At the threshold of the twenty-first century and in a world increasingly under the influence of political and economic competitions where regional economic blocs are emerging as s of political power and global economic decision-making, South Asia faces an unprecedented challenge in coping with the forces of globalization even as it struggles with the old problems of underdeveloped economies, polarized societies, hard-to-manage polities and less than satisfactory condition of inter-state relations among important countries in the region. Almost every country in the region is a victim of ethno-sectarianism propelled by inadequate responses on issues concerning governance, devolution of power, and the much-needed balance in development and the distribution of its benefits. Yet, it is not adequately recognized that each country is threatened more by the possibility of internal destabilization than external aggression.
The states alone cannot take remedial actions. And concerted efforts have to be made by responsible actors and groups—working severally and collectively at all levels in the region—to help end the dismal status of the region and make it a worthy heir to the glorious civilization of the region.
Amidst difficult conditions, SAARC has been making steady, if somewhat slow, progress in facilitating the emergence of a South Asian community bonded by shared civilizational experiences and the likely common destiny. There is a consensus in the region that the SAARC process needs to be supplemented and expedited by efforts of non-governmental institutions and individuals who, acting with a sense of dispassionate commitment and intellectual integrity, can contribute to greater understanding among the peoples of the region and the creation of a climate of public opinion and a policy environment necessary for resolving conflicts and promoting cooperation at all levels. Of late, particularly since the beginning of the 1990s, there have been several efforts of this kind at the non-governmental level in all the countries of the region. New institutions and informal groups have emerged in various countries to embrace this mission of defining the parameters of collective interactions, cooperative actions and comparative studies which serve to crystallize state-level goals and strategies as well. The Nepal South Asia Center (NESAC) is part of this process.
NESAC owes its origin; in particular, to South Asian Regional Dialogue which became a regular annual feature for several years since 1999 where scholars and public figures from South Asian countries made their contribution. Devendra Raj Panday, convenor of the dialogue for Nepal took initiation to found NESAC as a part of the process. He is the founder chairman of NESAC.