people with strong domain expertise and skills. And I hope that the government is working towards the development of a well-qualified team that will be successful in defending our environmental views and policies on the international arena.
Yes, bilateral trade and commerce also played a crucial role in diplomatic negotiations. In fact, that aspect of diplomatic negotiation has been there for several hundreds of years. The Consulates of a country (like the US and British Consulates located in various Indian cities) are actually focused on fostering business prospects of their country in the “host country”.
However, the liberalization and globalization of the world resulted in the emergence of a special breed of diplomats, named “Economic Diplomats”. They are the diplomats exclusively focused on all the economic aspects of diplomacy and foreign relations, such as pitching for funds and aids from international organizations (WTO, IMF, etc.), identifying their respective countries’ business opportunities in other countries and charting out necessary roadmaps to tap the same, etc. Economic diplomacy is now a specialized wing of Statecraft, with almost every nation having a pool of expert Economic Diplomats.
The emergence of Economic Diplomats was the result of the dynamic character of Diplomacy, which is understandably very receptive to the changes in world affairs. And it is this dynamic characteristic of Diplomacy that is today signaling the need of another specialized wing of Diplomacy – Environmental Diplomacy.
The global warming has become a hot issue, highlighting the necessity to reduce greenhouse gas emission. This has subsequently resulted in a “national compulsion” for every country to explain its stand/problem/view on climate change and emission issues. And this has further resulted in the need to develop a pool of efficient and expert Environmental Diplomats, who are able to present their respective countries’ views on international podia.
And I suppose that India is at least somewhat lagging behind on this score. I think this came into light during the recent Copenhagen Summit, where the India delegation was sometimes failing to present its views effectively (though of course there were stiff and shameless opposition from the developed nations). I also feel that India failed to develop a united stand with other like-minded developing nations, thereby creating a strong pressure on the developed nations.
And the reason behind India’s not-so-effective Environmental Diplomacy is probably the Indian government is not precisely considering the domain expertise while selecting its Environmental Diplomats. There have been a number of IFS and IAS officers who are responsible for defending India’s environmental views and policies on the international arena. Unfortunately, many of them are not that expert in the field as they are supposed to be to effectively executive their responsibility.
Just one example is enough to establish that the Indian government has been unnecessarily biased to the bureaucratic community while choosing “members” of its Environmental Diplomacy team. Who is our Chief Climate Negotiator? Mr. Shyam Saran, our former Foreign Secretary.
There is no doubt that Mr Saran is a brilliant and talented person, who unarguably deserves crucial positions in the Government. But does he hold that level of expertise in Climate Change issues, which our Chief Climate Negotiator is expected to have? Well, I do not think I am sure.
I hope the Indian government is aware of the fact that Environmental Diplomacy is a specialized wing that should be handled only by people with strong domain expertise and skills. And I hope that the government is working towards the development of a well-qualified team that will be successful in defending our environmental views and policies on the international arena.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The Recent Sugar Price Issue – Some Thoughts
The extreme hike in sugar price (almost Rs. 50 per kg) had become a hot topic of discussion for the Indian mass for the last few days. Everybody was shocked, upset, and (understandably) angry. Thank god that at last the price of this widely consumed food item is showing some downward trend.
I feel instead of focusing on exchange of criticisms and blame game, we should now focus on how we can prevent the emergence of such situations in the future. Taking preventive measures to prevent future crisis is more important than identifying the “culprits” of present crisis and criticizing them for their failure. Right?
So do I have any suggestion? Yes, I do, though I am not sure about its practicability. And I also do not know whether any decision to this effect has already been taken or being considered. All I can say is that I have a suggestion, and I will love to share it with everybody.
Other day in TV I found they were saying that a particular strategy of the Agriculture Ministry has largely contributed to this sugar price crisis. And that strategy is – Export when there is surplus quantity, Import when there is scarcity. (Well, I do not remember the language ad verbatim, but it was something like that).
Now, when there is a surplus quantity of a food item, then exporting a part of it is not a bad idea. After all, it is always a great idea to tap an opportunity to draw foreign exchange.
However, at the same time the Government should remember that there can anytime be an emergency situation in the country, which will result in a sudden and emergency demand for that surplus quantity in India itself. For example, there can be a drought-generated famine in a certain region of India, resulting in an overnight creation of a sea of hungry people in an acute need of food items, including that particular food item. Similarly, there can be flood in one region, with the Government facing the task of sending relief to that place. Needless to say that the relief items must include food items, including that particular food item.
Now my humble suggestion -
Therefore, I feel that whenever there is a surplus production of a particular food item, the Government must store a certain percentage of it as the Buffer Stock. And this must be made a regular practice, irrespective of how strong or faint the possibility of an emergency situation is.
