Myanmar’s progress depends on social cohesion, unity among its diverse ethnic communities

By Sudhansu R. Das

Myanmar is a country with a rich historical and cultural legacy. Known in ancient times as Subarnabhumi—the “Land of Gold”—and later as Brahmadesh, it was home to one of the earliest civilizations in Southeast Asia. The Mon people are believed to have established the civilization around the 6th century BCE. Theravada Buddhism, introduced from India in the 4th century CE, has since played a defining role in shaping Myanmar’s cultural and spiritual identity.

Over the centuries, Myanmar faced numerous invasions, including that of the Mongols under Kublai Khan, and later confrontations with the British, Chinese, and Japanese. Despite these upheavals, it evolved into one of Southeast Asia’s most powerful empires under the Toungoo and Konbaung dynasties.

Today, Myanmar stands at a crossroads. Prolonged political instability, ethnic conflict, and economic stagnation have eroded its once-strong foundations. High inflation, power shortages, external debt, currency depreciation, unemployment, and slow GDP growth continue to weigh on the economy. Forecasts suggest Myanmar’s growth may remain below 2% until 2028.

However, these challenges are not unique to Myanmar; many nations face similar constraints arising from environmental degradation, shrinking economic diversity, and overreliance on unsustainable mega projects. For Myanmar, rebuilding a resilient economy requires leveraging its natural, human, and cultural resources effectively and sustainably.

A key priority should be revitalizing agriculture, which supports the majority of the population. The global demand for food provides an opportunity for Myanmar to enhance its agricultural base by protecting native crop varieties, avoiding monoculture, and promoting sustainable farming. Conducting detailed surveys of native crop diversity, documenting village-level agricultural data, and conserving water resources are essential steps. Establishing grain banks to preserve indigenous seeds can strengthen food security.

Myanmar also has significant potential in animal husbandry. Encouraging dairy production, beekeeping, and livestock development can create rural employment while meeting domestic and export demand.

Tourism represents another area of opportunity. With its ancient temples, pagodas, lakes, forests, and hills such as the Arakan, Kachin, Shan, and Kayah-Karen Tenasserim ranges, Myanmar can attract cultural, ecological, and spiritual tourism. A well-designed policy focusing on sustainable and nature-friendly tourism can generate employment and foreign exchange without harming local ecosystems.

The country’s handicraft and handloom sectors also deserve policy attention. Myanmar’s artisans produce unique handmade products that embody local culture and craftsmanship. Ensuring quality control, preventing mass factory imitations, and expanding export opportunities could significantly boost livelihoods and foreign exchange earnings.

Reforms in the financial sector are equally critical. A transparent and accountable banking system—supported by effective audits, strict oversight, and zero tolerance for fraud—can restore confidence and mobilize domestic savings for development. Privatization or nationalization alone cannot guarantee progress; the success of any system depends on the integrity, efficiency, and commitment of its people.

To achieve inclusive and sustainable growth, Myanmar must invest in human capital. A strong human resource policy emphasizing education, skill development, and ethical governance can rebuild the foundations of a stable economy and society.

Myanmar’s long-term progress depends on social cohesion and unity among its diverse ethnic communities. Recognizing shared cultural roots and promoting mutual respect can strengthen national identity and resilience. The path forward lies in blending economic pragmatism with social harmony—drawing from Myanmar’s rich past to build a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future.

Comments

Modi’s Israel visit strengthened Pakistan’s hand in US–Iran truce: Ex-Indian diplomat

By Jag Jivan M. K. Bhadrakumar , a career diplomat with three decades of service in postings across the former Soviet Union, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Germany, and Turkey, has warned that the current truce in the US–Iran war is “fragile and ridden with contradictions.” Writing in his blog India Punchline , Bhadrakumar argues that while Pakistan has emerged as a surprising broker of dialogue, the durability of the ceasefire remains uncertain.

Manufacturing, services: India's low-skill, middle-skill labour remains underemployed

By Francis Kuriakose* The Indian economy was in a state of deceleration well before Covid-19 made its impact in early 2020. This can be inferred from the declining trends of four important macroeconomic variables that indicate the health of the economy in the last quarter of 2019.

Incarceration of Prof Saibaba 'revives' the question: What is crime, who is criminal?

By Kunal Pant* In 2016, a Supreme Court Judge asked the state of Maharashtra, “Do you want to extract a pound of flesh?” The statement was directed against the state for contesting the bail plea of Delhi University Professor GN Saibaba. Saibaba was arrested in 2014, a justification for which was to prevent him from committing what the police called “anti-national activities.”

Why Indo-Pak relations have been on 'knife’s edge' , hostilities may remain for long

By Utkarsh Bajpai* The past few decades have seen strides being made in all aspects of life – from sticks and stones to weaponry. The extreme case of this phenomenon has been nuclear weapons. The menace caused by nuclear weapons in the past is unforgettable. Images of Hiroshima and Nagasaki from 1945 come to mind, after the United States dropped two atomic bombs on the cities.

Food security? Gujarat govt puts more than 5 lakh ration cards in the 'silent' category

By Pankti Jog* A new statistical report uploaded by the Gujarat government on the national food security portal shows that ensuring food security for the marginalized community is still not a priority of the state. The statistical report, uploaded on December 24, highlights many weaknesses in implementing the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in state.

The soundtrack of resistance: How 'Sada Sada Ya Nabi' is fueling the Iran war

By Syed Ali Mujtaba* The Persian track “ Sada Sada Ya Nabi ye ” by Hossein Sotoodeh has taken the world by storm. This viral media has cut across linguistic barriers to achieve cult status, reaching over 10 million views. The electrifying music and passionate rendition by the Iranian singer have resonated across the globe, particularly as the high-intensity military conflict involving Iran entered its second month in March 2026.

Lata Mangeshkar, a Dalit from Devdasi family, 'refused to sing a song' about Ambedkar

By Pramod Ranjan* An artist is known and respected for her art. But she is equally, or even more so known and respected for her social concerns. An artist's social concerns or in other words, her worldview, give a direction and purpose to her art. History remembers only such artists whose social concerns are deep, reasoned and of durable importance. Lata Mangeshkar (28 September 1929 – 6 February 2022) was a celebrated playback singer of the Hindi film industry. She was the uncrowned queen of Indian music for over seven decades. Her popularity was unmatched. Her songs were heard and admired not only in India but also in Pakistan, Bangladesh and many other South Asian countries. In this article, we will focus on her social concerns. Lata lived for 92 long years. Music ran in her blood. Her father also belonged to the world of music. Her two sisters, Asha Bhonsle and Usha Mangeshkar, are well-known singers. Lata might have been born in Indore but the blood of a famous Devdasi family...

'Batteries now cheap enough for solar to meet India's 90% demand': Expert quotes Ember study

By A Representative Shankar Sharma, Power & Climate Policy Analyst, has urged India’s top policymakers to reconsider the financial and ecological implications of the country’s energy transition strategy in light of recent global developments. In a letter dated April 10, 2026, addressed to the Union Ministers of Finance, Power, New & Renewable Energy, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, and the Vice Chair of NITI Aayog, with a copy to the Prime Minister, Sharma highlighted concerns over India’s ambitious plans for coal gasification and the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR).

Labour unrest in Manesar trigger tensions: Recently enacted labour codes blamed

By A Representative A civil rights coalition has expressed concern over recent developments in the industrial hub of Manesar in Haryana, where a series of labour actions and police responses have drawn attention. A statement, released by the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), said it stood in solidarity with workers in IMT Manesar and other parts of the country, while also alleging instances of police excess during ongoing unrest.

Search This Blog