A Presentation by:Sanjana Bharadwaj,

IV semester

Regional organizations as the basis for socio cultural unity of countries- a case

study of SAARC

.They consist of those

supranational institutions whose members are governments or monetary authorities of economies that are located in a specific region of the world.

Binds the states of a region to enter into an agreement for defence and other common purposes.

Social Impacts of regional organisationRegional organisation has played a tremendous role on the life and work of people, families and societies.

Deeply influenced the social structure of different societies

Challenged the social institutions of the society mainly family.

Cultural Impact of Regional Organisation

Regional organisation have resulted in a rapid growth of social relations and social organizations.

Fosters diversity. Have helped in improving

standards of life.Diversity has become a global

value now.

SAARC- IntroductionFounded in 1985 and dedicated to economic, technological, social,

and cultural development

emphasizing collective self-reliance.

OBJECTIVES OF SAARC

To promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to improve their quality of life; 

To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region and to provide all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and to realise their full potentials; 

To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia; 

To contribute to mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another's problems; 

OBJECTIVES OF SAARC

To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural, technical and scientific fields; 

To strengthen cooperation with other developing countries; 

To strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of common interests; and 

To cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes.

PROMOTING PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACT

SAARC Audio-Visual Exchange (SAVE) Programme

Aimed at increasing the awareness of SAARC among the peoples of the region and disseminating information about Member Countries.

SAVE programmes comprise regular TV and Radio Programmes.

SAARC Scheme for Promotion of Organised TourismInitiated with the over-all objective of

strengthening people-to-people contact in the region.

The Scheme is specifically aimed at facilitating intra-regional tourism.

Provision of concessional air-fare, and arrangement for limited convertibility of foreign exchange through a travel voucher system.

.SAARC Chairs,

Fellowships and Scholarships

SchemeInstituted with the aim of

providing increased cross-fertilization of ideas

through greater interaction among

students, scholars and academics in the SAARC

Countries.

SAARC Youth Awards Scheme (SYAS)

Established in 1996. The aim of the Scheme is

to provide suitable recognition to extra-

ordinary young talents and encourage the

overall development of youth in the region.

.SAARC Youth Volunteers Programme (SYVOP)

Aimed at harnessing the idealism of Youth for regional cooperation programmes.

The programme enables young people to work in other countries in the field of agriculture and forestry extension work.

SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme

Initiated in 1988 and became operational on March 1, 1992. Under the Scheme, visa requirements are waived for specified categories of persons to travel within the region.A process of simplification of visa procedures for businessmen.

South Asian Festival

To promote inter-cultural exchange, understanding and friendship among

the artistes of the region.

SAARC CULTURAL CENTRE

SAARC Cultural Centre is a regional centre established based on the decision made by the heads of state or government of SAARC Countries to promote cultural cooperation in order to bring the people of South Asia closer and to project the distinct identity of South Asia.

The Centre is intended to function as a major meeting point for the artistic communities of the member states.

It is intended to cater to all forms of art such as performing arts (e.g. dance, music, drama, theatre, puppetry and folk culture), visual art (e.g. painting, sculpture, film making, photography) and literature.

SAARC AGENDA FOR CULTURE

Promotion of SAARC Culture online: Launching of a

SAARC Website on Culture

Production of cultural source materials on South Asia.

Cooperation with the Organizations with which SAARC

has MoUs.

Cooperation in the field of product development and

promotion of cultural products

SAARC Exchange Programme on Culture

Establish linkage between Culture and other sectors in

attaining social and economic development.

CONCLUSION SAARC is the only regional organization at the

governmental level for the 8 member countries to chalk out their differences and promote welfare of the people, to improve quality of their life and accelerate economic growth.

In the last years, SAARC has made significant strides to strengthen economic cooperation and maximize the region's vast potential for trade and development.