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 defense and other common purposes.

Social Impacts of regional organization Regional organization 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 Organization Regional organizations 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- Introduction Founded 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 realize 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) Program aimed at increasing the awareness of SAARC among the
peoples of the region and disseminating information about Member Countries. SAVE programs
comprise regular TV and Radio Programs.

SAARC Scheme for Promotion of Organized Tourism Initiated 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 Scheme Instituted 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 Program me (SYVOP) Aimed at harnessing the idealism of Youth for regional
cooperation programs. The program me 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 is a regional center 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 Program me 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.