Now, if there is any situation like drought-generated famine, then the Government can use the buffer stock to address the acute need of food items in the affected region.
In case there is a flood in a region, the Government can send adequate food items by using that buffer stock.
And when a food item will suffer from constant price rise due to the scarcity of that item in the market, the Government can check that price rise by reducing that scarcity. Yes, by supplying that food item into the market from its buffer stock.
So, what do you people think of my plan?
I feel instead of focusing on exchange of criticisms and blame game, we should now focus on how we can prevent the emergence of such situations in the future. Taking preventive measures to prevent future crisis is more important than identifying the “culprits” of present crisis and criticizing them for their failure. Right?
So do I have any suggestion? Yes, I do, though I am not sure about its practicability. And I also do not know whether any decision to this effect has already been taken or being considered. All I can say is that I have a suggestion, and I will love to share it with everybody.
Other day in TV I found they were saying that a particular strategy of the Agriculture Ministry has largely contributed to this sugar price crisis. And that strategy is – Export when there is surplus quantity, Import when there is scarcity. (Well, I do not remember the language ad verbatim, but it was something like that).
Now, when there is a surplus quantity of a food item, then exporting a part of it is not a bad idea. After all, it is always a great idea to tap an opportunity to draw foreign exchange.
However, at the same time the Government should remember that there can anytime be an emergency situation in the country, which will result in a sudden and emergency demand for that surplus quantity in India itself. For example, there can be a drought-generated famine in a certain region of India, resulting in an overnight creation of a sea of hungry people in an acute need of food items, including that particular food item. Similarly, there can be flood in one region, with the Government facing the task of sending relief to that place. Needless to say that the relief items must include food items, including that particular food item.
Now my humble suggestion -
Therefore, I feel that whenever there is a surplus production of a particular food item, the Government must store a certain percentage of it as the Buffer Stock. And this must be made a regular practice, irrespective of how strong or faint the possibility of an emergency situation is.
Now, if there is any situation like drought-generated famine, then the Government can use the buffer stock to address the acute need of food items in the affected region.
In case there is a flood in a region, the Government can send adequate food items by using that buffer stock.
And when a food item will suffer from constant price rise due to the scarcity of that item in the market, the Government can check that price rise by reducing that scarcity. Yes, by supplying that food item into the market from its buffer stock.
So, what do you people think of my plan?
Monday, January 18, 2010
Effective Implementation of Plastic Bag Ban
Despite a ban on its use in India, plastic bag is very much in use in India. One of my colleagues from Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh is claiming that the ban is very much successful in that state. May be. But that the ban has been not that effective at least in Delhi that is very much established.
Fine. But why are people, mainly the shopkeepers, so unwilling to follow the ban? Is it merely a callous attitude towards the cause of environment? No! We all know that the actual reason is something different.
Actually, all the alternatives for plastic bag, such as jute bag, cotton bag and paper bag are more costly than plastic bag. Using any of such bags in the place of plastic bag will be quite a costly affair for shopkeepers. And it is this factor that is keeping them away from saying good-bye to plastic bag.
So what is the way out? Well, I have a suggestion, if nobody finds it audacious and over-smart. And I also tell in advance that my suggestion may be based on completely faulty and/or impractical logic. In that case I apologize in advance.
Is it very difficult for the Government to subsidize the production of jute and cotton bags? Subsidization will understandably bring down their production costs, eventually reducing their market price as well. And in that case it will be easier for shopkeepers to replace plastic bags with these bags.
Yes, this act of subsidization will result in a financial pressure on the Government. And I also have a suggestion about how to address it (and again I must say that my suggestion can be wrong).
If shopkeepers gradually stop purchasing plastic bags, then the manufacturers of plastic bags will automatically stop or reduce production of such bags, right? And that will eventually result in a significant reduction of CO2 emission, as plastic bag manufacturing results in a huge CO2 emission.
Now, can the Indian Government use this achievement of causing emission reduction to earn some Carbon Credits (the economic allowance that a country earns for reducing greenhouse gas emissions)? And can that economic allowance be used to address the financial pressure that the Government will face while subsidizing the jute and cotton bag manufacturing?
I have just sought to share an idea that came in my mind. I will love everybody to share his views on it.
Fine. But why are people, mainly the shopkeepers, so unwilling to follow the ban? Is it merely a callous attitude towards the cause of environment? No! We all know that the actual reason is something different.
Actually, all the alternatives for plastic bag, such as jute bag, cotton bag and paper bag are more costly than plastic bag. Using any of such bags in the place of plastic bag will be quite a costly affair for shopkeepers. And it is this factor that is keeping them away from saying good-bye to plastic bag.
So what is the way out? Well, I have a suggestion, if nobody finds it audacious and over-smart. And I also tell in advance that my suggestion may be based on completely faulty and/or impractical logic. In that case I apologize in advance.
