Sister Cities

People to People diplomacy in a Global world?

Often we hear friends referring to our world as a Global Village. This word is very intriguing, because it speaks of serenity and harmony of villages, at the same time speaks of expansiveness of sprawling cities.

Cities are a historical phenomenon of concentration of culture, wealth and power. Similarly idea of 'Sister City' has been rooted in America's history, with formation of Sister Cities International which was to foster ties with other cities around the globe, to promote People to People diplomacy.

I live in 'Greater Phoenix Area', which comprises of several counties and cities. Many of the other cities including my city have established these Sister Cities. This has happened because of spirit of volunteerism amongst the community.

For example, my city 'Chandler', has a sister city in Ireland called 'Tullamore' and this relationship has been facilitated by tireless efforts of volunteers, from non profit organization Chandler Tullamore Sister Cities. Over years their programs have matured and so has the relationship between the two cities.

Earlier in my previous two posts, I have tried to touch upon Student Exchange Program and Gap Year. Both of which are forms of People to People diplomacy, at family level for student exchange program and community level for gap year.

These programs have had long historical tradition in the west, something India must learn from and we are learning indeed for Indian city, Bangalore - San Francisco are sister cities. Who would be an obvious choice for GIFT City?

Well in order to realize vision of International Finance Center, the reasons would say all other  Financial Centers across the world. For such programs would indeed stimulate People to People diplomacy and flow of talent that India desperately needs.

But the current dimensions of GIFT City, are more to establish itself as a hub for Business activities of these kinds and it seems to be struggling due to slump in real estate, where huge inventory of commercial space is available, without facilities to host.

For in such a slump the venue looks attractive but logistics for operations continues to remain a nightmare. Up side to this is that if people willing to live in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad then with a commute of 40 mins - 1 hour one way they can surely get the activities in GIFT City going.

So now the question is without people living in the City, would GIFT City be able to become someone else's Sister City. Would this City ever become a real City. Well the questions are abound and so are the commercial Real Estate.