The Occidental Southasian

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If Southasian-ness is a sensibility, then anyone can be a Southasian. The requirement is having respect for the history of the Subcontinent and empathy for its people. You can be a native or a non-native. Of course it helps to be born in any one of the countries of the region, but you can also be a naturalised Southasian due to the empathy you develop for this region and its populace.

In contrast, people who are natives could also not be Southasians, particularly out of lack of concern for others in the region. The growing nationalist insularity in Southasia, for example, has left some natives not knowing their neighbours and others harbouring exaggerated animosities – neighbourly xenophobia. Whereas a non-native Southasian tends to come more free of prejudices. For starters, he is less likely to say India-Occupied Kashmir and Pakistani-Occupied Kashmir, and more willing to try out the less problematic India-Administered Kashmir and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir. All Southasia, including Indians and Pakistanis, need to ascend from IOK/POK to IAK/PAK.

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Himal Southasian
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