Is it very difficult for the Government to subsidize the production of jute and cotton bags? Subsidization will understandably bring down their production costs, eventually reducing their market price as well. And in that case it will be easier for shopkeepers to replace plastic bags with these bags.
Yes, this act of subsidization will result in a financial pressure on the Government. And I also have a suggestion about how to address it (and again I must say that my suggestion can be wrong).
If shopkeepers gradually stop purchasing plastic bags, then the manufacturers of plastic bags will automatically stop or reduce production of such bags, right? And that will eventually result in a significant reduction of CO2 emission, as plastic bag manufacturing results in a huge CO2 emission.
Now, can the Indian Government use this achievement of causing emission reduction to earn some Carbon Credits (the economic allowance that a country earns for reducing greenhouse gas emissions)? And can that economic allowance be used to address the financial pressure that the Government will face while subsidizing the jute and cotton bag manufacturing?
I have just sought to share an idea that came in my mind. I will love everybody to share his views on it.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Ruchika Girhotra Case – Something So Enjoyable And Enchanting For Me
The Ruchika Girhotra case has been one of the most enjoyable and enchanting incidents that I have seen in my life so far. And I am really so happy that the incident has happened in my country, India.
No, please do not get me wrong. I do not mean that I have found it to be enchanting what happened to unfortunate Ruchika, who was prevented by destiny from growing up into a successful lady (apart from being an asset for the Indian tennis fraternity). I also do not mean that I have relished the harrowing and nightmarish experiences that Ruchika’s family had to go through.
Then why the hell did I term the Ruchika Girhotra case “enjoyable” and “enchanting”? Because the case proved, for the umpteenth time, the tremendous power that the common people of India have, which itself stems from the deep-rooted culture of democracy that India takes pride in.
The nasty SPS Rathore had long eluded his due punishment by virtue of his clout, and managed to get away with a minor punishment even when law finally managed to get him within its grip. It was not only going to be a grave injustice for the departed soul of Ruchika, but also a shameful travesty of justice, eventually resulting into an extremely disgraceful event in the history of Indian legal system.
But ultimately that did not happen, with the Indian legal system being forced to take a fresh look at the entire case. And this impossible was made possible by only one force – the Indian mass power (the civil society, the media, et al). It is this mass power, through its strong reactions and protests, ensured that Rathore does not have the last laugh. And what is the result? Well, just few days back I had seen Rathore’s picture in the newspaper, with his face beaming with smile. And today when I find him in the TV channels, I never fail to notice the traces of nervousness and fear on his face, something that instantly brings a broad smile on my face.
Today, after so many years Ruchika’s hapless family is going to have justice. And the entire credit for that goes to the common people of India, who actually made that happen.
I never claim that my country is perfect. Rather, I am always conscious of the fact that my country is plagued with a plethora of problems – ranging from corruption, poverty, caste problem, and so on.
But I am also proud of some of the genuinely appreciable qualities that my motherland boasts of. And one of them is the immense power that is enjoyed by the Indian mass, a fact was so conspicuously reflected in the Ruchika Girhotra Case. The proceedings in this case have further strengthened my faith and confidence on the Indian mass power. And this explains why I find this case to be so enjoyable and enchanting.
Today let the entire Indian mass make a New Year Resolution. And that Resolution is – We will always unitedly fight for the right cause, thus compelling the Government/Judiciary/Legislature to take only those steps that are truly in the interest of the entire citizenry. Let us recognize our power, and make a good use of it. Let us make the right and intelligent use of the democratic rights that we are so fortunate to have.
NB – I will like to end my write up by expressing my heart felt respect and regards for Ruchika’s friend Aradhana Prakash. Aradhana’s ceaseless fight for getting justice for her late friend is …….well, I do not have the right words to appreciate the commendability of her act. All I can say is – “Hats Off To You, Aradhana! You are one of those people who epitomize genuine friendship.”
No, please do not get me wrong. I do not mean that I have found it to be enchanting what happened to unfortunate Ruchika, who was prevented by destiny from growing up into a successful lady (apart from being an asset for the Indian tennis fraternity). I also do not mean that I have relished the harrowing and nightmarish experiences that Ruchika’s family had to go through.
Then why the hell did I term the Ruchika Girhotra case “enjoyable” and “enchanting”? Because the case proved, for the umpteenth time, the tremendous power that the common people of India have, which itself stems from the deep-rooted culture of democracy that India takes pride in.
The nasty SPS Rathore had long eluded his due punishment by virtue of his clout, and managed to get away with a minor punishment even when law finally managed to get him within its grip. It was not only going to be a grave injustice for the departed soul of Ruchika, but also a shameful travesty of justice, eventually resulting into an extremely disgraceful event in the history of Indian legal system.
