What do you want should be the outcome of the referendum and why?

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Scotland: Where a sip of whisky usually cures all, a secession vote proves bitter

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Can India learn from this referendum?

If Scotland decides to move out of the UK, what are the losses?

Dr George Palattiyil is the deputy director of the recently formed Edinburgh India Institute at the University of Edinburgh that boasts of over 18 Nobel laureates.Originally from Kerala, he is passionate about developing greater understanding between Scotland and India. In an exclusive interview with TOI over the Scottish referendum for independence, he says that as an independent country, Scotland would be in a stronger position to enter into bilateral trade agreements with India. Dr Palattiyil says indications are that India would be a priority country for Scotland for developing bilateral relations with strong interest in business and industry and higher education. He adds that the Scottish referendum process has been very democratic and participatory from which India has several lessons to learn over birthing of some of its new states.Whether the people of Scotland vote for independence or decide to remain within the Union on 18th September 2014, I think the result should be respected by all parties. What is most important is to recognise that the outcome is the will of the people of Scotland and all concerned should uphold that aspiration instead of engaging in blame games and work towards creating better understanding across communities.One of the key arguments put forward by the Yes Campaign is that independence will allow the people of Scotland to determine its own future, away from the pressures of Westminster politics. If Scotland voted for independence, I think it is imperative on the government to work towards promoting equality, social justice and human rights. The current austerity measures pursued by the Westminster Government have had serious negative impact on Scotland, particularly those affected by poverty and other disadvantages. The so called ‘bed room’ tax and other social welfare measures have led to many people feeling further disadvantaged and some becoming homeless. Another area is the ever changing and at times draconian immigration policy pursued by Westminster, especially relating to asylum seekers and refugees with little regard for human rights conventions. On the other hand Scottish Government’s pioneering policies of free NHS (National Health Service) prescription, free bus travel for older people etc have helped promote social justice and equality. This does not mean that such welfare policies will continue in the same way without raising taxes further if Scotland did choose to become independent.Scotland is a beautiful country – a country which has produced great inventors, philosophers, poets and scientists, a country that believes in promoting peace across nations, where there is no place for nuclear weapons.One of the central issues that have bothered me is the fact that some countries stockpile nuclear weapons or pursue its development, despite our understanding of its massive potential for mass destruction. I believe the 21st century that we live in should be free of nuclear weapons. The fact that UK government has located its nuclear weapon facility in Scotland is a great cause for concern and its maintenance costing the tax payer billions of pounds. I would like to see a Scotland free of nuclear weapons and the investment in such wasteful pursuits diverted to generating a better, stronger and prosperous Scotland with high quality health, education and other public services.As an academic who has so far taken a neutral position, I am somewhat excited about the prospect of a new future, a new direction; perhaps I am influenced by the euphoria that some of my Scottish friends feel. At the same time, I am not oblivious of the challenges that lie ahead if Scotland decides to go independent. I have heard arguments from both sides of the spectrum. While the Yes campaign would like to paint a future independent Scotland as a land of honey and milk, I would be cautious to jump into such conclusions. I can hardly fathom the challenges that lie ahead as a new country is being born, in much the same way as a new born baby learns to walk.Scotland has a great historical connection with India which began perhaps during the British Raj. Several buildings of historical importance built during the British Raj particularly in Kolkata have a Scottish connection. Currently, several Scottish businesses have a tie-up of some sort with their counterparts in India. Collaboration in higher education is a prime example of how academics and researchers in Scotland and India are working together. The University of Edinburgh where I am based has over 130 collaborative engagements of various kinds with several top Indian Higher Education institutions. In order to celebrate this academic collaboration and understanding, the Edinburgh India Institute at my University organised its inaugural conference where Dr A P J Adbul Kalam gave the keynote address.While it is early to see what direction an independent Scotland would take, indications are that India would be a priority country for Scotland for developing bilateral relations with strong interest in business and industry and higher education. In an interview with the Times of India in May 2014, the Scottish Minister for External Affairs and International, Humza Yusaf reiterated his government’s commitment to reintroducing the ‘post study visa’ scheme for international students if Scotland became independent.Scotland’s plan to pursue ‘healthy population growth’ would benefit not only Indian students who pursue higher education in Scotland to continue to live and work in Scotland, but also encourage other professionals, especially those from health and IT sectors to contribute to Scottish economy. Scotland has made major strides in several areas with outstanding innovations including life sciences, solar and wind power, carbon capturing, veterinary medicine and animal welfare, reproductive technologies to name a few. As an independent country, Scotland would be in a stronger position to enter into bilateral trade agreements with India for cooperation in business and industry and greater understanding through the exchange of art, culture, music etc.On a more nuanced note, the Scottish referendum process has been very democratic and participatory. India has several lessons to learn from this exercise as the process of birthing of some of the new states in India has been fraught with many difficult challenges and choices.The immediate benefit of an independent Scotland for India is the possibility for developing bespoke bilateral relations between India and Scotland in several areas. As regards losses, one cannot forget the fact that the UK carries a greater weight and importance in geopolitical conversations and international relations. It is perhaps possible that Scotland would not have similar power and influence to leverage policy making in the international context where India needs an ally.