WAY FORWARD Now, for connecting the study of borderlands way forward for thesis, we need to understand that the main aim is to emphasize the needs of both states' local populations; re-imagine the physical rigidity of this border, moving beyond the elements of war and conflict that have plagued the region until now. It entails reinterpreting the physical border, transforming it into a shared space for residents of both territories. The logic behind creating a mutual space on borderland is to give locals a sense of belonging without any divisions or barriers separating them. The border should resemble a place where locals from both sides could come to reunite, eat, learn, and celebrate together. This will be a platform where they can express their collective identity, catering to their communal needs. Aside from successful integration, the center will provide visitors with a variety of social spaces that will elicit "cohesive nostalgia.” Certain nostalgic qualities involved in the project to generate a number of programs include timelessness, spatial dichotomy, and in-group binding. The programme would be divided into five basic categories: being with each other, commemorating, eating, acquiring knowledge, and expressing. It also entails the creation of a qualitative storyline through the incorporation of certain elements (native craft, music, food, activity, etc.) that will foster a feeling of belonging and shared identity. The main emphasis would be to create an integrated check post (ICP) along with passenger terminal and cultural interpretation center at the international border. It is still in a vague state in order to determine the site for the project but the ideation would be to select India-Sri Lanka border or India – Nepal border. A site of area around 50-60 acres have to selected for serving the purpose and intent of the research.
Figure 47 Artists are turning the U.S.-Mexico border fence into the world’s longest peace-themed mural
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