But ultimately that did not happen, with the Indian legal system being forced to take a fresh look at the entire case. And this impossible was made possible by only one force – the Indian mass power (the civil society, the media, et al). It is this mass power, through its strong reactions and protests, ensured that Rathore does not have the last laugh. And what is the result? Well, just few days back I had seen Rathore’s picture in the newspaper, with his face beaming with smile. And today when I find him in the TV channels, I never fail to notice the traces of nervousness and fear on his face, something that instantly brings a broad smile on my face.
Today, after so many years Ruchika’s hapless family is going to have justice. And the entire credit for that goes to the common people of India, who actually made that happen.
I never claim that my country is perfect. Rather, I am always conscious of the fact that my country is plagued with a plethora of problems – ranging from corruption, poverty, caste problem, and so on.
But I am also proud of some of the genuinely appreciable qualities that my motherland boasts of. And one of them is the immense power that is enjoyed by the Indian mass, a fact was so conspicuously reflected in the Ruchika Girhotra Case. The proceedings in this case have further strengthened my faith and confidence on the Indian mass power. And this explains why I find this case to be so enjoyable and enchanting.
Today let the entire Indian mass make a New Year Resolution. And that Resolution is – We will always unitedly fight for the right cause, thus compelling the Government/Judiciary/Legislature to take only those steps that are truly in the interest of the entire citizenry. Let us recognize our power, and make a good use of it. Let us make the right and intelligent use of the democratic rights that we are so fortunate to have.
NB – I will like to end my write up by expressing my heart felt respect and regards for Ruchika’s friend Aradhana Prakash. Aradhana’s ceaseless fight for getting justice for her late friend is …….well, I do not have the right words to appreciate the commendability of her act. All I can say is – “Hats Off To You, Aradhana! You are one of those people who epitomize genuine friendship.”
Saturday, December 26, 2009
At Last I Am Married
So at last I am married, after trying for the same for almost 7 years. There were so many negotiations with the families of so many “prospective brides”, so many “rays of hope”, and finally “unsuccessful endings” for all of those negotiations. Finally, on 29th November 2009, I at last tied the knot with Debyani Dey, a marketing professional working for a Delhi-based newspaper. The wedding ceremony took place at Konnogar, a small town near Kolkata where Debyani’s parents live. The wedding ceremony was followed by a Reception Party in Kolkata, on 1st December.
Needless to say that the marriage has marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, though it is certainly not that the post-marriage life is drastically changed from my pre-marriage life. I find my life to be more-or-less the same, except the fact that now I have somebody very special in my life.
Now we two are enjoying our married life in Delhi, trying to make the life colourful through small and simple funs. But our marriage has not made us take shelter inside a cocoon, where we are deliberately cut off from the rest of the world. We both are social persons, and are maintaining (rather retaining) close touch with all relatives and friends. We do not believe in the concept of “getting lost in the private world of our own”. Rather we find it much more enjoyable to share our fun and pleasure with our near and dear ones, while also maintaining our privacy and enjoying our own private moments.
We sincerely appeal for everybody’s love and wishes, so that we can have a simple, happy and peaceful married life.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
India Is "PHAK-PAI-YUL" For Tibetans
It has been just few days that I have got a Tibetan colleague. This handsome, smart and intelligent man in his 20s - whom I will like to refer to as X - fled Tibet 17 years back (when he was a little boy), and since then has been settled in India. Some of his relatives also stay here, though his parents are still in Lhasa.
Apart from being a good colleague, X has also been a nice "discussion partner" for me. During lunch break or coffee breaks we discuss various interesting issues, like China's occupation of Tibet, Dalai Lama, China's hypocrisy about Communism, Indo-China relationship, sporadic freedom movements by some Tibetan groups in Tibet, Tibetan advocacy and campaign groups in India, etc.
Anyways, just yesterday (21st November, 2009) X told me an interesting thing, which I want to share with my readers.
I had just casually asked him how the Tibetans perceive India.
And what did he say?
He said that since ancient times Tibetans refer to India as - PHAK-PAI-YUL.
So what does that mean?
It means - The Country of Everything That Is Noble.
Apart from being a good colleague, X has also been a nice "discussion partner" for me. During lunch break or coffee breaks we discuss various interesting issues, like China's occupation of Tibet, Dalai Lama, China's hypocrisy about Communism, Indo-China relationship, sporadic freedom movements by some Tibetan groups in Tibet, Tibetan advocacy and campaign groups in India, etc.
Anyways, just yesterday (21st November, 2009) X told me an interesting thing, which I want to share with my readers.
I had just casually asked him how the Tibetans perceive India.
And what did he say?
He said that since ancient times Tibetans refer to India as - PHAK-PAI-YUL.
So what does that mean?
It means - The Country of Everything That Is Noble.
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