national culture. For this it will be necessary-
(1) to re-write history from the national angle,
(2) collect indigenous literature and folk songs,
(3) encourage local arts and crafts,
(4) to promote music, dancing and drama, on proper national lines.
The Group took note of the fact that dancing, as practiced in some parts of the country, is under strong Hindu and Indian influences, and many cultural institutions are frequented and assisted by personnel of Indian diplomatic missions or by persons in touch with these missions. The activities of the foreign missions are altogether a separate question, but so far as the cultural pattern is concerned, the proper solution lies in evolution of a Pakistani school of dancing. The late Bulbul Chaudhuri was working on this, but even the Academy bearing his name has not maintained these efforts. Early and adequate efforts should lie made to encourage experiments in the evolution of Pakistani dancing.
* * * * * * *
EAST PAKISTAN
The Group cannot too strongly impress upon Government the need for the consideration and solution of the special problems of East Pakistan. Unless this is done in a business-like manner and an answer is found, the very integrity of Pakistan will be in danger. The Group devoted much time to the study of these problems and paid a visit to Dacca where a large number of senior representative officers were interviewed. An impression unfortunately seems to exist in the minds of the people of East Pakistan, including the intelligentsia and even some officials, that East Pakistan has not had a fair deal from the Central Government. Misapprehensions also exist about the people of West Pakistan and their intentions. While it is true that certain mistakes, were made in the past, and a lot remains to be done, the Group could not help feeling that certain interested partics (mainly from amongst politicians, civil servants and businessmen) have aggravated the situation. It has become fashionable to blame the Central Government for all and sundry failures. The politicians, including those in power, contributed to this state of affairs. Much grass has since grown and while the problems are not impossible of solution, provided a well-planned and sustained effort is made, further procrastination will make the situation worse and an effective solution will then be much more difficult to find.
2. There are many aspects of the problem in East Pakistan-psychological, economic, administrative and Political but in the opinion of the “Group" the two most important facets are psychological and economic. The area has been so badly neglected for at least two centuries, and its general development is so poor in comparison with the growth of population that living standards are very low and continue to be further threatened, with the increase in population. Unemployment particularly amongst the educated is very high
